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Respite and Recreation Services

Respite provides opportunities to step away from caregiving responsibilities. The Arc’s respite offerings are designed with flexibility in mind to meet each family’s unique needs, recognizing the vital role of respite in a family’s life. Engaging recreation activities are available through a quarterly calendar that is sure to appeal to your child’s interests.

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Respite Programs

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Respite services were developed to provide families with assistance and support for their ongoing responsibilities related to caring for a child with a disability. They provide a short-term break to caregivers, enabling them to dedicate time to other children in the household, run errands, or simply recharge. Social and recreational experiences are led by trained staff, and can take place both in and out of the home.

If your child or loved one is eligible for respite services through PerformCare, there is no fee for participation. A self-pay option is also available.

Group Respite

Childhood is all about fun, and The Arc’s Saturday Respite program is bursting with it. A robust calendar of exciting events is sure to please with activities ranging from food prep and arts and crafts, to field trips to local parks, fairs, and concerts. Held three Saturdays a month, each six-hour day includes snacks and curb-to-curb transportation in Essex County. (Participants pack their lunch or purchase in the community with staff supervision.)

Five people gathered together under a pavilion, wearing Red Bulls gear. The boy in the center is holding a soccer ball.

Two people sitting together at Camp Hope, using an electronic devise positioned on an easel. Both are smiling. The boy on the left is in an electric wheelchair.

Providing flexible 1:1 support in the comfort of your home, The Arc’s respite programs can step in so you can recharge, run errands, or handle personal matters. Individual needs are considered ensuring that your loved one is matched with a qualified staff member. Together, a plan is developed to provide quality support and productive activities to achieve goals such as daily living skills, cooking, socialization, and more.

Individual Respite

Form friendships

that last

a lifetime.

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Recreation Services

A wide array of recreation activities are available to support families outside of the school day. Offerings are refreshed regularly to keep pace with the current interests and may include fitness fun, winter break childcare, arts & crafts, cooking and more. Activities can be purchased a la carte through a self-pay option.

One of The Arc’s most popular programs, Parents’ Night Out, provides themed drop-off nights where children and teens can participate in arts and crafts, games, and more while mom and dad have some time away from caregiving responsibilities. Partnerships with local high school volunteers provide a wonderful opportunity for inclusion and peer friendships. Also popular, winter break childcare is held in December to provide gap care while school is closed for the holidays.

A girl looks up at the camera smiling and holding up her hands by her face. Her hands are covered in different colors of paint, and she has a dot of purple paint on her nose.

Recreation Services

Amongst The Arc’s most popular programs, Parent Night Out provides themed drop-off nights where children and teens can participate in arts and crafts, games, and more while mom and dad have some time away from caregiving responsibilities. Partnerships with local high school volunteers provide a wonderful opportunity for inclusion and peer friendships. Also popular, winter break childcare is held in December to provide gap care while school is closed for the holidays.

Red background. A photo of a woman looking at the camera with her hand on the side of her face, and she's smiling. Text says: "We are powered by purpose. We are powered by you. The Arc of Essex County has been providing quality services and supports to children & adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1948."

We are so grateful for the expansion of the Parents Night Out program. My boys enjoy their time with peers while my husband and I can reconnect.” – Robin Alampi

Transition Services

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Life transitions can be an overwhelming time for anyone. For parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities it can especially lead to great uncertainty. Rest assured The Arc of Essex County is here for you. Our qualified and caring staff will guide you through the transition from early intervention to school, and from school to adult life.

The Arc can assist by answering questions by phone or email or providing topic specific workshops. We can help you navigate state systems and complete cumbersome applications, while holding your hand through the process, even meeting in-person when necessary.

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Recreation and Respite

Respite and Recreation Services

Recreation Services

Recreation Services

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Vision Statement

Mission Statement