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Grateful for 2024 Victories & Plans for 2025 Advocacy | |
 | | With 2024 almost in the rearview mirror, I want to take this opportunity to reflect back on the incredible work of advocates across the State who play such a vital role in the work that we do. It is difficult sometimes to stop and acknowledge each victory because we are so quick to move on to the next challenge that lays before us. But now is the perfect time to pause and be grateful for all we've achieved. Whether it's a State Budget with new money that allows for needed services and supports for people with IDD and their families, or legislative initiatives that benefit those we care about, it's important that we recognize the impact we have when we come together in a collective voice. As we look ahead to 2025, we must be prepared to push back against any potential cuts to Medicaid which is the lifeline program for people with intellectual and developmental disability and a must-have for anyone needing services through the Division of Developmental Disabilities. As Congress convenes after the holiday to make budget and tax decisions, it's critical for them to understand what Medicaid means for a person with IDD. That is why we need you to stand beside us for any fights that lay ahead. I encourage you to learn more, stay connected and be prepared for what comes next. United, we can be a strong force for our community.
I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year.
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Thomas Baffuto
Executive Director
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After 'Patrice: The Movie,' Self-Advocates Contact Lawmakers on Marriage Equality Legislation | |
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Last month, Self-Advocates gathered at The Arc of Middlesex County to watch "Patrice: The Movie," and then write letters to congressional representatives about abolishing marriage penalties. The film features Patrice Jetter and her fiance Garry. They want to get married, but they risk losing their benefits if they do so. As part of the event, hosted by the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project, Self-Advocates sent letters to their representative in Congress about the importance of the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act and the Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults Act. To learn more about the film, click here. To connect with NJSAP about future advocacy opportunities, click here. You can also participate in current action alerts on marriage equality by clicking here and here.
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The Arc of NJ Leadership Institute Concludes, Participants Present Capstone Projects | |
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In November, The Arc of New Jersey Leadership Institute concluded with the presentation of Capstone Projects and a graduation ceremony. The Institute, which began in April, was a leadership development training program for rising leaders of The Arc of New Jersey and Local County Chapters. The approach was hands-on, dealing with real world situations faced by leaders of Local Chapters, and it included opportunities to apply new skills and insights. To finish out the program, participants presented Capstone Projects. The Arc of New Jersey congratulates all 27 graduates who are pictured above at the Education Law Center in New Brunswick.
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The Arc of NJ's Executive Director Honored by The Arc Mercer | The Arc of New Jersey congratulates Executive Director Tom Baffuto who received the Lifetime Achievement Award from The Arc of Mercer County at their 2024 Fall Gala on November 15. In addition, The Arc of Mercer is dedicating a group home in Hamilton Township in Tom's name. This is an incredible honor! | |  |
The Arc of Warren County Celebrates 70th Anniversary with Gala | Congratulations to The Arc of Warren County on their 70th Anniversary Gala which was held last month at the Panther Valley Golf & Country Club. The Arc of New Jersey's Executive Director Tom Baffuto was honored to serve as the evening's emcee. The event included entertainment by the Grober Kemble Trio, a silent auction, an elegant sit-down dinner and more. | | |
Execs from Essex & Middlesex Honored at Nat'l Convention | |
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The Arc of NJ congratulates Linda Lucas, CEO at The Arc of Essex County, who received the Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award, and Frank Adu, CEO at The Arc of Middlesex County, who received the Executive Excellence Award, at the NCE Awards Luncheon at The Arc National Convention in Columbus, Ohio last month. Pictured above are the New Jersey representatives who attended the National Convention.
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Special Olympics NJ Hosts Awards Dinner Celebration | The Arc of New Jersey's Executive Director Tom Baffuto, pictured left, was honored to attend the Special Olympics New Jersey 2024 Night of Champions event which was held on November 22, at the Hyatt Regency Princeton. The evening was a celebration of achievements and award winners and we congratulate everyone who was recognized. | | |
Governor Murphy Recognizes Family Caregivers Month | The Arc of New Jersey thanks Governor Murphy for recognizing November as Family Caregivers Month. We want to acknowledge the incredible commitment and devotion of family members who do so much to support and care for their loved one with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To learn more about resources and assistance for families, click here. | | |
At National Conference, Planning for Adult Life Director Shares Tools and Insights on Transition
Jerisa Maseko, Director of the Planning for Adult Life Program, led a workshop titled, "Planning for Transition: Helping Parents of Students in Special Education Get the Most of Their High School Experience," at the Association for Middle-Level Education's (AMLE) annual conference held in Nashville last month. In her session, Jerisa underscored the critical importance of initiating adulthood planning early for students in special education. She shared strategies to increase student decision-making and self-determination, develop effective transition goals, and maximize high school entitlements to build a strong foundation for adulthood. The AMLE is the premier international organization dedicated to middle school educators.
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It's Not Too Late to Support The Arc of New Jersey | |
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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!
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Upcoming Webinars with the
NJ Self-Advocacy Project
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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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