Blogs

On Saturday, September 14th, the Arc of Monmouth celebrated a major milestone: its 75th anniversary. The Founders Day Celebration was held at Rising Treetops in Oakhurst where the organization honored its decades of service and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With a day packed full of family-friendly activities, heartfelt speeches, and the shared joy of participants, staff, and volunteers, the event underscored the Arc’s enduring mission to support individuals with disabilities and their families.

We speak with Leone Murphy, who through years of leadership in The Arc of Monmouth's Health Services has helped to transform the lives of people with IDD and build a more inclusive and supportive healthcare landscape for those with IDD.

We are proud to celebrate 75 Years of advocating for and serving those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. So much has happened in those 75 years and we would love to share our favorite moments with you!

The 2024 Arc Awards took place on June 18, 2024 at the Middletown Arts Center. Click to learn more about award winners and the presentation.

The Arc of Monmouth returns for the 55th anniversary of its annual Winter Glow this December. Learn what to expect at the 2021 Winter Glow!

It is with deep appreciation that we recognize our essential workers, The Arc of Monmouth's heroes!

The Arc of Monmouth’s day center project is underway. Learn more about what the remodel will bring, including new programs, job openings, and donor opportunities.

Joining together for a night of relaxation, laughter, and YOGA!

The Arc of Monmouth is happy to celebrate our oldest resident, Frances Clark, on his 90th birthday!

The Kach Program graduates from the Class of 2020 and 2021 gathered for their graduation ceremony this past May. Learn more about the inspirational event here.

Discover why raising awareness for autism is so important and how The Arc of Monmouth helps individuals explore their passions by reading one drummer’s story.

We couldn't resist celebrating by participating in National Pizza Party Day. We are so grateful to be back and have our programs up and running again for moments like this!

The Arc of Monmouth is preparing for the 2021 Golf Classic fundraising event. Discover how to participate and improve the lives of those with I/DD.

Mallory Rivers, a vocational counselor at The Arc of Monmouth’s Work Opportunity Center, recently pushed for ramp installation at Hance Park.

Student's in The Achievement Zone's Advanced Cooking class are loving it and seeing amazing results.

The Arc of Monmouth has updated and enhanced their website.

Click to read the latest update regarding program reopening dates and a vaccination plan.

Update from the Executive Director, Bob Angel, regarding in-person day programs and the Work Opportunity Center closing temporarily to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Click the Youtube link to view the recording of The Arc's Virtual Celebration of Life held on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 in memory of Donna Barry, Skeets Chamberlin, Cheryl Graham, Richard Kramer, Bob Schwoerer, and Denise Terranova.

A brief summary of safety protocols and timeline for reopening in-person programs at The Arc of Monmouth.

Members from Monmouth Park Charity Fund came to The Arc Center on Monday, July 13 to present at $13,750 check for grant funding to purchase sensory room equipment for The Arc of Monmouth.

The Arc of Monmouth continues to plan for re-opening of programs. This letter outlines the current status of those plans as we await further instruction and guidelines from the state.

The Arc of the US recently released the following statement which I wanted to share with you, on the need for swift and substantial action in our society and from our nation’s leaders to dismantle racism, end discrimination, and to honor, protect, and enforce the civil and human rights of all people.

“The ongoing violence and police brutality against Black and Brown people in our country is unacceptable. We stand in solidarity with every person and community that is appalled by the homicide of George Floyd, and so many others before him. We stand in solidarity too with those who are taking action against the systemic racism that underlies this behavior. Racist attitudes and behavior should have no place in America.

“Tragically, the historical and everyday reality is that the lives and humanity of people of color, and members of other marginalized communities, are too often not valued and respected. The Arc renews its own commitment to social justice and the dismantling of the systems of oppression and discrimination that further this violence and neglect.

“We all must step up and speak out, including our nation’s leaders, to uphold the rights of communities of color to be free from over policing, police brutality, misconduct, harassment, and racism. To be silent is to be complicit,” said Peter Berns, CEO, The Arc.  

The Arc NJ Executive Director, Tom Baffuto released this statement detailing the response to coronavirus and the rigorous safety precautions taken by the New Jersey Arc chapters including The Arc of Monmouth to keep our served individuals and staff as healthy as possible.

Letter to caregivers from Assistant Executive Director, Ann Marie McGoldrick regarding COVID-19 updates to The Arc of Monmouth's programs.

March 13, 2020

The Arc of Monmouth will be closing all Day Programs as of close of business today Friday March 13, 2020. We anticipate being closed, at minimum, the full week of March 16th-20th. We will keep you informed as we make decisions on re-opening. Please check our website and social media pages for continued and frequent information dissemination.

Website - www.arcofmonmouth.org Facebook - www.facebook.com/thearcofmonmouth

Thank you, for your anticipated cooperation.

Ann Marie McGoldrick
Assistant Executive Director

A letter to caregivers regarding protocols for the prevention of the spread of contagious illness, including the novel coronavirus COVID-19. The safety and health of our served individuals and staff are our highest priority. Please click to read more.

A great article about the funding crisis to increase DSP wages and new efforts in the NJ Senate.

News article from Asbury Park Press covering the cadet graduation ceremony on 2/12/20.

Monmouth County is the first in New Jersey to launch a unique training opportunity through a collaboration between The Arc of NJ, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, and local police departments. Five recruits will complete a four month internship in municipalities throughout the county to build employment skills.

Special congratulations to Nick V., a former Kach grad from The Arc of Monmouth who has been interested in pursuing a career in the criminal justice field.

PILLARS
The Arc of Monmouth strives to provide supports and services to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to maximize their independence and engagement with the community. To continue providing the highest quality care and resources, The Arc has reorganized to develop the Pillars Department, which broadly encompasses those services that focus on promoting independence and community inclusion.

Learn more about some of the Pillars Programs:

Kach (Keep Achieving) at Brookdale Community College provides a three-year inclusive college experience to young adults with disabilities. Each year, six new students are accepted through a competitive application process, complete with an admission interview. Kach students attend classes taught by Arc instructors, and audit regular Brookdale courses alongside a peer mentor. Kach students are encouraged to get involved with all aspects of campus life including student clubs and activities.

The Achievement Zone (TAZ) provides prevocational training and community inclusion opportunities to young adults. TAZ offers greater flexibility for participants compared to a traditional day program. Participants can choose which offerings meet their interests and needs and may attend one day each week up to all five days. Daily offerings cover an array of activities, such as drama and creative arts, community service opportunities, day trips, gardening, technology and job clubs.

The Arc’s Independent Living Program provides individualized services for individuals with I/DD who are living in the community, but may need additional support services to sustain themselves in their current housing situation. Staff meet one-on-one to help teach specific life skills like grocery shopping, laundry, money management, setting up appointments, etc. The Arc also has Supervised Apartments where residents live in their own apartment independently, but Arc staff are nearby 24/7 and can make regular check-ins.

The Recreation program offers a variety of social and recreational programs for individuals with I/DD at various ability levels. All programs are supervised by staff and/or dedicated volunteers. Each season, a new “Recreation Banner” is published listing all the upcoming fun activities and community outings. There’s something for everyone ranging from low-key movie nights to Special Olympics sports to full weekend getaways.

If you have any questions or would like additional information on any of the aforementioned programs, please contact Matt Brady, Director of Pillars at mbrady@arcofmonmouth.org.

TINTON FALLS – March 28, 2019 – Robert Angel, Holmdel, was named acting executive director for The Arc of Monmouth, effective immediately, announced Father Hank Hilton, president of The Arc’s board of directors.

A member of The Arc’s board of directors for the past four years, Angel has had a distinguished career in healthcare, spanning 40 years on three continents. He has served as CEO of a large public hospital in his native England and, more recently, as president and CEO of a global medical device business based in New Jersey.

“Bob Angel has a deep understanding of the complexities of the various healthcare delivery systems and has consistently demonstrated a robust commitment to The Arc, its staff and the people we serve,” said Father Hilton. “The leadership, development, and management experience he brings to the table will serve this agency well.”

The Arc of Monmouth is the largest provider of services and supports for individuals with Down syndrome, autism, and other forms of intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Monmouth County.

The Arc provides a lifelong continuum of services for more than 1,600 individuals in locations throughout the county, including group homes and independent and assisted living apartments, center and community-based employment programs, behavioral healthcare, adult day programs, college achievement classes, recreation and family support services.

The Arc is committed to assisting people with I/DD thrive in every aspect of their lives, believing that people with disabilities are defined by their individual strengths, abilities and dreams – not by their challenges.

To learn more, please call (732) 493-1919 or visit www.arcofmonmouth.org.

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EDITOR’S NOTE:

“The Arc” is NOT an acronym. Please use “The Arc of Monmouth, ”not “The ARC” and never “ARC.”

NJ's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) recently published their newest timeline for 2018 Graduates who will be aging out of the school system at the end of this school year. The DDD enrollment/eligibility process can seem overwhelming, but planning as early as possible for the future will help eliminate some of the stress. There are many resources available. We encourage families and young adults with I/DD to take advantage of transition fairs, workshops, and visit PlanningforAdultLife.org for many online resources. As always, please reach out to The Arc of Monmouth for all of your transition questions. We are happy to guide and support you through this process.

The Solar Eclipse on Monday, Aug 21 poses dangers to vision. Do NOT look directly at the sun without special eye protection for risk of causing permanent damage. This flyer is from The Arc of NJ.

A breakdown of museums, theaters, and activities that offer accommodations for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other intellectual/developmental disabilities.

An increase for Direct Support Professionals is included in the Budget bill, but we need to make sure it stays in! The Senate and Assembly will vote on Thursday, so we need you to act now!

The New Jersey Children's System of Care, which serves children and youth up to age 21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is now accepting requests from families for financial assistance toward the 2017 summer camp session.

Register now for these informative sessions and preview some more family seminars we have coming up this spring!