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75 Years of Advocacy Continues to Drive Our Work | |
 |  | As we celebrate our 75th anniversary this year, I am reflecting on the grassroots and how impactful it has been and continues to be as we work to effect change. The Arc of New Jersey is driven by the experiences of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Their stories and their life journey is what fuels our advocacy and what propels us toward policy advancements and changes. When we push forward with an action plan, it is the grassroots that echoes our messaging and who makes it clear to legislators and decision-makers why our campaigns are so important and who will be impacted by the changes and improvements we seek. We strive each day to be at the forefront of the issues impacting people with IDD and their families. We hope you know that for 75 years we’ve listened to the needs and concerns of those we represent and we know we can count on you to achieve great things. We are now in the final weeks of the fiscal year and we are pushing for increased funding on a number of fronts. Whether it's moving more people off the Waiting List, increasing wages for our Direct Support Professional workforce, or ensuring camp services for children with IDD, legislators need to know how important these priorities are for our community. Help us again today, as you have for the past 75 years, and make your voice heard by participating in our action alert. With you behind us, I know the incredible impact we can have.
Thomas Baffuto
Executive Director
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Tom Baffuto, Beverly Roberts honored at The Arc Morris Gala | |
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The Arc of NJ's Executive Director Tom Baffuto was honored with the William R. Testa Distinguished Service Award at The Arc Morris Gala on May 22. Additionally, The Arc of NJ's long-time Mainstreaming Medical Care Director Beverly Roberts posthumously received the Gail Paradise Distinguished Caregiver Award. Congratulations to both Tom and Bev on these very well deserved honors.
Pictured above from left to right: The Arc of NJ's Board President Kevin Sturges, Executive Director Tom Baffuto, Senator Anthony Bucco, and The Arc of NJ's Senior Director Sharon Levine.
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Sharon Levine, The Arc of NJ's Senior Director of Governmental Affairs and Communications, served as emcee for The Arc Morris Gala. The event was held at the Birchwood Manor in Hanover Township.
Pictured above from left to right: The Arc of NJ's Senior Director Sharon Levine, Executive Director Tom Baffuto, and The Arc Morris Executive Director Sal Moran.
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Self-Advocate Barbara Coppens Honored by PLAN NJ | |
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Congratulations to Self-Advocate Barbara Coppens who was honored by PLAN NJ at their 2024 Celebration of Abilities on May 22 at The Palace at Somerset Park. Barb received the Outstanding Advocate Award for her years and years of advocacy speaking up for herself and others with intellectual and developmental disabilities living across New Jersey and the United States. Barb is an active member of many advocacy groups and committees and it was wonderful to see her recognized. Pictured from left to right is Barbara Coppens, New Jersey Self Advocacy Project Director Erin Smithers, The Arc of NJ's Associate Executive Director Celine Fortin, and Disability Rights NJ's Jill Hoegel.
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The Arc of NJ Celebrates 75th Anniversary with Awards Gala | |
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In honor of our 75th Anniversary, The Arc of New Jersey will host a celebration honor our past and recognize incredible leaders and advocates who have done so much to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The event will take place on Thursday, June 13th, at The Imperia in Somerset. Information is now available at https://bit.ly/TheArcNJ75th or scan the QR code below.
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Congratulations to our 75th Anniversary honorees
Pam Corrigan
Legacy of Volunteerism Award
Barbara Coppens
Legacy of Self-Advocacy Award
Leone Murphy
Beverly Roberts Memorial Healthcare Advocacy Award
Hinkle Prior & Fischer
Legacy of Community Service Award
Laura Williams
Legacy of Leadership Award
The Legacy Families of The Arc
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Chapters Host Spring Events and Celebrations | | |
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The Arc of Atlantic County hosted their Celebrate! event at The Deck at The Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel and Marina on May 30. The Arc of NJ's Executive Director Tom Baffuto had a wonderful time at the great event.
Congratulations to The Arc of Cape May on their Sip into Spring event which was held at the Cape May Winery on May 3. The Arc of NJ's Executive Director Tom Baffuto is pictured below with representatives from the Chapter.
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Congratulations to The Arc of Bergen and Passaic Counties on their Shining Stars Chef Dinner which was held at the White Beeches Country Club in Haworth on May 7. The event included incredible food prepared by world class chefs. The Arc of NJ's Executive Director Tom Baffuto is pictured above, left, with representatives from the Chapter. | |
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Local Chapters of The Arc Host Annual Step Up Walks | |
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Pictured above is The Arc of Bergen and Passaic Counties who held their walkathon event on May 19, at the Olsen Park/Bogota Recreation Center.
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Pictured above is The Arc of Camden 5k Run and Walkathon which was held May 18, at the John Adler Memorial Park at Challenge Grove. | |
Pictured above is The Arc of Ocean's Step Up for The Arc event which was held May 28, at the Jersey Shore BlueClaws Stadium. | |
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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