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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Transition Services Remain at Top of Priority Advocacy List

As the cold weather begins to ebb away and spring warmth is on the horizon, we know the end of the school year will be here soon. And that makes now a perfect time for families to think about transition for their child with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Children with IDD are allowed to stay in the school system until the age of 21. However, planning can and should take place starting at age 14. When executed and implemented correctly, transition services can set a child on the right path for the future. These services help a child and their family think about what an adult life will look like, including immersing oneself in community resources, pursuing potential competitive employment, and accessing important federal entitlement programs and state services through Medicaid and the Department of Human Services. For 75 years, The Arc of New Jersey has advocated on behalf of individuals and families and we continue to spend tremendous time advocating for quality transition services. This includes working with state departments, lawmakers and stakeholders in the education community. We believe strongly that all school districts must live up to the transition requirements of New Jersey law and we will continue to fight for every student entitled to these supports. I also want to note how thrilled I am by our incredible Planning for Adult Life program that can help students and families create a plan for the future and can make that transition out of school as smooth as possible. If you need assistance with transition, contact the program’s Director, Jerisa Maseko at Jmaseko@arcnj.org. You can also contact Children's Advocacy Director Adara Heilmann at Aheilmann@arcnj.org for assistance with education advocacy.

Thomas Baffuto - Executive Director, The Arc of NJ

30 Resources to Financial Planning for Individuals with IDD

Download The April Calendar Here

April is Autism Awareness Month!

We are grateful to Governor Phil Murphy and the NJ Department of Human Services for acknowledging Autism Awareness Month!

New Virtual College Tours

Join us for some upcoming virtual college tours! Register using the links below for each session.

Virtual Tour with LACE Program at Sussex County Community College

April 16, 2024
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Register: https://bit.ly/laceprogram

Virtual Tour of Center for Adult Transition at Bergen County Community College

April 17, 2024
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Register: https://bit.ly/bergenCAT

Virtual Tour with Passaic County Community College CAT - Culinary Arts Vocational Certificate Program

May 16, 2024
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Register: https://bit.ly/passaicCAT

Kids Corner

Children's Mental Health Awareness Day 2024

Saturday, May 18, 2024

5:00pm - 8:00pm

Allaire Community Farm hosts this annual event in collaboration with Monmouth County's Children's Interagency Coordinating Council. Every year they host this event to the public free of cost to help spread awareness regarding children's mental health and local resources available to our residents. Lots of local agencies will be onsite handing out information regarding their services and looking to connect families to the resources they need for mental and emotional health, developmental disabilities, and substance use needs.

Come enjoy an inclusive evening experiencing the farm's petting zoo, barrel train rides, tractor rides, giveaways, games, and more! Food and refreshments donated by local vendors.

Rain Date for this event is May 19th.

Contact info@monmouthresourcenet.org for questions.

Navigating the System

The 18th Annual NJ Statewide Self-Advocacy Network Spring Luncheon

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. 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. NJSAP will be hosting the Spring Into Action Luncheon virtually!

Schedule: 10 AM - 12 PM

Signing on before 10:00 AM will put you in the virtual Waiting Room until the event begins.

9:30 AM: Waiting Room

10:00 AM: Opening Remarks

10:30 AM: NJSSAN Council Updates

10:45 AM: Awards Ceremony

11:15 AM: Exhibitor Hall

11:55 AM: Closing Remarks

From Our Local Chapters of The Arc

The Arc of Camden - Mad Hatter Designer Bag Bingo

Join The Arc of Camden for an enchanting evening at The Arc of Camden County’s Mad Hatter Designer Bag Bingo! Step through the looking glass into a night filled with excitement, fashion, and the thrill of the game. Don your most whimsical hat, grab your lucky charm, and prepare to shout ‘Bingo!’ for a chance to win fabulous designer bags.

When:

Saturday, April 20, 2024

6:00PM Bag Preview

7:00PM Bingo Start

Where:

Brooklawn American Legion

83 Railroad Ave

Brooklawn NJ, 08030

Learn More Here

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

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