Over the past two summers, The Arc of Essex County has moved mountains to keep Camp Hope open to as many families as possible, all while maintaining a Covid-safe environment for our campers and staff. We were told repeatedly what a lifeline Camp Hope was for so many of our families, bringing consistency, community, and fun to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities during a time when so many opportunities had disappeared. But, sadly, obstacles remained for some families who were unable to attend camp because of a lack of accessible transportation for their loved ones. As we prepare for [...]

When 20-year-old Mary McNany, a Stepping Stones graduate and daughter of The Arc of Essex County’s board president Marnie McNany, learned that she was accepted into The College of New Jersey’s Career and Community Studies Program, she reacted excitedly. That special moment was caught on video, and as The Arc of Essex County shared it on social media channels in celebration of this milestone, her star power rose exponentially as thousands got the chance to view her big moment. With a reach of more than 8,500 on our Facebook page, 700+ views on Instagram, 1,800 views on Twitter, and 11,000 impressions [...]

The Arc of Essex County is still in need of paid camp staff and volunteer CITs for the summer of 2022. Located on six acres in East Hanover, Camp Hope is a summer day camp for children and adults with autism, Down syndrome, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Paid positions include lifeguard, camp counselor, 1:1 behavioral counselor, and activity specialists, and require a full seven-week commitment. Volunteer “counselor in training” positions participate in all activities involving campers. CITs must be age 14 or older, and must commit to a minimum of one week. The 2022 camp season will run from July 5 [...]

The Arc of Essex County is pleased to announce two grants for Camp Hope. The Thomas and Agnes Carvel Foundation awarded a grant of $7,000 for Camp Hope, which will go toward general support of the 2022 camp season. The William E. Simon Foundation granted $5,000 toward Camp Hope, with $3,000 to be applied to Camp Hope’s Fee Assistance Project and $2,000 to go toward general support. The Hyde and Watson Foundation also awarded a grant to The Arc of Essex County, in the amount of $10,750 for reimbursement of the purchase and installation of a new boiler for the Washington [...]

The children and adults in The Arc of Essex County’s recreation, respite, and day programs have enjoyed a variety of fun activities this spring. The Arc’s adult recreation activities included an Easter Brunch, complete with egg coloring, crafts, and treats. A trip to the Turtle Back Zoo allowed consumers to encounter an assortment of animals, and included a visit to the reptile house, meeting farm animals, and interacting with marine life in the touch tank. A visit to the Silverball Museum in Asbury Park included playing pinball, skee-ball, shufflepuck, and a variety of arcade games, before participants enjoyed lunch together on [...]

For individuals seeking a community living placement, The Arc of Essex County has the following May 2022 openings: Linden Supervised Apartment (1 Male OR Female Vacancy) 1 Bedroom Available in a 3-Bedroom Supervised Apartment24/7 Staff SupervisionLarge Two-Family Home with Great Front PorchLocated near public transportation and within walking distance of beautiful parks, shopping, and restaurantsCurrent roommates enjoy spending time pursuing their own interests such as reading, watching TV, being active, going on community outings, and through art and other creative outlets. Belmont Group Home (1 male vacancy) 1 bedroom available in this single-family style group home in a great Livingston neighborhood.24/7 staff supervisionCan accommodate [...]

Last fall, as part of The Arc of Essex County’s “Together We Make Things Possible” Annual Appeal, The Arc featured the story of Sharon and her sister Debbie, who occasionally would participate in The Arc’s adult programming, such as bowling and day trips. The cost of the activities, however, was rising at a pace that kept Debbie from being able to participate as frequently as she would have liked. Enter The Arc’s Annual Appeal donors, who collectively gave nearly $50,000 to help offset the rising cost of events and activities, and provide scholarships to families who needed them in order to [...]