Olivia Fisher 
For nearly eight decades, non-profit organization The Arc has supported individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families across the United States. The Arc of Essex County is the state’s largest chapter and provides a wide range of programs fostering independence, growth, and community. Rooted in advocacy, empowerment, and inclusion, The Arc of Essex County provides vital services and programs for both children and adults across North Jersey. Read on to learn about The Arc of Essex County, its programs, and how to support it.
Photo Credit: The Arc of Essex County
About The Arc
Photo Credit: The Arc of Essex County
The mission here is simple: to provide advocacy and services that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to realize a lifetime of personal achievement and full partnership in the community. For nearly 80 years, The Arc of Essex County has impacted children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and caregivers by providing group and individualized recreational programs, housing options, employment training, and educational opportunities. The Arc of Essex County is the largest chapter of The Arc of New Jersey and has an annual budget of over $39 million. While based in Essex County, it provides services to individuals across six additional counties in North Jersey. The Arc was founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota and today there are chapters in all 50 states as well as Washington, D.C.
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Community Impact + Services
Photo Credit: The Arc of Essex County
Services are provided for both adults and children. For children, programs cover early Intervention, education, and respite programs. The Arc of Essex County’s early intervention and education services help children thrive by supporting communication, motor, learning, social, and emotional skills. In-person sessions are held in Fairfield, and at-home services are also provided. Respite programs host group events three times per month and one-on-one programs at home. Groups can enjoy exciting events like arts and crafts and field trips to local parks, pools, fairs, and concerts.
Adults aged 21 years and older can enjoy a variety of recreational and residential programs and support. Day Programs, offered Monday to Friday include community-based activities, senior lifestyle options, and pre-vocational programs that meet needs, individualized service plan goals, and interests at any stage of life. Pre-vocational programs allow participants to explore employment interests like restaurant work, retail, and horticulture. Residential programs feature group homes, supervised apartments, and independent living apartments equipped with staff for medical needs and community engagement. Adults can also join the Entrepreneurship Club, where they can make products to sell. These items are sold at The General Store in Montclair, Just Jersey in Morristown, and the Studio Arc online store.
Photo Credit: The Arc of Essex County
Last year, The Arc of Essex County relocated its Stepping Stones School from Roseland to a new, innovative facility in Fairfield. This new location has enhanced the organization’s ability to serve students by increasing classroom capacity and enabling greater enrollment. Built to serve the students and better support the staff, the upgraded space features a student kitchen, a small library, individual therapy rooms, and a staff lounge.
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Getting Involved
Photo Credit: The Arc of Essex County
Getting involved with The Arc of Essex County and supporting its mission can take many forms. Ways to give include donating your car, donating money, partaking in an event, and volunteering. Car donations are tax-deductible and towing is free. Donors can choose from one-time gifts, tribute donations, stock contributions, planned giving, or give through a donor-advised fund. The Arc also hosts social fundraising events to build community and raise awareness for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This includes the Annual Building Tomorrows 5K Run, Family Walk, and Fun Fest. In 2025, this signature event aimed to raise $50,000 and met 93% of the goal. These funds raised help fuel innovative programs, support, and services.
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