Meet The Arc of NJ's New Board President: Lauren Zalepka

The Arc of New Jersey is thrilled to welcome our new Board President Lauren Zalepka. Lauren has served as a Board member for many years and she previously served as Board President for The Arc of Monmouth County. As her tenure began on July 1, we wanted to take this opportunity to introduce her to our stakeholders and give her a space to share with the community a bit about her priorities and goals as she takes on this new role.

1. How long have you served as a volunteer with The Arc of New Jersey and what attracted you to become more involved with the organization?

I began volunteering with The Arc of Monmouth in 2010, after my daughter Dani graduated from high school and started working at The Arc of Monmouth’s Work Opportunity Center. In many ways, I simply transitioned from supporting her through the PTA to supporting her through The Arc. About 10 years ago, Dani and I had the chance to get involved in advocacy with The Arc of New Jersey, and that experience inspired me to become more deeply engaged with the organization. To continue reading, click here.

(Lauren is pictured above, center, with her daughter and husband, along with The Arc of NJ's former Executive Director Tom Baffuto.)

The Arc Stresses Importance of Medicaid at Roundtable Event

Last month, The Arc of New Jersey's Senior Director of Governmental Affairs and Communications, and representatives from The Arc of Mercer County, participated in a Medicaid Roundtable discussion hosted by Congressman Herb Conaway. This was an opportunity to highlight the Home and Community Based Services that are funded via Medicaid and why we must continue to protect this entitlement program and the services that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities rely on. Pictured from left to right is The Arc of Mercer County's Executive Director Steve Cook, Department of Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman, Congressman Herb Conaway, Mercer County Executive Dan Benson, The Arc of Mercer County's Board President Maria Fischer, and The Arc of NJ's Senior Director Sharon Levine.

The NJ Self-Advocacy Project Fall Conference Keynote Announced

This year, as the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project returns to an in-person conference, we are excited to announce Patrice Jetter as the keynote speaker for the event! And you can register here: REGISTRATION

Patrice is a New Jersey native, accomplished athlete, and fierce advocate for disability rights. With more than 100 Special Olympics medals, Patrice has excelled in bocce, bowling, cheerleading, figure skating, and gymnastics—proving that determination knows no limits.

Beyond sports, Patrice is a mentor, self-advocate, and activist fighting for marriage equality for people with disabilities. She is the heart of the Emmy-nominated documentary Patrice: The Movie, a Hulu documentary that sheds light on the challenges couples with disabilities face.

Her journey—from overcoming bullying and institutionalization to becoming a champion for inclusion—is nothing short of inspiring. Patrice reminds us all that everyone deserves the right to love, live, and thrive without barriers.

Learn More About the Budget Bill, Impact on Medicaid

Last month, The Arc of NJ's Health Care Advocacy Director Connor Griffin presented on the impact of the Budget Bill on Medicaid. This event was hosted by the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project. There are many questions about the legislation and how it will affect Medicaid and services that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities rely on. While we are still working to learn more, we encourage you to view Connor's presentation to better understand what's happening now. To view the recording, click here.

Action Alert: Protect Disability Services & Fund Our Future

Congress is beginning to make decisions about how much funding each program will get next year, and programs that support and protect people with disabilities are at serious risk. The President's budget proposal is the starting point of this annual process. It recommends that Congress make cuts to programs that millions of people with disabilities and families rely on. The President recommends that Congress eliminate funding for two vital Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) programs: University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and Projects of National Significance. The President also recommends that Congress reduce funding for two more: Protection & Advocacy agencies and State DD Councils. Click here to tell Congress: Protect Disability Services & Fund Our Future!

Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Events

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

September 8, at 1 pm: Introducing the New Jersey Disability Information Hub

September 9, at 12 pm: Planning for a Love One with Special Needs: Planning for Two Lifetimes

September 16, at 7 pm: My Student Just Turned 18: What Do I Need to Do?

September 18, at 6 pm: Understanding Early Intervention - Empowering Families from the Start

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. 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.

Fall Step Up For The Arc Walks Happening this Month

Chapters are gearing up for their annual Step Up for The Arc Walks. Step Up For The Arc is an annual statewide initiative of The Arc of New Jersey, with walkathons held locally by many county chapters. It's a fun, healthy and easy way to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc of Morris will host their walk on September 27, in Morris Plains. Pictured right is a photo from their 2024 event. Click here to register.

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