June was packed with opportunities for Arc of Essex County adult participants to socialize, learn new skills, and enjoy time in the community. Highlights from the month included: Picnic in the Park on June 7, when participants spent the day at Verona Park enjoying lunch, outdoor games, and beautiful views Woven, Wonder, Weaving at Studio Arc on June 14, when individuals explored fiber arts and created their own woven projects while learning new creative techniques Bowling Saturdays on June 13, 20, and 27, where participants enjoyed friendly competition, teamwork, and plenty of fun at Bowlero Belleville; the June 27 gathering also featured an [...]

Residents across The Arc of Essex County's residential programs continued to enjoy a variety of community outings, celebrations, and opportunities to spend time together throughout the month, including: The women from the Orange Community Residence treating themselves to a relaxing nail outing and celebrating Juneteenth at Maplewood Memorial Park Residents from 45 Beechtree enjoying a visit to Riker Hill Art Park, cooling off with smoothies, relaxing together on the back deck, and taking neighborhood strolls Residents from Irvington Avenue Apartments attending the Juneteenth Food Truck Festival on June 19 Bloomfield residents heading to the movies to see Toy Story 5 together Newark Apartment Program residents [...]

The Arc of Essex County's Children's Services programs continued to provide fun, enriching, and engaging experiences for children and families throughout the month, including: Saturday Respite participants putting their money management skills into practice during a shopping trip to Five Below, where they practiced budgeting, making purchasing decisions, and completing transactions. The group also visited a quilt art show in Clifton, where they had the opportunity to meet the featured quilt artist and learn more about the beautiful quilts on display. Communi-Play wrapping up another successful season of communication lessons through musical play, with its final classes of the 2025-26 program year. [...]

You can’t miss Alex at Arc programs. Not just because he’s always smiling, but because he goes out of his way to greet anyone who visits. In addition to being a longtime camper at Camp Hope and Day Program participant at West Caldwell Hub, Alex has been an Arc resident for more than eight years, recently moving from the Verona Apartments to a new group home in Belleville, where staff say he has adjusted wonderfully to his new room and housemates. At Camp Hope, Alex is both a happy participant and a helper, and often brings a speaker around with him to [...]

Growing up, Ynit Cody never imagined she would build a career at a summer camp. What she did imagine was making a difference in young people’s lives. As a teenager, Ynit participated in a mentoring program that connected her with adults who helped shape her future. The relationships she built with those mentors stayed with her long after graduation and ultimately inspired the path she follows today. “Those teachers and mentors played such an important part in who I am,” she says. “I wanted to provide that for other kids, I just didn’t know how.” After earning a degree in political science and [...]

The Arc of Essex County is grateful to announce the recent awarding of a grant to support its residential program. The Hyde and Watson Foundation granted $10,000 toward the repair of an elevator at the Maplewood Apartment Program. The Arc thanks the Hyde and Watson Foundation for its generous contribution in helping residents live their best lives.

It is with great sadness that The Arc of Essex County shares news of the passing of Susan Pedone, a beloved member of The Arc family whose vibrant personality brought joy to those around her for decades. Susan was involved with The Arc for 50 years and started attending The Arc of Essex County programs in 1993, creating countless memories over the years with the organization. She was known for her unmistakable personality, her love of Halloween, cows, her purse and sunglasses, and familiar phrases that made everyone smile, including a cheerful “Hello!” and “I did it!” Susan was passionate about music [...]

It is with great sadness that The Arc of Essex County shares the passing of Kevin Zeitlin, a cherished member of our Day Programs community. Kevin joined the SYA Day Program last year, and quickly became known for his politeness, gentle spirit, and kindness. Soft-spoken and easygoing, Kevin greeted each day with warmth and positivity. When asked how he was doing, his signature response was always, "I am great, and how are you today?" Kevin enjoyed attending the SYA Day Program, spending time with his peers and staff, participating in community outings, and, above all, being with his family. His love for [...]

For individuals seeking a community living placement, The Arc of Essex County has the following July 2026 openings: West Orange Community Residence (2 Male or Female Vacancies) A beautiful five-person barrier-free home in a residential neighborhood in West Orange 24/7 supervision Located conveniently to nearby shopping and movie theaters Residents enjoy regular picnics in their yard, playing basketball, and helping to take care of the home. Newark Apartments (2 Male Vacancies) Multi-level home with individual rooms and shared spaces 24/7 supervision Located in Newark on a tree-lined street with easy access to Branch Brook Park Linden Apartment Program (1 Female Vacancy) 1 bedroom available in a 3-bedroom Supervised Apartment in Bloomfield 24/7 [...]