Day and Recreation Services

The Arc of Essex County offers innovative Day and Recreation services that support each individual to realize their personal goals, attain their fullest potential, and live their best lives. A Division of Developmental Disabilities approved provider, services are available to adults age 21 and over, with a variety of support needs in locations throughout Essex County.

New Layer

Day Programs

Two people standing together in a bowling alley, smiling.

Whether you are interested in exploring our day habilitation or pre-vocational programs, our community-based activities, or our senior lifestyle options, we have dynamic programming available to meet your needs, individualized service plan goals, and interests at any stage of life. Day Programs are offered Monday-Friday at several locations throughout Essex County. Programming spans six hours a day and our large fleet of vehicles is available to meet your transportation needs.

Day Habilitation

Explore opportunities for the next level of learning and growth. Choice is at the core of our programming with options to suit every interest such as the creative arts, self-advocacy, wellness, and more. Each participant has the supports and environment necessary to achieve their personal goals.

Above all else, our programming focuses on dynamic and engaging experiences. The majority of your loved one’s day will be spent in the community. With their interests in mind, activities can include volunteering for Meals on Wheels, exploring local museums, dining at local restaurants, enjoying a live theatrical or musical performance, and taking advantage of seasonal recreation opportunities. The possibilities are endless.

Pre-Vocational Training

Receive foundational training and explore potential employment interests in a variety of industries. Hands-on, community-based rotations enable participants to get a true picture of the paths they are sampling with opportunities for future growth. From the restaurant industry to retail and horticulture, you can expand your employment horizons here at The Arc.

In-center programming is provided to help individuals prepare for community rotations. Classes in professionalism, interpersonal communication, finances and more will help build core skills which will be put into action during job rotations.

A man standing in a restaurant, smiling, while holding a stack of pizza boxes in front of him.

After a two-year search, we finally found The Arc of Essex County. There is no other Day program in New Jersey that can compare to their program. When I pick Adam up, he tells me he wants to stay longer, he is not ready to leave.” -Halina Erven

Respite Programs

After Work

Extend your day with peers, have dinner, and socialize. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in meal planning and cooking, and simply enjoy each other’s company. After Work accommodates individuals 21+ and conveniently provides transportation to and from the program to all Arc Day program participants who reside in Essex County.

Saturday

Weekends are chock-full of fun at The Arc. A wide range of community and in-center activities are woven into the programming. Activities can include fairs, picnics in the park, bowling, cooking, and arts and crafts. Each 5-hour day includes lunch, snack, and curb-to-curb transportation in Essex County.

Hotel

Amongst The Arc’s most popular programs, Hotel Respite is an exciting, local getaway. A two-night hotel stay, inclusive activities (i.e. local street fairs, concerts, movies, etc.), and dining out are just some of the program highlights. The program is held monthly and kicks off at 5pm on Friday evening running until 12pm on Sunday.

Individual Respite

Providing one-to-one support in the comfort of your home, The Arc’s respite workers can step in so you can recharge, run errands, or tend to personal matters.

Seven people gathered together with their arms around each other's shoulders. They are outdoors, and three of the people pictured are wearing Camp Hope t-shirts.

An icon of rolling hills, trees, and the sun

Camp Hope

Camp Hope is a unique seven-week summer day camp that combines social and recreational activities with aquatics, sports, music, and art.

Learn more at: www.arccamphope.com

Recreation and Leisure

Round out your social calendar and choose from an ever-evolving list of offerings. The recreation catalog is certain to have an activity to satisfy your interests and schedule. Fan favorites include the World of Food, Exercise and Nutrition, and mainstays like bowling and the movies. Seasonal activities may include pumpkin picking, holiday lights show, and trips to the boardwalk. Be sure to check out the latest Community Inclusion, Recreation, and Respite Catalog for our current offerings.

View Our current offerings

Yellow background. To the right, a woman with red sunglasses on the top of her head and a blue shirt with red and white stripes holds her hands in front of her making a heart shape.

Click here to request a personalized call or program tour.

Click Here

Day Services