April 2023
Self-Advocates Celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Welcome DHS Leaders
Pictured above: The Arc of NJ's Executive Director Tom Baffuto, Self-Advocate Andrew Sharick, DHS Deputy Commissioner Kaylee McGuire, DHS Assistant Commissioner Jon Seifried. Pictured Below: Lizzy, a self-advocate from SCARC, delivers remarks at the DD Awareness Month event on 3/30/23.
Pictured Above: Incoming SCARC CEO Megan MacMullin, Outgoing SCARC CEO Richard Lecher, SCARC Chairperson Darlene Blandina, DHS Deputy Commissioner Kaylee McGuire, DHS Assistant Commissioner Jon Seifried and The Arc of NJ's Executive Director Tom Baffuto.
The Arc of NJ, the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project and SCARC closed out Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month with a celebratory event at the Eickmann Center in Newton. Self-advocates from Council 1 of the Statewide Network, and self-advocates from SCARC, received a proclamation from Governor Murphy presented by Department of Human Services Deputy Commissioner Kaylee McGuire and Assistant Commissioner Jon Seifried. In addition, Outgoing SCARC CEO Richard Lecher presented attendees with a legislative resolution on behalf of the District 24 State Legislators who represent Sussex County. Incoming SCARC CEO Megan MacMullin, The Arc of NJ’s Executive Director Tom Baffuto and two self-advocates delivered remarks. Also as part of the event, self-advocates had the opportunity to ask questions and share some of the challenges they face, with Department leaders. To close out the event, the Deputy and Assistant Commissioner toured SCARC’s Harvest Home Food Pantry which is operated by individuals served by the Chapter.
The Arc of NJ Testifies at Assembly Budget Hearing
Pictured above from left to right: First Lady Tammy Murphy, Governor Phil Murphy, The Arc of NJ's Senior Director Sharon Levine. Sharon had the opportunity to thank the Governor, for all of the funding included in the FY24 Budget, while attending the Women's History Month Event at Drumthwacket on March 28.
Executive Director Tom Baffuto testified before the Assembly Budget Committee to support funding initiatives we care about in the Governor’s proposed FY24 Budget. Also testifying was New Jersey Statewide Self Advocacy Network President Evelyn Ramundo and self-advocate Barbara Coppens. The Arc of NJ is scheduled to testify before the Senate Budget Committee in April.
Save the Date: The Arc of NJ's Awards Dinner
Each year The Arc of New Jersey holds an awards celebration which honors the best in individual, organizational, and corporate support for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Nominations come in from all over the State, highlighting the exemplary work of dozens of individuals and organizations. This year's event will take place on June 6, at the Imperia in Somerset. Visit the Awards Dinner website for additional information about purchasing tickets and ads for the Ad Journal. Questions? Contact Céline Fortin by email at cfortin@arcnj.org or by phone 732-733-6013.
Congratulations to our 2023 honorees!
  • President’s Award - NJ Business and Industry Association
  • Spirit of The Arc Award - Jennifer Langer Jacobs, NJDHS, DMAHS
  • Legislator of the Year - Senator Patrick Diegnan, Jr. (D-18)
  • Legislator of the Year - Assemblywoman Carol Murphy (D-7)
  • Professional of the Year - Renee White, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Volunteer of the Year - Susan Fegely, The Arc of Burlington
  • Self-Advocacy Leadership Award - Pam King, Council 4, NJSSAN
  • Distinguished Community Service - Norm Worth, WRNJ
  • Martin Papish Award - Kathleen Hinnigan-Cohen, The Arc of Essex
  • Legacy Award - Richard Lecher, SCArc, Inc.
  • Legacy Award - Frank Caragher, The Arc of Union County
  • Outstanding Community Service - George Barnard
Help The Arc of NJ Take Action Against Sexual Violence
The Arc of New Jersey has been awarded a 1 year grant to address the important issue of sexual violence against people with IDD. Jennifer Harrison, Coordinator of the Taking Action Against Sexual Violence Project began working on the grant activities in February and is focusing on implementing recommendations from The Arc of NJ's white paper on sexual violence. Among the activities is a survey to determine the levels of interest, support and need for sexual education for children and adults with IDD. The survey can be accessed here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZCZ9TSP  and is open until April 10th. To see more about our work, including links to resources, go to https://www.arcnj.org/information/sexual-offenses/.
SCARC Foundation Hosts Awards Event
The SCARC Foundation Honors took place on March 29, at Perona Farms in Andover. In addition to spotlighting award winners, the event included live entertainment, a silent auction, and a 50/50 drawing. The Arc of NJ's Executive Director Tom Baffuto, pictured above, was honored to attend.
Retiring SCARC
CEO Celebrated
Pictured above: Representatives from many of the local county Chapters of The Arc attended a retirement dinner honoring retiring SCARC CEO Richard Lecher. The dinner took place on March 15, in Sussex County. To read a piece published by the NJ Herald about Richard's retirement, click here.
The Arc of NJ Honored by Union County Board of Commissioners
The Arc of New Jersey was honored last month by the Union County Department of Human Services and the County Board of Commissioners for our organization's commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities. Executive Director Tom Baffuto accepted a proclamation on behalf of our organization in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
The Arc of Ocean Celebrates at
Catalyst Dinner
The Arc of New Jersey's Executive Director Tom Baffuto had the pleasure of attending and speaking at The Arc of Ocean's Catalyst Awards event on March 16, at the Toms River Clarion. The Catalyst Awards is an opportunity to honor the employees, business partners, and the individuals supported by The Arc Ocean who go above and beyond to serve the mission of The Arc and make a real impact on the lives of people with disabilities.
Registration Open for Spring Into Action Luncheon
Each year, the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project and the New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocacy Network work together to host the annual Spring Into Action Awards Luncheon. This year's event will take place on Saturday, April 15, at 10 am. The event is an opportunity for Self-Advocates and Allies to network, learn about current advocacy issues, and celebrate the accomplishments of Self-Advocates over the past year. We will be hosting the Spring Into Action Luncheon virtually! Registration is free. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so here.
Medicaid Unwinding Website Now Live
Recently, New Jersey Medicaid distributed a couple of computer graphics designed to alert NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid enrollees to be on the lookout for the renewal application. The information provided by NJ Medicaid is available in English and Spanish, as well as many other languages. Click here to access all of the information from NJ Medicaid. Additionally, The Arc of New Jersey recently set up a new page on our website, to make it easier to access the most up-to-date information on Medicaid unwinding, including webinar recordings. As we become aware of additional information, we will post it in this section of our website. Click here to see the current information on Medicaid unwinding and the redetermination process.
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Upcoming Virtual Events!

Click below to register for one of our many upcoming virtual events/webinars. And be sure to check out our calendar for other future events.

Mondays with Michael:
Every week at 10 am, catch a brief update from Michael Pearson Jr., Assistant Director, Children's Advocacy, on a topic or featured resource related to special education. Click here to view upcoming dates/topics. Mondays with Michael are Facebook Live events.

Virtual and In-Person Events:

Stay Healthy at Home - a webinar series hosted by the NJ Self-Advocacy Project - every Tuesday at 2 PM on GoToWebinar
The webinar series covers a variety of topics related to advocacy, life skills, employment, and civic engagement. Sessions are designed to be accessible to self-advocates, parents, and support staff. Live viewers can share comments, ask questions, and access resources. Live transcription is available.

Healthy Lifestyles Project LIVE! - every Wednesday at 11 AM on Zoom
This interactive series of events is hosted by the NJ Self-Advocacy Project and focuses on activities to promote health and wellness education for students and adults with I/DD. Live viewers will be able to share comments, ask questions, and participate in activities led by professionals in real time. 
We also have Fitness Fridays at 1 PM: Click here to register.
The Arc of New Jersey | 732.246.2525 | info@arcnj.org | www.arcnj.org