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The Arc of NJ Celebrates
75th Anniversary
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This spring, The Arc of New Jersey will reach an incredible milestone: 75 years of service and advocacy on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. What began with a small group of families fighting for a system of supports where none existed, is now a vast and comprehensive grassroots network. At The Arc of New Jersey, we are honored to carry on the incredible legacy of those first families and each day as we work to fulfill our mission, we remember their struggles and weave it into everything we do. Our success as an organization is based on the passionate and reverberating voice of our grassroots. Each advocacy win to improve services, to make New Jersey the best possible place to live for a person with an intellectual or developmental disability, it can all be traced back to the power of our grassroots and the collective voice that carries our message. I am looking forward to celebrating our 75th Anniversary in a variety of ways throughout the coming year. Stay tuned for more details on what we have planned. In the meantime, keep using your voice and supporting the disability movement. We can effect great change with you by our side.
Thomas Baffuto
Executive Director, The Arc of NJ
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The Arc of NJ Connects with Governor & Commissioners at State of the State Address | |
In January, The Arc of New Jersey's Executive Director Tom Baffuto was honored to attend the Governor's State of the State Address in Trenton and speak with the Governor and members of the Administration at a reception following the speech. Also last month, The Arc of New Jersey supported several pieces of legislation. These bills focused on affordable housing, guardianship, employment for people with IDD, and transportation. With the new legislative session underway, The Arc of NJ is down in the capital for all the relevant committee meetings and hearings. | |
From left to right: Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlin Baston, The Arc of NJ's Executive Director Tom Baffuto, and Department of Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. | |
From left to right: The Arc of NJ's Executive Director Tom Baffuto with Governor Phil Murphy | |
The Arc of NJ Launches Redesigned Website! | |
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The Arc of New Jersey is excited to unveil our newly redesigned website! It's a new year and we are bringing you a new web site that reflects that needs of our web site visitors. The redesigned pages will help individuals and families find the information they are seeking. Our site is also a great place to learn more about the resources and assistance we offer. Carried over from our previous site is our Accessibility Toolbar to ensure all visitors can engage with our site. We encourage you to visit our redesigned site and spend some time going through the pages and learning more about our organization. You can visit us at: www.arcnj.org.
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Save the Date: NJ Self-Advocacy Network Spring Luncheon | |
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Keep an eye out for upcoming registration information for The New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocacy Network's 18th Annual NJ Self-Advocacy Network Spring Luncheon. This year's theme is A World of Opportunities and the event will take place via Zoom on Saturday, April 13. A luncheon website with additional details, including the names of this year's award winners, will be available soon.
Also, March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! The New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project will host a contest in recognition of the occasion so keep an eye out for more details in the coming days. The theme of this year’s contest is: “This is What Self-Advocacy Looks Like”. Participants are invited to create a short video that incorporates the theme. To learn more about The Arc of NJ's Self-Advocacy Project, visit our website.
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Katy Neas Pens First Message as New CEO of The Arc US | |
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FROM THE CEO:
Throughout my 35-year career in the disability field, I have greatly admired The Arc for its powerful advocacy and the extensive impact of its chapter network on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. As I now take the helm as CEO, I’m eager to listen and learn from every corner of this community—and that starts with our chapters.
I came to Washington, DC for college, never expecting to make it my home. I was lucky to land a job with Senator Tom Harkin, from my home state of Iowa. I was even luckier when he tasked me to the Senate’s Subcommittee on Disability Policy, where, under the direction of my dear friend and mentor Bobby Silverstein, I worked on the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act. At that time, I was introduced to The Arc, alongside other fierce advocates and caring providers, who taught me about the issues and the passion and persistence it takes to drive progress. To continue reading, click here.
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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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Upcoming In-Person & Virtual Events | |
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Check out our calendar for future events.
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