The Arc Middlesex County is a 70-year-old community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families
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Heidi Bell, Board President, center, and CEO Frank Adu join with staff and participants to kick off Walkathon 2019. See article below.
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The Arc Middlesex gains strength
through community outreach
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South Brunswick Mayor Charlie Carley, left, gets acquainted with The Arc Middlesex County CEO Frank Adu during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
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It's been a busy few months at The Arc Middlesex County, as the organization ramps up community outreach events to make sure county residents are well informed about all the services we provide and the contributions we make to ensure that all county residents have the opportunity to be the best they can be.
We were delighted to partner with Breakfast with the Browns and Progressive Lodge No. 17 F&AM on Saturday June 15th, providing a healthy meal to over 60 people in need in the New Brunswick area. These charities are dedicated to feeding those that are less fortunate and face many struggles in their daily lives. When we work together to strengthen the fabric of the community, everyone benefits.
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Working together with Breakfast with the Browns and
Progressive Lodge No. 17 F&AM in June
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In February, we were equally pleased to work with Crunch Fitness in North Brunswick, meeting their members at Member Appreciation Day and giving them a chance to learn a bit about The Arc Middlesex County.
Whenever we meet people, we make sure to note the names, addresses, and if possible emails of those who seem willing to help.
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Nikki Gallman at The Arc Middlesex table in the Crunch Fitness center.
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The
L'Oreal Corporate Volunteer Day at The Arc Middlesex County was also held in June. This brought L'Oreal volunteers to our facility in South Brunswick, with advice about cosmetics and skin care for our participants -- and some free samples, as well. Many thanks to L'Oreal for their outgoing, community-conscious efforts.
Positive thinking about personal grooming is one of the building blocks we emphasize in helping Arc participants take advantage of the opportunities that come their way.
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A participant sampling some lip gloss with a L'Oreal volunteer
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More than 250 join Walkathon
to achieve with The Arc Middlesex
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More than 250 Arc supporters – our biggest crowd ever -- gathered in Woodlot Park in South Brunswick in May to join The Arc Middlesex County’s annual spring Walkathon for a day of fun, games, food, music and exercises aimed at helping fellow residents of the county be the best they can be.
Not only did the event raise over $10,000 for services to help people with disabilities in Middlesex County -- a record -- it gave Arc participants, staff, and supporters in the community a chance to mingle, make new friends, and learn more about The Arc Middlesex County’s broad array of programs and services.
The 19th Annual Walkathon offered something for everyone -- including a 3.2K run, kickball, a little hoops action for the real athletes in the crowd and dancing for all. In 2019, The Arc Middlesex County will host many new events, to give members of the community more ways to get engaged.
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President, Board of Directors,
Heidi Bell and The Arc Middlesex County Director of Development, Nikki Gallman share a moment of fun with Walkathon crowd.
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Heidi took a moment to share how The Arc Middlesex County has played a role in her life.
"I not only serve on the board, but I am also a parent of a 19 year old son who has special needs," Bell said. "The Arc Middlesex County has been a part of our lives since he was very young.
"I have seen firsthand what a difference the Arc has made and makes in so many lives, including our own. There is no one book out there to buy, nor one website to look at that has all the answers on how to navigate what to do if you have a child or loved one with disabilities. However; The Arc Middlesex County is here to help make that journey a better one. We are a very special family here at The Arc-MC and I look forward to seeing everyone get together again soon."
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The Arc Middlesex County is a community service organization, dedicated to ensuring that all residents of the county have an opportunity to achieve their full potential. The members of our board of directors devout countless hours of volunteer work in support of that mission. They are always happy to discuss suggestions, concerns, and especially offers of support from the community!
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Heidi Bell
President
heidianne.bell99@gmail.com
219 Black Horse Lane
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Joseph Griscti
Treasurer
Joe.griscti@verizon.net
219 Black Horse Lane
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Tino Fontes
Director
TFontes@tworiverbank.com
219 Black Horse Lane
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Asha Gandhi
Director
ashgandhi01@gmail.com
219 Black Horse Lane
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Steven H. Sobel
Director
stevensobel@comcast.net
219 Black Horse Lane
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
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Robert Mizerak
Vice President
mizzybob@optonline.com
219 Black Horse Lane
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Shawn P. Gillon
Secretary
sgillon@withum.com
219 Black Horse Lane
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Tirumalesh Kowdlay
Director
kowdlay@gmail.com
219 Black Horse Lane
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Karen Koller
Director
Karenkoller21@gmail.com
219 Black Horse Lane
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
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This year The Arc Middlesex County marks 70 years of service to people with disabilities and their families. We extend an invitation to you to join us in celebrating this important milestone on October 17 at the Pines Manor in Edison. We have several events planned throughout the year to celebrate and we are hoping you will partake with us. We continue to look for people who will partner with us either by volunteering, joining our advisory councils or supporting our efforts in the community.
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The Arc Middlesex County
CEO Frank Adu
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Achieve
with
Us..."Craig's Story"
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Craig an Arc Middlesex County participant
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Craig Parker achieved a certificate from the Middlesex County Vocational High School, in hotel service and had over 16 years of experience working in a hotel. However, he ran into trouble when the hotel changed ownership.
He had several other jobs for much shorter periods of time, and was seeking long term employment. As a participant in The Arc Middlesex County Tech Career Center and Supported Employment Program, Craig worked on building his resume by doing volunteer activities. He consistently expressed interest in finding suitable labor and his willingness to adapt was strong. His job coaches, Eric Ware and Carmela Minor at The Arc Middlesex, assisted with his employment search.
Having built up his resume and added experience by volunteering, Craig was able to land several interviews. One such interview was with the Monarch Electric Warehouse. In the meantime, Monarch Electric reached out to Vocational Services seeking workers for group employment. Denise Beckles, Director of Support Services and Assistant Directors Michael Birardi and Eric Ware helped develop the project for the group employment. The result was a partnership that produced jobs, competitive pay and workers which filled Monarch’s employment needs. Due to the support services team efforts Craig was offered a job with Monarch Electric.
Ever since, this partnership between The Arc Middlesex County and Monarch Electric has been doing very well. Group employment includes transportation to and from the job site, as well as staff support for participants the entire time they are working.
Craig is once again very happy with his work situation. He took advantage of all of our available vocational services, went through the process from beginning to end, and was able to find employment that includes the support he needs.
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The Arc Middlesex County Fact Sheet:
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- The Arc Middlesex assisted more than 400 individuals on a continuing basis during 2018
- It operated 7 Career Centers geared to help individuals with disabilities find rewarding jobs suited to their skills
- It maintained 20 residential houses in Middlesex County
- 74 businesses supported The Arc's employment programs
- 30 volunteer sites and 2,145 volunteer hours January- December 2018
- Avg. 178 volunteer hours per month across 7 center
- Project Kickstart: A grant from the Kessler Foundation enabled The Arc Middlesex County to provide pre-employment services to students with disabilities nearing graduation
- are Making A Difference in So Many Lives!
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The letter below was sent to Frank Adu, CEO of The Arc Middlesex, by Jessie Parker, who has a son enrolled in an Arc program.
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Dear Mr. Adu,
I am writing this letter to express my appreciation for the work being done at the Tech Center at your location in North Brunswick. Michael Birardi with the assistance of Liz Vaughn has created an atmosphere where each person feels that their needs are being met.
As you know it takes a special person to work with this population. I feel confident that each day that my son's needs are being met and that he has an opportunity to have a very challenging experience at The Arc.
In closing, I cannot stress enough what an awesome contribution Michael and Liz are making to my son's life.
Very truly yours,
Jessie Parker
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Jessie Parker speaking at a recent Arc event.
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- July 19 from 6:30-9:30 pm
Hidden Gems Bollywood concert@ Woodlot Park
124 New Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
- July 26 from 6:30-9:30 pm
River of Dreams, a Billy Joel tribute @ Woodlot Park
124 New Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
- Aug 5-11 from 5-11:00 pm (M-F)/ 11:00am-11:00 pm (Sat-Sun)
Middlesex County Fair
655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
National Night Out w/ Edison Township @ Edison Municipal Complex
100 Municipal Blvd, Edison, NJ 08817
National Night Out w/ South Brunswick Twp@ Rowland Park
235 Broadway Road, South Brunswick Township, NJ
A Business Professionals Mixer presented by The Arc Middlesex County
Fox &The Hound, 250 Menlo Park Drive, Edison, NJ 08837
Butterfly/Balloon release @ Elmwood Cemetery
425 Georges Rd, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902
For volunteer and partnership opportunities, contact Nikki Gallman, Director of Development at 732 821-1199 Ext 134 or
ngallman@arc-middlesex.org
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The Arc Middlesex County is a 501c3 charity that needs support from the community in order to fulfill its mission.
Join Us
as we celebrate our
70
th
Anniversary
throughout 2019 to increase our impact and raise vital funds needed to support our mission. Our work makes a difference in the lives of the people in our community. Please help us build the financial strength we need to continue to provide our services. These are our neighbors, family members and friends.
You can be a part of this unique celebration and
help us
as we strive towards our vision by donating as little as
$
70
For
70
Years of Impact and Exceptional Service.
It’s the combination of your support, the hard work of our participants and their families that enables The Arc Middlesex County to create a community of excellence.
IMPACT A LIFE TODAY!
Impact! Advocate! Donate!
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