The Arc of Bergen and Passaic Counties

12/12/2025

Last night we had an incredible evening at our Holiday Dinner Dance. A heartfelt thank you to our generous supporters, dedicated representatives and board members. None of what we do would be possible without you!
We celebrated our staff, whose passion and commitment make our mission a reality. Most importantly, we joined together as a community to honor our consumers who continue to inspire us every single day. Here’s to creating opportunities, inclusion, and joy for all in the year ahead!

12/11/2025

The first few years of a child’s life are the most critical for development. Early childhood intervention provides support for children who may be experiencing developmental delays or disabilities—helping them reach their fullest potential.

Benefits of Early Intervention at The Arc Child Center:
Boosts Development: Helps children improve language, motor, and social skills during the most formative years.
Empowers Families: Gives parents tools and strategies to support their child’s growth, and to connect with other parents who understand.
Builds Confidence: Children gain skills and playful exposure to a classroom setting, which helps ease the transition to school or ABA services.
If you know a child or family who might benefit, encourage them to contact Evy Stein by phone: (201)644-0304 or email: estein@arcbp.com for information or to register at The Arc's Child Center: Where Every Child Is Welcome!

12/11/2025

With unanimous bipartisan support, the NJ Assembly passed my bill A4642 this week, giving families caring for loved ones with developmental disabilities the much-needed flexibility to save unused after-school care hours for holidays and weekends.

For years, I’ve been a loud advocate for improving New Jersey’s respite care services, from increasing monthly hours to securing millions in DCF funding. Caretaking is often a 24/7 commitment, an emotionally and physically taxing one at that, and our families deserve relief, support, and the accommodations to manage the intense challenges they face.

I’m grateful my colleagues recognized the importance of this bill, and I look forward to seeing it advance to the Senate.

12/09/2025

What makes someone devote 41 years to a single organization? For Joanne, it is the deep connections she's made with her consumers and co-workers at the Hoehne Rehabilitation Center. We're so grateful for Joanne's dedication. Read more about what keeps Joanne going every day:

12/08/2025

H.R. 1, formerly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, will have major implications for New Jersey’s Medicaid program, NJ FamilyCare. This webinar will equip advocates with the information they need to understand and respond.

Experts from the Garden State Coalition for Care will provide a high-level overview of H.R. 1, outlining its origins, major provisions, and its direct and indirect impacts on older adults and people with disabilities, and their caregivers. The presentation will highlight how funding restrictions and new administrative requirements could limit access to optional Medicaid services, including services that support people remaining in their homes and communities.

Speakers will also examine implications for the Medicaid expansion population, including work requirements, eligibility redeterminations, and cost sharing provisions. The presentation will conclude with state-level strategies and advocacy opportunities to protect access to care, followed by time for Q&A.

This webinar is created specifically for advocates. There will be a second webinar in the new year on H.R.1 with content geared towards individuals and families.

Register
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QgFyEw5kRc2tG54QjcYnwA #/registration

12/06/2025

Protecting Care: What New Jersey Advocates Need to Know About H.R. 1

Join experts from The Garden State Coalition for Care on December 11 for a high-level, informative webinar on H.R.1 (previously known as One Big Beautiful Bill) and its significant impact on New Jersey's Medicaid program: NJ Family Care.

This webinar will provide advocates with essential insights, help them to understand how H.R.1 will affect healthcare access for our communities, and give NJ specific strategies & advocacy opportunities to protect access to care. It’s crucial that we are equipped to respond and advocate effectively.

Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QgFyEw5kRc2tG54QjcYnwA #/registration

This webinar is created specifically for advocates. There will be a second, more accessible webinar in the new year on H.R.1 with content geared towards individuals and families.

12/06/2025

Email from NAMI New Jersey Join us for this free webinar! Someone to Call: How 988 Supports New Jerseyans in Crisis Join us for this free webinar!   Wednesday, December 10, 2025 7 - 8 p.m. ET NAMI NJ

12/05/2025

Fifty years ago today, IDEA changed everything. Today we join our fellow advocates in honoring this law by condemning the use of words that are disrespectful and demeaning. Belonging Matters!

12/05/2025

Do you like to skate?
Right in Passaic County. Give it a try! You may like it 😏

12/05/2025

🎁 Join us on Sunday, December 14th for Holiday with the Animals! This is a FREE event. Come get your photo taken with Santa from 10am-2pm and then stick around to follow our zookeepers give our exhibit animals holiday enrichment at 2:30pm!

🖌️ We’ll also have crafts in the Wolf Cabin at 11:30am, 12:30pm, and 1:30pm!

❄️ And now that the holiday season is approaching, consider checking out our Amazon Wishlist to see what our animals want for the holidays: www.FriendsofBergenCountyZoo.org/wishlist !

12/05/2025

12/05/2025