Summer was in full swing as participants in The Arc of Essex County's Adult Recreation program embraced opportunities to explore the community, express their creativity, and spend quality time with friends, including: On July 11, participants laced up their bowling shoes for an afternoon at Bowlero Belleville, where friendly competition, teamwork, and plenty of cheering made for another exciting outing. On July 12, participants attended Maplewoodstock, the annual arts and music festival, where they enjoyed live performances, browsed vendor booths featuring artwork, crafts, and unique gifts, and shared lunch while taking in one of the area's favorite summer traditions. Movie lovers gathered on [...]

Residents across The Arc of Essex County enjoyed a fun-filled July, celebrating birthdays, spending time with friends, and making the most of the summer season through special outings and house events. The Nutley Group Home came together to celebrate the Fourth of July with a festive holiday lunch and dinner. Residents from the Beechtree Group Home also took advantage of the beautiful summer weather with a visit to Grover Cleveland Park. At the West Caldwell Group Home, everyone gathered to celebrate Jennifer Hamdan's 40th birthday. The Bloomfield Group Home had plenty to celebrate as well. Residents wished Tariq a happy 45th birthday, calling him [...]

Participants across The Arc of Essex County's Day Programs have been staying busy this summer, celebrating creative accomplishments, preparing for new community opportunities, and reaching exciting employment milestones. The green thumbs at Bridges Day Program growing some veggies, including peppers and tomatoes. The Jobs Clubs at different program centers continue to expand their knowledge and skill sets. Opportunity Zone participants recently began working at the DoubleTree by Hilton. At West Caldwell Hub, participants are preparing for their next community-based experience, getting ready to start in-center lessons designed to build the skills and confidence they'll need before heading into the community for their [...]

For more than 20 summers, Kelly has been a familiar face at Camp Hope, where she enjoys some of her favorite activities and traditions. Kelly first came to Camp Hope in 2005 and has also been part of The Arc Day Programs in past years. She especially enjoys creating colorful bead necklaces, one of her favorite camp crafts. She also looks forward to spending time in the pool during the summer. Kelly has even stepped into the spotlight during Camp Hope's annual talent show, where she has performed "Greased Lightnin'" to the delight of campers and staff alike. When asked what she enjoys [...]

When Candace Jamison first started college at Rowan University, she was certain she was on the road to becoming a forensic psychologist. But everything changed when she became a mother. “Having my daughter made me look at the world differently,” Candace says. “It made me much more emotional, and I wasn’t sure forensic psychology was my path anymore.” She soon became a Direct Support Professional at The Arc of Union County, and within six months, she was promoted to supervisor. During that time, she connected with many different consumers, including a gentleman who loved talking about his favorite restaurants, about vacations he [...]

The Arc of Essex County is grateful to announce that it has received a $3,000 grant from the Lillian Schenck Foundation in support of Camp Hope, The Arc's inclusive summer camp for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This generous funding will help Camp Hope continue providing a safe, engaging, and enriching summer experience where campers build friendships, develop confidence, and participate in activities that encourage personal growth and independence. The grant was awarded specifically to support Camp Hope programming. The Arc of Essex County extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Lillian Schenck Foundation for its commitment to enhancing opportunities [...]

For individuals seeking a community living placement, The Arc of Essex County has the following August 2026 openings: West Orange Community Residence (1 Male or Female Vacancy) 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 [...]