Executive Director Announces Retirement Date

It has been the pleasure of a lifetime to work at The Arc of New Jersey for the past 40 years and to serve as Executive Director for 26 of those years. After an incredibly meaningful career, I have decided to retire. My last day with the organization will be June 30, 2025. I have tremendous and deep respect for all of the volunteers, self-advocates and family members who are the heart and soul of our movement and who are the true guiding light in the work of our organization. And of course, I have been blessed with an incredible staff throughout my tenure at The Arc of New Jersey and it has been an honor to work alongside so many dedicated professionals. Finally, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the local county Chapters of The Arc who provide such critical services to people with IDD and their families. Each Chapter is is a vibrant, contributing member of the county in which they reside. In my time here over the past 40 years, I've seen so many Chapters grow and expand. They have found innovative ways to meet the needs of our community and have created programs and services to accommodate those most in need of our help.

I can say, without reservation, that there is no other career path I would have prefered to take. I am so fortunate to have spent my life at The Arc of New Jersey, to advocate on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, and to continue the mission started by families 75 years ago. Right now, I look forward to connecting with all of you and continuing to advocate each and every day in line with our organization's mission.

Thomas Baffuto

Executive Director

Project HIRE Director Promotes Work for People with IDD at National Disability Employment Awareness Month Event

Colleen Collick, The Arc of NJ's Project HIRE Director, participated in a roundtable panel discussion last month to bring awareness to the diverse and skilled talent that the State needs, with a specific focus on how disability-inclusive workforces can help solve for labor shortages and lift communities. Hosted by Citizens Bank in Short Hills, the event was moderated by New Jersey Business and Industry Association and lunch was served by No Limits Cafe. The roundtable focused on ways businesses can benefit from hiring individuals with disabilities. The event coincided with National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

GOTV Guide Ready for Download Ahead of Election Day

The Arc of NJ works hard to ensure the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and that includes the ability to make your voice heard by voting. Voting is an essential way to participate in our democracy. To help individuals with IDD and their families understand the voting process and to learn more about how to cast a ballot, we are proud to present out annual Get Out the Vote Guide for 2024. This Election Day, New Jersey residents will not only cast a ballot for a new president of the United States, they will also send a new US Senator to Washington. With this in mind, we encourage you to use this Guide as a helpful reference as we head toward November. It includes insightful pieces from self-advocates and a family member on why it's important to vote, and offers candidate policy stances on critical disability issues. Also, don't forget to visit our Get Out the Vote website, www.gotvnj.org, for useful resources and links that can help you find your polling location or the steps you need to register.

The Arc Hosts Healthcare Symposium

Last month The Arc of New Jersey

hosted the 2024 Beverly Robert Memorial Healthcare Symposium at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick. Aimed at current and future health care professionals and dedicated to training and education in how to best meet the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the event included sessions focused on aging and dementia, oral health care, and providing direct care. Thank you to all our speakers and workshop presenters for sharing your wealth of experience with Symposium attendees.

The Arc Mercer Board Pres Honored at Ann Klein Dinner

Pictured above is The Arc of Bergen and Passaic's Alice Siegel and Kathy Walsh, Senator John McKeon, The Arc of NJ's Executive Director Tom Baffuto and The Arc Mercer's Steve Cook.

Congratulations to Maria Fischer, Board President at The Arc of Mercer County, on being honored by the Community Health Law Project at the Ann Klein Advocate Awards Dinner last month. The event was held at The Wilshire in West Orange on October 24. Pictured left to right: Steve Cook from The Arc Mercer, The Arc of NJ's Executive Director Tom Baffuto, Maria Fischer, The Arc of NJ Board member Paul Prior, and Kathy Walsh and Alice Siegel from The Arc of Bergen and Passaic Counties.

Chapters Host October Events and Celebrations

Congratulations to The Arc Morris who hosted their Walktoberfest '24 Step Up For The Arc which was held October 12, in Morris Plains. The event included games, live music, giveaways and more. We also congratulate The Arc of Union County on their 75th anniversary event which was held at The Westwood in Garwood on October 18.

Pictured above left is Arc Morris Board Member Tom Horn, The Arc of NJ's Executive Director Tom Baffuto, and The Arc Morris Executive Director Sal Moran. Pictured above right is Tom Baffuto, Mary Downs, Board Member with The Arc of Union, and Edwin Asuta, Executive Director at The Arc of Union. Finally, we congratulate The Arc of Ocean on their Casino Night event held on October 4. The event included a cocktail reception, casino games and gift auction prizes. Pictured bottom right is Tom Baffuto with The Arc Ocean's Executive Director Laura Williams and other representatives from the Chapter.

Disability Rights New Jersey Celebrates History with Special Anniversary Event

Disability Rights New Jersey celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a special event honoring the history of the protection and advocacy system and the people who have contributed to the organization's success. The celebration was held at the Boathouse in West Windsor. Pictured from left to right is The Arc of NJ's Associate Executive Director Celine Fortin, DRNJ's Executive Director Gwen Orlowski, and The Arc of NJ's Executive Director Tom Baffuto.

It's Not Too Late to Support The Arc of New Jersey

Thank you to everyone who supported The Arc of New Jersey through our 75th Anniversary Gala and Ad Journal. The funds raised enable us to make tremendous progress as we continue to grow and expand our advocacy and support services for people with IDD and their families.

But the need still exists. From now until December 31, 2024, The Arc of New Jersey's 75th Anniversary Campaign is looking to raise $75,000 to support our information, resources and advocacy for individuals with IDD and their families. Your donation, no matter the size, will contribute greatly to our ability to help the increasing numbers of individuals and families who call upon us for assistance. Click here to donate today and thank you for your support!

Upcoming Webinars with the

NJ Self-Advocacy Project

Stay Healthy at Home webinars and Healthy Lifestyles Project LIVE! events are hosted throughout the month by the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project. Registration links for Stay Healthy at Home can be found here. This 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! events can be found here. 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 IDD. Live viewers will be able to share comments, ask questions, and participate in activities led by professionals in real time.

Upcoming In-Person & Virtual Events

Check out what's happening this month or visit our calendar to see upcoming virtual and in-person events.

Tuesday, November 5, at 9:30 am - Effects of Trauma on People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Thursday, November 7, at 6:30 pm - Medicare Drug Plan Changes for 2025 and Review of Plan Finder Tool

Wednesday, November 20, at 6 pm - Navigating New Changes in Medicaid and SSI: What You Need to Know

Wednesday, November 20, at 6:30 pm - An Overview of the NJ CAT

Friday, November 22, at 11 am: Tour with Us! In-Person Tour: The Achievement Center at Raritan Valley Community College

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