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.
Kevin Sturges Elected New Board President
The Arc of New Jersey is excited to welcome Kevin Sturges as the new Board President, effective July 1, 2021. Prior to this role, Kevin served as our organization's First Vice President and the Chair of our Governmental Affairs Committee. We would also like to recognize Joanne Bergin who concluded her four years as President on June 30. We thank her for the outstanding leadership and her commitment to those we represent. In addition, we are pleased to announce the following individuals will serve as our organization's Executive Committee:
Karen Murphy, First Vice President
Lauren Zalepka, Second Vice President
Pamela Corrigan, Treasurer
Members-at-Large include: Andy Sharick, Marnie McNany, S. Paul Prior, Charles Pinto, Steve Shallop, Robert Hage, and Joanne Bergin, Immediate Past President
We look forward to continuing our advocacy work with Kevin's leadership and advancing the organization and our mission under his direction.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy at Rutgers
Rutgers Center for Psychological Services will be offering virtual Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). PCIT is a highly effective therapy for children ages 2-6 with behavioral issues. The clinic offers sliding scale fees making this a very affordable option – The clinic will work to accommodate any financial need. 
Families can find out more information by emailing Rachel Hoffman at rh675@gsapp.rutgers.edu or by contacting the clinic directly at clinic@gsapp.rutgers.edu.
DCF/HSAC Needs Assessment Results
The Department of Children and Families and the county Human Service Advisory Councils have released the results of their 2020-2021 Needs Assessment. The results include county-by-county breakdowns, research protocols, and the use of the findings. It covers topics such as barriers to services, areas of need, and successes achieved. You can read detailed findings of the Needs Assessment HERE, or click the button below to watch the recorded webinar presentation.
Zoom With Us Workshop Rescheduled!
Our August 24th Zoom With Us has been rescheduled to Tuesday, September 28th.

Accessing Services Funded by DDD
Tuesday, September 28th, 2021
6:00 - 7:00 pm

This session will be hosted by the Director of The Family Institute, Lisa Ford. Lisa will provide an overview of the available services funded by DDD, along with how to access them. Attendees can also expect to learn about the DDD Supports Program, and how it promotes independent living in the community for people with IDD. Frequently asked questions will be addressed, but attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions of their own.

This is an online event. After you register, you will receive the link to join the meeting a few days before the event.
Increased Access to Legal Services for Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
The New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) has partnered with the Community Health Law Project (CHLP) to expand access to legal services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. These services can help provide much-needed legal assistance in disputes regarding health insurance, public assistance, family issues, and other issues.

“We are very excited to be taking this step toward ensuring the important legal needs of deaf and hard of hearing individuals with lower incomes are being addressed,” Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Executive Director Elizabeth Hill said. “It is critical that those in need have access to the same services as their peers that permit them to live full and fair lives.”
Kids Corner
15th Annual Walk n' Roll for Children's Specialized Hospital
Join Children's Specialized Hospital on September 19th at Johnson Park in Piscataway for their 15th Annual Walk n' Roll fundraiser. CSH supports children with special healthcare needs, including individuals with IDD. You can also participate virtually by walking/rolling 50 miles during the month of September.
Navigating the System
Rent and Utility Assistance
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has created a search tool on their website to help families find financial assistance for rent, utilities, and other housing costs. If you lost employment or income due to the pandemic and are struggling with rent payments, you may be eligible.

State and local organizations are distributing federal rental assistance in their communities. The money can help landlords and renters who are struggling to keep up with rent and other bills.
FAQ Guide: Making Up Special Education Services If the Student Graduated at the End of the 2019-2020 School Year
Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ) and the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) have published a FAQ guide to help students who graduated in the 2019-2020 school year pursue compensatory education. When S3434 was signed into law, it extended IDEA services an additional year to students who graduated in the 2020-2021 school year. However, many students who graduated the year prior experienced school closures and did not receive a free, appropriate public education (FAPE). Although not covered by S3434, these students may still be eligible to receive compensatory education and related services, like the critical transition services they may have missed out on.
From Our Local Chapters of The Arc
The Arc Bark Fundraiser with The Arc of Gloucester County

Show your support of The Arc Gloucester with a free bandana for your pup! Place your order and they'll mail your bandana right to your doorstep. Post a photo of your dog in their new bandana on social media, and The Arc of Gloucester will repost it on their pages. Don't forget to tag The Arc of Gloucester in the post on Facebook @TheArcGloucesterNJ and on Instagram @thearcgloucester.
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute | 732.828.2022 | thefamilyinstitute@arcnj.org