The Family Advocate Newsletter

The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute provides caregivers with the necessary resources and education to access the appropriate supports and services for their loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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The Arc of NJ Celebrates 75th Anniversary

This spring, The Arc of New Jersey will reach an incredible milestone: 75 years of service and advocacy on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. What began with a small group of families fighting for a system of supports where none existed, is now a vast and comprehensive grassroots network. At The Arc of New Jersey, we are honored to carry on the incredible legacy of those first families and each day as we work to fulfill our mission, we remember their struggles and weave it into everything we do. Our success as an organization is based on the passionate and reverberating voice of our grassroots. Each advocacy win to improve services, to make New Jersey the best possible place to live for a person with an intellectual or developmental disability, it can all be traced back to the power of our grassroots and the collective voice that carries our message. I am looking forward to celebrating our 75th Anniversary in a variety of ways throughout the coming year. Stay tuned for more details on what we have planned. In the meantime, keep using your voice and supporting the disability movement. We can effect great change with you by our side.

Thomas Baffuto Executive Director, The Arc of NJ

29 Indoor Activities for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Download The February Calendar Here

Check out our Redesigned Website!

The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute is excited to unveil our newly redesigned website! It's a new year and we are bringing you a new web site that reflects that needs of our web site visitors. The redesigned pages will help individuals and families find the information they are seeking. Our site is also a great place to learn more about the resources and assistance we offer. Carried over from our previous site is our Accessibility Toolbar to ensure all visitors can engage with our site. We encourage you to visit our redesigned site and spend some time going through the pages and learning more about our organization.

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New Webinar

Navigating the System: What Parents Need to Know

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

6:00pm - 7:00pm

This presentation will offer an overview of the different state services that are available here in New Jersey for Children and Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

 Under 21

 Over 21

 Transition from children’s system of care to division of developmental disabilities

Kids Corner

Verona C.H.I.L.D.

C.H.I.L.D. is a non-profit organization made up of parents and caregivers dedicated to providing support for children who are classified under IDEA, Section 504, or facing a learning challenge. Their goal is to provide a solution-oriented forum for families, educators, and administrators to effectively communicate and collaborate and help bridge the gap between special education and general education.

Learn More Here

Navigating the System

Family Support Group

The New Jersey Family Support Group for those who have IDD and Dementia (FSG) meets on the last Tuesday of the month. FSG members are parents and siblings who are caring for someone who has IDD and Dementia. Many individuals who have IDD develop early onset Dementia in their 40's and 50's.

The FSG addresses issues such as Guardianship, medical and behavioral complications, appropriate Day Programs, and end of life decisions. They invite Guest Speakers who are experts in their field when specific topics are requested. Family members are able to offer support and information to improve the lives of the caregivers as well as the affected individuals.

Their next meetings are scheduled for 2/27/24 and 3/26/24 at 3pm via Zoom. For more information, please contact Leone Murphy at leonemur2@yahoo.com

From Our Local Chapters of The Arc

The Arc of Ocean - Valentine's Day Party

Celebrate Love! You're invited to join The Arc, Ocean County Chapter for a night of love and laughter at our Recreation Valentine’s Party!

Date: Friday, February 16th

Time: 7:00 pm-9:00 pm

Location: 150 Oberlin Ave, Unit 1-4, Lakewood, NJ, 08701

Get ready to party all night in their festively decorated gym while dancing to all the classic love songs and creating sweet sundaes at the ice cream bar!

Tickets for participants are $10.00, while support staff can attend for free. With only 50 tickets available, secure your spot and RSVP today!

If you have any questions, please email Lauren.Sarno@arcocean.org.

Learn More Here

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The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute | 732.828.2022 | thefamilyinstitute@arcnj.org

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