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Family Caregivers Recognized at Annual Celebration | |
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The Arc of New Jersey concluded Family Caregivers Month with a wonderful event at The Arc of Monmouth. It was an opportunity to spotlight all the hard work families do each and every day for their loved one with IDD and to recognize their incredible contributions. As part of the event, DHS Deputy Commissioner McGuire and Assistant Commissioner Seifried spoke and presented the group with a proclamation from the Governor in honor of the occasion. Families also shared their experiences as caregivers. To wrap up the event, dignitaries from DHS spoke with families and individuals receiving services from the Chapter, and had a tour of the programs delivered at the Campus Parkway Achievement Centers. To view the proclamation from the Governor, click here.
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The Arc Advocates on Legislation and FY25 Budget | |
The Arc of NJ's Executive Director Tom Baffuto is pictured top left with Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, top right with NJEA's Director of Politics and Policy Deb Cornavaca, bottom left with Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and bottom right with Assemblyman Herb Conaway. | |
Last month The Arc of New Jersey testified before the Department of Human Services Budget Listening Listening Session, urging the State to include funding on our priority needs for Fiscal Year ‘25. The testimony focused on moving more people off the Waiting List over the next three years, increasing Direct Support Professional wages, increasing the behavioral rates, and an across the board rate increase of the fee-for-service rates. Additionally last month, The Arc of NJ testified before the Department of Health Budget Listening Session on the topic of early intervention rates and the need for a 7.5% increase. Also in November, The Arc of NJ's Executive Director Tom Baffuto had the opportunity to speak with a number of lawmakers at the 2023 Annual League Conference hosted by the NJ League of Municipalities. This was a great chance to connect with lawmakers ahead of Lame Duck. Also in November, The Arc of NJ supported a number of bills on the topic of: transportation, LCSWs and respite. | |
The Arc US Announces New CEO to Start in 2024 | |
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The Arc US reports: "Katherine (Katy) Neas has been named the next CEO of The Arc of the United States! As a longtime disability rights champion, Katy is the perfect leader to support the wide-ranging and deeply impactful work our network does for people with IDD nationwide." We are looking forward to meeting Katy and working with her in 2024. Additional details can be found here.
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The Arc of Mercer Hosts Annual Fall Gala, Honors Beverly Roberts
Staff from The Arc of NJ were honored to attend the 2023 Annual Fall Gala hosted by The Arc Mercer on November 3, at Cobblestone Creek Country Club. In addition to celebrating incredible award winners, the dinner also included a tribute to the late Beverly Roberts, The Arc of NJ's long-time Mainstreaming Medical Care Director. The Arc Mercer has also started a scholarship in Bev's memory. To learn more about the scholarship or to donate, click here.
Pictured from left to right: The Arc of NJ's Executive Director Tom Baffuto, Senior Director Lisa Ford, The Arc Mercer's Executive Director Steve Cook, The Arc of NJ's Senior Director Sharon Levine, Associate Executive Director Celine Fortin and Assistant Executive Director Michael Prendergast.
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The Arc of Warren County Hosts 2023 Community Excellence Awards
Congratulations to The Arc of Warren County who held their 2023 Community Excellence Awards on November 16, at the Bello Giorno Estates in Belvidere. Awardees honored at the event were nominated by staff, residents, and members of The Arc of Warren County for advancing the mission of the Chapter for their work with individuals with IDD. The Arc of New Jersey's Executive Director Tom Baffuto was honored to attend the celebration. To view additional photos from the event, click here.
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The Arc of NJ Welcomes New Director | |
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This month The Arc of NJ welcomes Connor Griffin as our new Director of Health Care Advocacy. We asked Connor a few questions to learn more about his background and his goals for the program.
What interested you in the Health Care Advocacy Director position and why were you interested in joining The Arc of NJ?
I have always been someone with a passion for health, and strongly believe that every person has a right to achieve their best health. Access to affordable, high quality health care is a key part of maintaining and improving health, especially for people with disabilities who can be more vulnerable to adverse health outcomes. I saw this role with The Arc of NJ as an opportunity to advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families in helping them through the complexities of our health care system but also to spread the message that every person deserves the full opportunity to be happy and healthy, regardless of disability. To continue reading, click here.
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The Arc of NJ and Local Chapters Travel to New Orleans for National Convention
The Arc of New Jersey and representatives from many of our local county Chapters traveled to New Orleans last month for The Arc of the United States National Convention. The convention gives disability advocates the opportunity to connect and learn with other professionals, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families.
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Upcoming Webinars with the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project | |
Stay Healthy at Home webinars and Healthy Lifestyles Project LIVE! events are hosted throughout the month by the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project. Registration links for Stay Healthy at Home can be found here. This webinar series covers a variety of topics related to advocacy, life skills, employment, and civic engagement. Sessions are designed to be accessible to self-advocates, parents, and support staff. Live viewers can share comments, ask questions, and access resources. Live transcription is available. Healthy Lifestyles Project LIVE! events can be found here. This interactive series of events is hosted by the NJ Self-Advocacy Project and focuses on activities to promote health and wellness education for students and adults with IDD. Live viewers will be able to share comments, ask questions, and participate in activities led by professionals in real time.
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It's Time for the Combined Federal Campaign
The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is one of the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaigns. Its mission is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all. CFC reaches nearly 10 million potential donors — active and retired federal and military employees and contractors. CFC opened on September 1, 20232, and runs through January 2024.
How to Give and Support The Arc of New Jersey
Federal civilian, postal and military donors can support The Arc of New Jersey by going to the campaign website and using The Arc of NJ’s CFC code - 92741. Thank you for your support! More info here.
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Upcoming In-Person & Virtual Events | |
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Click below to register for one of our many upcoming virtual and in-person events. And be sure to check out our calendar for other future events.
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