With the summer behind us, we look ahead to what's on tap for the fall. And we know it is going to be a busy season as we get ready for Election Day 2024. The country will elect a new President and New Jersey will select a new US Senator for the first time since 2013. In addition, members of the House of Representatives are on the ballot and so each district will determine who they want representing them in Washington, DC.

For the past 75 years, The Arc of NJ has worked to ensure the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and that includes the ability to make your voice heard by voting. Voting is an essential way to participate in our democracy and so I encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote on Tuesday, November 5. That's because, the people we elect will make policy and funding decisions that will impact everything from health care, and entitlement programs, to special education, transportation and more.

At The Arc of New NJ, we are hard at work on our annual Get Out the Vote Guide which outlines the voting process, highlights important dates in the coming weeks, and provides non-partisan perspectives from families and self-advocates about why voting matters. Keep an eye out as we plan to debut the Guide and the accompanying website in the coming days.

Thomas Baffuto - Executive Director, The Arc of NJ

The Arc of New Jersey is excited to announce a one-day conference focusing on training and education for current and future healthcare professionals to better understand and meet the health and medical needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The 2024 Beverly Roberts Memorial Healthcare Symposium will take place on Tuesday, October 15 at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick. The event will be offered in a hybrid format, allowing attendees to participate in person or virtually. For additional details, please click the flyer. If you have questions related to event, email Connor Griffin, Director of Health Care Advocacy, at healthcareadvocacy@arcnj.org.

To register for the event, click here.

Thank you to everyone who supported The Arc of New Jersey through our 75th Anniversary Gala and Ad Journal. The funds raised enable us to make tremendous progress as we continue to grow and expand our advocacy and support services for people with IDD and their families.

But the need still exists. From now until December 31, 2024, The Arc of New Jersey's 75th Anniversary Campaign is looking to raise $75,000 to support our information, resources and advocacy for individuals with IDD and their families. Your donation, no matter the size, will contribute greatly to our ability to help the increasing numbers of individuals and families who call upon us for assistance. Click here to donate today and thank you for your support!