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.

Fact Sheets

Request a Speaker

View our Go Bags

Intake Form

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.)

30 Back to School Resources for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Download The September Calendar Here

Upcoming Webinars

Planning for a Loved One with Special Needs: Planning for Two Lifetimes

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Every family is different, and each of us must create financial strategies with our circumstances in mind. This is especially true for families that care for children with special needs. Parents often need to consider the present as well as the future for their special needs child, including a future where parents are no longer managing their child's day-day needs and agenda. During this presentation, you will learn:

Why a special needs trust in a "must have" and how to fund it effectively,
How to save money for your retirement AND fund your special needs plan,
Discover what is an ABLE account and why you may want to open one.

Lunch and Learn Series

This webinar series will cover various safety topics to assist caregivers and professionals in identifying concerns and methods for supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Click the button below to download the flyer and register for each.

Download Here

Kids Corner

Ocean Partnership for Children's Mindful Creations Group

Mindful Creations is a place where youth are able to express themselves while learning and discussing the benefits of creativity for our mental health/overall wellness. The group strives for connection, inspiration, imagination, and confidence in sharing a piece of ourselves with the world. There will also be a showcase for youth to display their creations to family/caregivers during the last session! The group is open to all Ocean County youth ages 14-18 and meets every Tuesday from September 30th - November 18th at OPC Office.

Navigating the System

The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute's Book of the Month Page

Looking for a good book? Our Book of the Month Club is a great way to discover books written to support you and and your loved one with an intellectual and developmental disability.

Check it Out Here

From Our Local Chapters of The Arc

The Arc Ocean - 70th Anniversary - Celebrate Casino Night

We’re elated to be hosting our 70th Anniversary Celebrate The Arc Casino Night again this year on Friday, October 3rd, 2025 in the Atlantis Ballroom at the Days Hotel by Wyndham in Toms River from 6:00 to 10:00pm to celebrate our momentous milestone.

Join us for a lively, upscale evening of good luck and good fortune, all for a great cause!

When: Friday, October 3, 2025 from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Where: Atlantis Ballroom at the Days Hotel by Wyndham in Toms River

Learn More Here

STAY CONNECTED

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

Visit Our Website

Join Our Email List