Governor Murphy's FY24 Budget Proposal Includes Funding to Address Many IDD Issue Areas |
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On February 28, Governor Murphy delivered his annual Budget Address at the State House, outlining a tremendous and incredible budget for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Please note that we are still delving into the facts and figures we’ve learned about the Budget thus far and that it will take additional time to fully understand the line items and the entirety of their potential impact on those we represent.
From what we know so far, the Governor’s Budget proposal includes $72 million in state and federal funding for an across-the-board increase to the fee for service rates. This has been a major component of our budget advocacy to this point, as we have worked to highlight the challenges created by current rates and the impact inflation has had on service provision. We are very pleased to see this recognition and funds to increase rates. To continue reading, click here. Pictured Above: Executive Director Tom Baffuto with Governor Murphy on the left, and with DHS Commissioner Adelman on the right.
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The Arc of Middlesex CEO Named as National Board Member |
The Arc of New Jersey would like to congratulate Frank Adu, the Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Middlesex County, for being named a National Board Member of The Arc of the United States. Frank is part of a larger slate of new and returning members of the Board of Directors who will work for the next two years to lead The Arc's work. With The Arc of Middlesex for more than 27 years, Frank began as a Direct Support Professional and became the CEO in 2016. To read the full announcement, click here. Pictured above: The Arc of Middlesex County's CEO Frank Adu.
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Edwin Asuta Takes Over as Executive Dir. for
The Arc of Union County
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The Arc of New Jersey congratulates Edwin Asuta as the new Executive Director of The Arc of Union County. Edwin started with the Chapter as a Direct Support Professional and has spent almost thirty years with the organization. His previous roles included Assistant Executive Director and Associate Executive Director, helping the agency grow and evolve to meet the needs of those it serves.
To read the full announcement, click here. Pictured above: The new Executive Director for The Arc of Union County, Edwin Asuta.
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SCARC Announces Megan MacMullin, Esq. as Next President & CEO |
The Arc of New Jersey welcomes Megan MacMullin, Esq. as the incoming President and Chief Executive Officer of SCARC, Inc. Megan, who most recently worked as the Chief Executive Officer of SCARC Guardianship Services, Inc., will begin her new role on March 31, 2023. Previously, Megan served as a member of the SCARC, Inc. board of trustees, and a member of the board of the SCARC Foundation. To read the full announcement, click here. Pictured above: The incoming President & CEO of SCARC, Inc., Megan MacMullin.
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Chapter Spotlight: After More than 50 Years of Service to People with IDD, SCARC CEO Retires |
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The Arc of New Jersey would like to take some time to acknowledge and recognize Richard Lecher who has dedicated his career to improving the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families living in Sussex County as the President and CEO of SCARC, Inc. Richard finishes out his tenure with the organization at the end of the month, after 50 years with the agency, and so we asked Richard to reflect on his storied career and his advice for others working in this field.
1. How many years have you worked at SCARC and what advice can you pass on to others after many years of serving and supporting this community?
I have enjoyed the privilege of working at SCARC since 1972 (50+ years). Before that I taught special education classes for 5 years. I have had quite a journey in my career which has blessed me and hopefully others as well. My advice for other long term career travelers is to enjoy the journey and be blessed by all the benefits of working for others who need our supports and services. Our jobs are ever changing, and we are constantly impacted by the unexpected. To continue reading, click here.
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Registration Open for Spring Into Action Luncheon |
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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.
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The Arc of the United States Names Acting CEO |
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Ruben Rodriguez, COO of The Arc, was recently named Acting CEO while the Board of Directors undertakes a national search for new leadership following the departure of previous CEO, Peter Berns. Ruben joined The Arc in 2019 with nearly four decades of experience in operations and finance. He works closely with the organization's leadership to support the mission, providing day-to-day strategic financial and operational management and planning to meet the organization's objectives. To read Ruben's full message, click here. |
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Save the Date: The Arc of NJ's Awards Dinner |
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The Arc of New Jersey will host an Annual Awards Dinner on Tuesday, June 6, at 6 pm. The event will take place at the Imperia in Somerset. We look forward to seeing you then! Check out our Awards Dinner website for more info. Pictured left is a photo from the 2022 Awards Dinner.
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The Arc Mercer Celebrates DSPs at Gala |
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The Arc of New Jersey's Executive Director Tom Baffuto was honored to attend The Arc Mercer's Direct Support Professional Constellation Gala last month. The event, on Saturday, February 18, took place at the Masonic Temple in Trenton. It was a great chance to recognize all of the incredible and important work carried out by Direct Support Professionals who work in various capacities throughout the Chapter. Thank you, DSPs, for all you do! |
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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:
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Tuesday, March 7, at 6 pm: Special Education Webinar Series: Out-Of-District Placement with Hinkle, Prior & Fischer
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Wednesday, March 15 at 6 pm: Planning for Adult Life Webinar Wednesday Series: Let's Talk About Sex (Pt. 2)
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Monday, March 20, at 12 pm: Your Right to Appeal a Medicaid Termination
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Tuesday, March 21, at 6 pm: An Overview of the College Internship Program
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Tuesday, March 28, at 2 pm: Assessment of Behavior Change in Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
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.
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The Arc of New Jersey | 732.246.2525 | info@arcnj.org | www.arcnj.org |
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