The Arc of Bergen and Passaic Counties

01/23/2026

Please join us in celebrating Devon Bursey, a dedicated client at Hoehne Rehabilitation Center, and his incredible Job Coach, Billy DeMarco. Devon has just achieved an amazing milestone — he’s been hired at Family Dollar!
This accomplishment reflects his hard work, perseverance, and the power of strong support. With Billy by his side every step of the way, Devon has shown what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.
Stories like Devon’s remind us why community inclusion and vocational support matter so much. They open doors, build confidence, and help individuals shine in the workplaces where they truly belong.
Congratulations, Devon, on this exciting new chapter — we’re all so proud of you!

01/23/2026

My life Journey
How did I get into a Group Home
By Frank Lilpoeta Fernandez

It’s funny how a movie like
Sound of Hope:
The Story of Possum Trot
Began to resonate with me
Before I moved to Group Home.
..in the Fall of 2014
I began to realize that I needed help.
There’s a line in the movie
Began to download in my life.
This famous Quote became iconic in my life.
“You don’t have a testimony until you go through stuff. You have to go through the test to have a testimony."
Bishop W.C. Martin

Another Quote That became my favorite
"Give me a kid that nobody wants. Give me the one that’s been through the most. Give me the one that’s been tossed aside, because that’s the one that needs the most love."
Bishop W.C. Martin
..In 2015
God blessed me with social Workers and as I was being interviewed by Group Home agents.
I began to notice a shift in living environments.
God blessed me with the people who I am about to expose because of their Tremendous love

1.Elder Jean Galloway
2.Ed Testa
3.Pastor Mario Gonzalez
4.Pastor Donald St Hilaire
Lastly
5.Jim Bishop

The Last Person that believed in me and by far is my sister Lee Vargas.
..When January 10th 2016 came
The Group Home Agency began to say
Congratulations.
Mr Frank Fernandez
You have been approved by The Arc of Bergen and Passaic Counties.

I began to cry.

There is a Spanish song called Adorare by Anita Colon
There is a part in the song
Conmigo bueno él ha sido
He has been good to me.

Su misericordia sobre mí
His mercy upon me.

So 10 years later
I’m still blessed
Living in a Group Home.

01/23/2026

Join The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute
on Thursday, January 29th at 6:30 pm for a virtual tour of the Center for Adult Transition at Passaic County Community College
Register here: bit.ly/virtualtourpassaic

01/21/2026

📱Support is just a call away!
🗣️ NJ Department of Human Services' Help Line for Caregivers of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Call 1-833-NJ-ADULT daily - 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

01/21/2026

DDD 2026 Transition Thursdays Monthly Webinar Series
Transition Thursdays occur every 2nd and 3rd Thursday of the Month
Register at www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddd/ individuals/transition/transitionevents.shtml

2nd Thursdays, 6–7 p.m.
February 12: Feb. 12 Transition to Adult Services and DDD Intake Process
March 12: Mar. 12 Transition to Adult Services and DDD Intake Process
May 14: May 14 Transition to Adult Services and DDD Intake Process
June 11: June 11 Transition to Adult Services and DDD Intake Process

3rd Thursdays, 12–1 p.m.
February 19: An Overview of SSI and Medicaid for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
March 19: An Overview of the Division of Disability Services (DDS)

Quarterly:
January 22, 6–7:30 pm: Register for Jan. 22 Evening Welcome Session with Topic Breakouts

April 2, 12–1 pm: Register for April 2 Lunchtime Welcome Session
April 23, 6–7:30 pm: Register for April 23 Evening Welcome Session with Topic Breakouts

July 2, 12–1 pm: Register for July 2 Lunchtime Welcome Session
July 23, 6–7:30 pm: Register for July 23 Evening Welcome Session with Topic Breakouts

01/20/2026

After the Sentence: Reentry Realities for People with IDD
Date: Tuesday, January 27th, 2026
Time: 2:00–3:00 PM (EST)

Join The Arc of New Jersey Criminal Justice Advocacy Program (CJAP) for a powerful and solutions-focused webinar examining how discriminatory discipline and placement practices operate in K–12 public schools, how they fuel the school-to-prison pipeline, and what educators, advocates, attorneys, and policymakers can do to disrupt them.

This session will ground participants in civil rights frameworks, current legal and advocacy strategies, and practical pathways toward creating school environments that are not only compliant, but genuinely safe, inclusive, and robust for all students.

To register visit: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5lWkuPwuRPSz3yREsWthcg #/registration

01/20/2026

Spot the Scams!
The Social Security Administration is teaming up with the Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission to host a FREE webinar to discuss the most common government imposter scams. In 2024, Americans lost nearly $13 billion to fraud, with imposter scams being the most frequently reported. Don’t miss this opportunity to safeguard yourself and your community. Please join on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ET to learn more.

During the session, we will cover:
How to spot and avoid government imposter scams
Data and trends
Free resources to help you protect yourself and your clients

For more information, please visit the event page:
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/events/2026/01/how-avoid-government-imposter-scams

01/19/2026

01/19/2026

Our South Bergen Adult Day Program had a great time at Medieval Times. A spectacular tournament and delicious feast!

01/19/2026

Lost in Transition: Understanding 'Failure to Thrive' In Teens and Young Adults with IDD
Wednesday, January 21, 2026; 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Register HERE: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1300897528862007639

Sometimes it feels like a teen or young adult with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) just- stops moving forward or making progress. Maybe they’ve lost interest in things they used to enjoy, struggle with motivation, or seem stuck in routines that no longer work for them.

Join NJSAP to look at why this happens, learn how to spot the signs early, and ways families, educators, and support teams can help young people re-engage, build confidence, and find new paths forward. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, teacher, or provider, you’ll leave with tools, hope, and a better understanding of how to support continued growth during this tricky stage of life.

Topics include:
What “failure to thrive” can look like in teens and young adults with IDD
Why some individuals hit a plateau — and how to respond
The role of mental health, independence, and life transitions
Strategies to reignite motivation and progress
Ways to work together as a support team

01/18/2026

Wednesday, January 21st – Travel & Tourism for All: Best Practices & Trends for Customers with Disabilities

Register HERE: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/hvbfavd

Join the ADA National Network for a FREE webinar from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. People with disabilities in the US spend billions of dollars annually on travel, but many report having issues related to their accessibility needs. What types of issues are travelers with disabilities facing, and how do we make them feel more welcomed? Join Craig Kennedy, Program Coordinator and Trainer with the Open Doors Organization, for an informative webinar on best practices for making businesses more accessible, as well current trends for travelers with disabilities.