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.
Family Caregiver Awareness
On November 29, The Arc of New Jersey and The Arc of Ocean hosted a celebratory event, with special guest Department of Human Services Assistant Commissioner Jon Seifried, in honor of Family Caregivers Awareness Month. The gathering, which took place at The Arc of Ocean's Bill Burke Wellness Center in Lakewood, recognized family members and all they do for their loved one with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition, Assistant Commissioner Seifried presented families with a proclamation from Governor Murphy. (Read the proclamation here,). Attendees also received a tour of the Center and had the chance to watch an exercise demonstration by fitness instructors and program participants. In conclusion, families shared their personal stories and helped raise awareness of the challenges that caregivers encounter day to day. The Arc of NJ’s Second Vice President Lauren Zalepka was on-hand, as was Family Advisory Chair Kathy Mullery and her son Chris, and Family Advisory Committee members Joyce Quarles with her son Yusef, and Ruth Churchill.(View additional photos here.) Throughout the month of November, The Arc of NJ Family Institute spotlighted family caregivers, and their stories, on our social media channels. A special edition newsletter about family caregiving went out last month and if you missed it, you can view it here. Also last month, The NJ Caregiver Task Force, of which The Arc of NJ's Associate Executive Director Celine Fortin served as a member, released their Final Report. The report is a comprehensive analysis of current challenges facing caregivers and recommendations for how to support these critical individuals as they take on the difficulties of caregiving.
31 Days of The Arc
Chat with Us

Chat with Jerisa Maseko, Director of The Planning For Adult Life Program (PFAL).
Jerisa will give us an overview of the PFAL program and talk a little about how they can help individuals with IDD plan for their future.

Date: Thursday, January 12th
Time: 6-7 pm
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New Webinar



Date: Tuesday January 10th
Time: 6- 7 pm

The purpose of this workshop is to educate families who have a loved one with a significant disability about the importance of planning for the individual’s future support. Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of NJ (PLAN/NJ) will guide families in this estate planning and life-long support process.
Project SEARCH
Project SEARCH is a one-year, intensive employment skills training program based inside Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ. Students spend an entire school year on-site at the hospital rotating through three different internship experiences. They also receive 90 minutes of classroom-based instruction per day on topics related to employability and independent living.



The application for the Project SEARCH program at Overlook Medical Center's Class of 2024 is now available.
IEP Development and Resources
An IEP must take into account a child’s present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, and the impact of that child’s disability on his or her involvement and progress in the general education curriculum. IEP goals must be aligned with grade-level content standards for all children with disabilities. The child’s IEP must be developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with the requirements outlined in the IDEA.









The Office of Special Education revised the IEP and added a Sample Template and will soon add an Interactive Resource Guide to their website.
Kids Corner
Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.
Navigating the System
Our Road to Resources Podcast Series highlights different agencies that can help with supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Agencies give an overview of who they are, how they can help and who you should reach out to when you're in need of their services.
From Our Local Chapters of The Arc
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The Arc Planning and Guardianship Corporation

Building a Secure Future For Individuals With Disabilities and Their Families

The Arc Planning and Guardianship Corporation is a separate 501(c)3 not-for- profit organization, which is also incorporated as a Community Trust in accordance with the NJ Community Trust Act of 1985.

The program was developed to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities have the opportunities, supports and resources needed to live fulfilling lives through the provision of lifelong advocacy, guardianship, life planning and financial management services.


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