- ABOUT US
- PROGRAMS
- NEWS
- YOU CAN HELP!
- CALENDAR
- CONTACT
Press
For past press coverage, CLICK HERE
2011
September 26-The Arc of Monmouth to host Lunch & Learn Series
September 23-Red Horse Gallery seeks Children’s Art
September 12 – Opportunity Knocks Cafe Opens at WOC
August 26 – How do you Spell Success? SCRABBLE!
August 23 – Who’s a Top Nonprofit? The Arc!
July 22 – Everything’s Coming Up Worms
July 21 – Red Horse Art Gallery to hold Meet the Artist Reception
July 12 - The Arc of Monmouth presents 3 August SCRABBLE Events in Monmouth County
June 21 – New Data Reveals Our Nation is Neglecting People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
June 3 – SCRABBLE by the SEA planned for August 20, 2011 in Asbury Park
May 24 – Red Horse Art Gallery’s 1st Art Auction
May 23 – May Walks Raise over $36,000 for The Arc of Monmouth
April 23 – The Walk is Almost Here!
April 19 – Breakfast Honors Employers & Contractors
April 14 – Red Horse Art Gallery to Hold First Auction
March 24 – Unveiling of New Sign at The Arc of Monmouth
March 1 – New Brand Identity for The Arc of Monmouth
February 22 – National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
The Arc of Monmouth to host Lunch & Learn Series
TINTON FALLS – (September 26, 2011)
In honor of “Caregiver’s Month” The Arc of Monmouth will host a Lunch & Learn series on October 27, November 3, and November 10 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. at The Arc of Monmouth, 1158 Wayside Road Tinton Falls, NJ. Families and caregivers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are invited to join us for a light lunch and hear the experts address issues that will impact them and their family member. There is no fee but registration is required. Series topics are:
- Internet Safety – October 27, 2011 Presented by: Detective Sergeant Robert Angelini, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Computer Crimes Unit
- The ABC’s of Permanent Disabiilty Benefits for Adults – November 3, 2011 Presented by: Madalyn Bick, Social Worker, The Arc of Monmouth
- How Working Affects Your Disability Benefits – November 10, 2010 Presented by: Gregory Makely, Project Director, NJ WINS, Family Resource Network
To register contact Madalyn Bick at (732) 493-1919 ext. 660 or mbick@arcofmonmouth.org.
September 23-Red Horse Gallery seeks Children’s Art
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — An art gallery located in Freehold Raceway Mall is seeking the works of local school children and veterans for an upcoming exhibit titled “Give Peace a Chance.”
The exhibit, to be held in the Red Horse Art Gallery, which is run by ARC of Monmouth County and typically features the work of artists who have disabilities, will be displayed from Nov. 8 through Dec. 2.
A “Meet the Artists” reception honoring members of the armed services will be held at the gallery from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10. The gallery is located on the upper level of the mall, next to Sears.
Those interested in participating in the exhibit or attending the reception should call the gallery at 732-866-0435 or send an e-mail to owen@arcofmonmouth.org by Friday, Oct. 14.
OPPORTUNITIES ON THE HORIZON AS OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS CAFÉ HOLDS GRAND OPENING
LONG BRANCH—September 2011: On the morning of September 12, the Opportunity Knocks Café located in The Arc of Monmouth’s Work Opportunity Center (WOC), 395 Warburton Place, Long Branch, held it’s grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.
“This has been a long time coming,” said Linda Porter, Director of Vocational Services for The Arc of Monmouth. “It seems like we’ve been working on this forever.”
In fact, this project has been in the works since 1997 when The New Jersey Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services announced a grant opportunity. In April of 2008 WOC was notified that they would receive the grant to fund the opening of the Cafe fully staffed and owned by individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Since then it has been a long and twisting path obtaining a contractor, getting permissions and permits from the town of Long Branch, finishing up construction, staffing, and working with the board of health.
However, on September 9th, it all came to fruition as Seth Kaplan, an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities that receives services at WOC and is the longest term employee of the café, cut the ribbon and the Opportunity Knocks Café was open for business.
Family, friends, and staff from The Arc of Monmouth all gathered to see the beautiful set up and be one of the first on line to order a delicious lunch.
According to the specifics of the grant, this will be an owner-operated business. It has been designed as a worker cooperative model guided by WOC. Opportunity Knocks at WOC will become a training resource for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Opportunity Knocks is ready to serve you lunch! Call 732-229-4414 for more information!
HOW DO YOU SPELL SUCCESS? SCRABBLE!
August 26, 2011—(TINTON FALLS) The Arc of Monmouth is thrilled to report that over 100 participants helped to make its inaugural SCRABBLE by the SEA series a resounding success. With three SCRABBLE events in Monmouth County this August, over $6,000 was raised for The Arc of Monmouth, a nonprofit agency that provides support and services to over 1,400 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
The main SCRABBLE event occurred on Saturday, August 20th at The Berkeley Hotel in Asbury Park. 80 players (divided into 3 categories based on age and skill level) competed for cash and door prizes. The top winners were Connie Creed of Philadelphia (Open Division), Lynne Cresitello of Whippany (Lite Division) and Aron Wiener of Loch Arbour (Junior Division).
The main event was preceded by two free Scrimmages/tip sessions NovelTeas (Red Bank) and Words! (Asbury Park). Main event moderator Jason Keller (recently ranked 19th at the National SCRABBLE Championships) taught tips and tools of the game at these sessions. More than 20 players attended each of these free sessions, which were designed to take away the fear of playing SCRABBLE in a public setting.
The success of this series is leading to the formation of a monthly SCRABBLE club and subsequent SCRABBLE fundraisers. For information about these events, please email bcolby@arcofmonmouth.org.
The Arc wishes to thank The Anabel Foundation (Event Sponsor), Applebees/Doherty Enterprises, First Community Bank of Asbury Park and Asbury Park Rotary Foundation (Rack Sponsors), and Taka Restaurant of Asbury Park and A-1 Party Rental (Tile Sponsors).
WHO’S A TOP NONPROFIT? THE ARC!
The Arc has been chosen as one of the top nonprofits working for people with disabilities by Philanthropedia, a subsidiary of GuideStar, a nonprofit organization working to make you aware of the highest impact nonprofits in a cause. The Arc was selected as one of eleven high-impact nonprofits in the disability field by a group of 79 experts, including foundation professionals, nonprofit senior staff, academics, and researchers.
So what, exactly, does it mean to be “high impact?” The experts at Philanthropedia evaluated each nonprofit based on their ability to carry out their mission, organizational strengths and, most importantly, evidence of the impact they are achieving on behalf of the people and communities they serve. According to one expert who reviewed The Arc’s submission, “The Arc is the nation’s touchstone for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. The Arc has become the national center for information dissemination. In addition, its leadership has committed itself to ensuring that Washington keeps people with disabilities in the forefront when making important employment, health care and related decisions.” That means donors and supporters can feel comfortable with The Arc, secure in the knowledge that this organization is adept at channeling that support into activities that truly have a “high impact” on the people they serve.
Philanthropedia, acquired by GuideStar in April 2011, is unique from other online rating sites or donation sites because they use experts to identify high-impact nonprofits. GuideStar is the industry leader in nonprofit data with information on more than 1.8 million nonprofits.
“We are honored to have received this distinction from Philanthropedia and GuideStar. For the last 60 years, The Arc has led the movement for improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In order to continue our mission, we need the support of donors, advocates, and dedicated professionals in the disability field, and this acknowledgement can only help us grow at all levels, nationally and in local communities across the country,” said Peter V. Berns, The Arc’s CEO.
Have you considered supporting The Arc? To read more about what experts in the field have to say about us, click on the Expert Reviews section on The Arc’s organization profile. And, check out www.thearc.org for more about what we do. We have been honored by BBB/Wise Giving Alliance and American Institute on Philanthropy and the recently released Charting Impact initiative as well. We’d love for you to join us!
EVERYTHING’S COMING UP WORMS
July 22, 2011 – Long Branch - New residents have moved in at The Arc of Monmouth’s Work Opportunity Center (WOC) in Long Branch and they are being welcomed with open arms as the individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) that receive services there are raising WORMS for profit!
Raising worms first began as a green project introduced by James Brown of the Monmouth County Planning Board Recycling Program to the WOC Self Advocate Group. The group enjoyed caring for the worms and watching them evolve. The initial worms were donated to the Seventh Avenue Community Garden in Long Branch.
Through research, Director of Vocational Services, Linda Porter learned that in addition to fishing bait, worms are valuable for their castings (waste) as well as aerating soil. With so many gardeners in the area, it was agreed that the sale of worms would be a wonderful way to raise additional funds for WOC.
This past winter, donations were sought to purchase two additional farms. Generous donors were eager to help and the farms were bought. There are now three active worm communities at WOC consisting of Red Wigglers and Night Crawlers. Three individuals with I/DD maintain the farms, but it is truly a group effort as the entire center gathers food for the worms which includes but is not limited to fruit peel and rinds, coffee grinds, peanut shells and moistened newspaper.
“I never thought I would be supervising the growth of worms, but it has really brought some of our individuals out of their shell, and given them new responsibility and pride in a job well done,” said Mrs. Porter. “They really care about these worms and want to succeed.”
The ultimate goal is to sell the worms, but first the communities must become established which will take about one year. Until then, this new project will continue to enhance the experience at The Arc of Monmouth’s Work Opportunity Center.
RED HORSE ART GALLERY TO HOLD “MEET THE ARTISTS” RECEPTION
July 21, 2011 – FREEHOLD – The Red Horse Art Gallery, a gallery which features the artwork of artists with disabilities located in the Freehold Raceway Mall, will hold a “Meet the Artists” reception on Thursday, August 4th, 2011 to recognize and celebrate the artistic talents of artist Christopher Miller, student artists from the Work Opportunity Center and artists from the South Brunswick Senior Center. This reception will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on August 4th. Light refreshments will be served and everyone is invited. The exhibit will be displayed at the Red Horse Gallery from August 1st through September 23rd.
The Red Horse Gallery is a program of The Arc of Monmouth, in collaboration with VSA New Jersey. It offers exhibits and open house gatherings for artists with disabilities and believes that “creativity has no limitations.” Art classes are offered to individuals with disabilities through grants from the Monmouth County Arts Council and other funding sources. VSA New Jersey is a part of the international VSA arts network, an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.
The Arc of Monmouth presents 3 August SCRABBLE Events in Monmouth County
July 12, 2011—(TINTON FALLS) The Arc of Monmouth is pleased to announce three SCRABBLE related events in August for players of all ages and skill levels. The main event, SCRABBLE by the SEA, will occur on Saturday, August 20th at The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park. This event is preceded by 2 free Scrimmages/tip sessions. All proceeds from this event will help to sustain The Arc of Monmouth, a nonprofit agency that provides support and services to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
As a warm-up to the August 20 event, two free scrimmages will be held to teach participants tips and tools of the game – Wednesday, August 3, 7:00 pm at NovelTeas (78 Bridge Ave, Red Bank – across from the RB Train Station) and Friday, August 12, 7:00 pm at Words! (612 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park).
SCRABBLE by the SEA is an event inclusive of all ages and skill levels. Coordinated under the guidance of The National SCRABBLE Association and SCRABBLE guru Jason Keller, this event will be organized into 3 divisions: OPEN (for expert players, and/or ratings over 1,000), LITE (for the casual player), and JUNIOR (for casual players 15 and under). Starting at 10:00 AM, players will complete three games against opponents with similar skill levels. After the third game, the top 5 players in each category will win cash and/or door prizes. Prize amounts will vary based on number of entrants.
The August 20th event begins with registration at 9:30 in the Kingsley Ballroom, although players are encouraged to pre-register online to take advantage of early bird prices: Open ($50), Lite ($35) and Junior ($20). Pre-register online at www.arcofmonmouth.org/scrabble, by phone at (732) 493-1919 ext. 125, or by mailing a check to The Arc of Monmouth-Scrabble, 1158 Wayside Road, Tinton Falls, NJ, 07712. For questions, or to inquire about high profile sponsorships, please email bcolby@arcofmonmouth.org.
New Data Reveals Our Nation is Neglecting People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Survey findings from human rights organization, The Arc, reveal nation’s efforts fail to provide fundamentals for individuals and families
TINTON FALLS (June 21, 2011) – Fifty years ago, President Kennedy called on the nation to bring people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) “out of the shadows,” to give them opportunities to lead productive, quality lives. Sadly, new data released last week from The Arc’s Families and Individual Needs for Disability Support (FINDS) survey shows efforts have plateaued and not nearly enough progress has been made to create these opportunities. While budget cuts and economic strain have hurt all Americans, the 7 million living with I/DD and their families are among the hardest hit, with access to needed services drastically reduced. In fact, 62 percent of caregivers reported a decrease in services for their family member with a disability. Meanwhile, budget proposals in Congress threaten to dismantle Medicaid, making it even harder for people with I/DD and their families to achieve.
The Arc, the nation’s largest and oldest human rights organization for the I/DD community serving more than a million individuals and their families, conducted a national survey of nearly 5,000 respondents on educational, housing, employment and support needs. The results of this landmark survey have been released in a new report, “Still in the Shadows with Their Future Uncertain.”
According to the FINDS survey, one-third of parents and caregivers (potentially 1 million families) reported that they are on waiting lists for government-funded services, with the average wait more than five years. The survey also found that the promise of integrated, community-based employment is not being met. In fact, 85 percent of families reported that their adult family members with I/DD are not employed at all. Opportunities for inclusive education, a pre-requisite for employment, are also not being met. Too few students are completing high school – in fact, 52 percent of families reported that their family member with I/DD left school without receiving a high school diploma.
“The Arc of Monmouth is working hard to meet the needs of the individuals with I/DD in the county, but there remains much unmet need. Families shoulder the burden when sufficient services are not available.” said Mary Scott, Executive Director.
The Arc of Monmouth serves more than 1,400 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with education, vocational training, residential services, health care, supported employment, recreation, social services, self-directed services and advocacy.
FINDS found more than 75 percent of families report problems accessing non-institutional community care, trained reliable homecare providers, services and resources. Families are shouldering tremendous financial strain as they’ve had to assume the financial and day-to-day support of their loved ones; many have even had to quit their jobs to stay home and provide care.
FINDS also revealed:
- 1 out of 5 families (20 percent) report that someone in the family had to quit a job to stay at home and support the needs of a family member.
- More than 80 percent of families reported not having enough retirement savings for their future as a result of using personal funds to compensate for the lack of services available to their loved ones.
- 62 percent of parents and caregivers don’t have a plan for where the person they support will live when the parent/caregiver gets older.
As a result of the report, The Arc is calling for more activism by people with I/DD and their families, launching a new effort to organize 1 million people to come out of the shadows and make their needs and concerns an issue in the 2012 elections.
To raise awareness surrounding the barriers those with I/DD face and how the organization can help individuals and families fully participate in society, The Arc has partnered with Lauren Potter, star of the hit FOX show “Glee.” As a successful actress with Down syndrome who is achieving her dreams, Lauren represents the spirit of The Arc’s work. Last week, The Arc and Potter kicked off a public service announcement television campaign.
The Arc “Achieve with Us” Contest
To encourage people with I/DD to share their stories of achievement, The Arc is conducting a national contest via their Facebook fan page. Until July 14, entrants can share a story and a photo highlighting the accomplishments of an individual with I/DD for the chance to receive a trip for two to Washington, D.C. For more information about the “Achieve with Us” contest, please visit www.facebook.com/thearcus.org For more information, or to see additional survey results, please visit thearc.org.
About the FINDS Survey
The web-based FINDS survey was conducted from July 22, 2010, through October 31, 2010. The survey was completed by 4,962 caregivers of people with disabilities. Families from all 50 states and Washington, DC completed the survey.
SCRABBLE BY THE SEA planned for August 20, 2011 in Asbury Park
June 3, 2011—(TINTON FALLS) Calling SCRABBLE fans of all ages and skill levels – The Arc of Monmouth is thrilled to announce the debut of a new fundraiser, SCRABBLE by the SEA, set for Saturday, August 20th at The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park. All proceeds from this event will help to sustain The Arc, a nonprofit agency that provides support and services to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
SCRABBLE by the SEA is an event inclusive of all ages and skill levels. Coordinated under the guidance of The National SCRABBLE Association and SCRABBLE guru Jason Keller, this event will be organized into 3 divisions: OPEN (for expert players, and/or ratings over 1,000), LITE (for the casual player), and JUNIOR (for casual players 15 and under).
Starting at 10:00 AM, players will complete three games against opponents with similar skill levels. After the third game, the top 5 players in each category will win cash and/or door prizes. Prize amounts will vary based on number of entrants, although the top OPEN prize is expected to be approximately $250.
The event will begin with registration at 9:30 in the Kingsley Ballroom, although players are encouraged to pre-register online to take advantage of early bird prices: Open ($50), Lite ($35) and Junior ($20). After August 1, all registration fees increase by $15. Entrants may pre-register online at www.arcofmonmouth.org/scrabble.htm, by phone at (732) 493-1919 ext. 125, or by mailing a check to The Arc of Monmouth-Scrabble, 1158 Wayside Road, Tinton Falls, NJ, 07712. For questions, or to inquire about high profile sponsorships, please email bcolby@arcofmonmouth.org.
RED HORSE ART GALLERY’S FIRST ART AUCTION
May 24, 2011 (FREEHOLD) The Red Horse Art Gallery, a gallery that features the artwork of artists with disabilities located in the Freehold Raceway Mall held its first art auction on Friday, May 20th. The Auction was attended by more than eighty people and included local celebrity Lou Russo from 94.3 The Point who was the event’s auctioneer, in addition to artists Mike Turner, Leigha Cohen, Gabriella Gonzalez, and adults of the Ladicin Network. Kasey Tararuj and Lois Monoghan were unable to attend.
The auction featured beautiful works of art by New Jersey artists with disabilities including abstract, realistic and fantasy pieces. A variety of mediums were represented such as photography, watercolor, acrylic, wood burning, oil and pen. The appreciation of the talents of these artists was reflected in the response of those who attended the auction; two third of the art presented was sold during this evening’s event, often during competitive bidding.
The positive outcome of this auction is credited to the collaboration between The Arc of Monmouth, LADACIN Network, VSA New Jersey, Monmouth County Arts Council and the Freehold Borough Arts Council, as well as the generous support its sponsors; The Freehold borough Arts Council, NJ Natural Gas, The Freehold Raceway Mall, Centra State Health Care Foundation, Colonial American Bank, Ashtin Electrical Contractors Inc, JM Printing and graphics, and Withum Smith+Brown.
The proceeds of the auction benefit the artists, and the artistic programs at the Red Horse Gallery. The Gallery promotes the skills, talents and dreams of individuals with disabilities.
The Red Horse Gallery is a program of The Arc of Monmouth, in collaboration with VSA New Jersey. It offers exhibits and open house gatherings for artists with disabilities and believes that “creativity has no limitations.” Art classes are offered to individuals with disabilities through grants from the Monmouth County Arts Council and other funding sources. VSA New Jersey is a part of the international VSA arts network, an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.
MAY WALKS RAISE OVER $36,000 FOR THE ARC OF MONMOUTH
May 23, 2011—(TINTON FALLS) Over the past two weeks, hundreds of Monmouth County residents walked to raise over $36,000 for The Arc of Monmouth, a nonprofit agency that provides support and services to persons with Down Syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
On Saturday, May 14, the 13th annual “Step Up for The Arc” Walk occurred at Liberty Park II in Tinton Falls. Walkers, sponsors, donors and volunteers helped to raise over $32,000 for the nonprofit organization. The morning began with performances by the Shore Regional Jazz and Marching Bands, and was followed up with music by DJ Billy. Breakfast and lunch were provided by the Freemasons of the 17th District and Wegman’s of Manalapan. Special mention must be made of the Anabel Foundation (Gold Sponsor) and Dorothy Dweck (Silver Sponsor).
On Friday, May 20, the 10th Annual Mini-Walk was held at St. Rose Grammar School in Belmar. Buster of the Lakewood Blue Claws entertained each class before and after they made the journey around Silver Lake. Through the efforts of St. Rose teachers and students grades pre K through 8 and their families, the Mini-Walk raised over $2,800. For the third year, St. Rose student Andrew Klein raised the most money at the Mini-Walk, bringing in over $550 in donations for The Arc of Monmouth.
“The May Walks are vital to the operation of our nonprofit”, stated Executive Director Mary Scott. “As reduced funding and rising costs have put a strain on our resources, the success of fundraisers like this means more than ever. We at The Arc of Monmouth are humbled by the community spirit and generosity exemplified at this year’s Walks.”
THE ARC OF MONMOUTH’S WALK IS ALMOST HERE!
TINTON FALLS –Food, music, motorcycles and fun! The Arc of Monmouth’s 13th Annual Step Up For The Arc Walk is set for Saturday, May 14, 2011, 10:00 AM at Liberty Park II in Tinton Falls (West Park Avenue), which is wheelchair and stroller accessible. This event is designed to raise much needed funds and awareness for The Arc of Monmouth, a countywide nonprofit that provides critical support and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Walkers may choose to walk as little or as far as they wish. Registration begins at 9 AM, and the walk starts at 10 AM. There is no fee to register but a donation of $40 gets you an official walk tee shirt – the first one with The Arc of Monmouth’s new logo!
Participants may dedicate part of the Walk to someone special through a $50 donation, which will place his/her name displayed on the route of the Blue Ribbon Mile, in addition to a listing on the dedication display board. Walkers who raise $500 and higher will receive a gift card or tickets to a concert at PNC Arts Center. Full details at www.arcofmonmouth.org.
A complimentary breakfast and lunch will be served by the Lodges of the 17th Masonic District: Asbury Jordan #142, Caesarea #64, Durand #179, Matawan #192, Monmouth #172, Navesink #9, Ocean #89 and Olive Branch #16. Facepainters will be on hand, music will be provided by DJ Billy and the Shore Regional High School Marching Band, and a motorcycle exhibit will be on display (including a vintage WWII-era motorbike, complete with sidecar). Just added is a ZUMBA warm up prior to the walk!
Pre-register by contacting The Arc of Monmouth’s development office at 732-493-1919 or visiting www.arcofmonmouth.org. Set up your own fundraising web page to email to all your friends, family and co-workers at www.firstgiving.com/arcnj. Click on the “Get Started” button, choose The Arc of Monmouth where you can collect donations safely online and reach people around the world! Like us on Facebook and receive more updates!
THE ARC OF MONMOUTH TO HOLD A BREAKFAST HONORING EMPLOYERS AND CONTRACTORS
April 19, 2011 – TINTON FALLS - The Arc of Monmouth and its Business Advisory Council will hold an Employer Appreciation Breakfast to celebrate employers who have discovered that hiring or contracting qualified and well-trained individuals with disabilities is the secret to their success. If hiring and contracting people with disabilities is still a secret to your business, please join us at this event to discover more.
The Employer Appreciation Breakfast will take place on Friday, May 13th from 8 AM to 10 AM at the Sheraton Eatontown Hotel in Eatontown. Five companies, WaWa (#411 Manalapan; #784 Marlboro; # 996 Tinton Falls), Amenco of Red Bank, Cenogenics of Morganville, Staples of Shrewsbury and Sam’s Club of Freehold will receive awards at the breakfast. These businesses have employed people with disabilities in their facilities or supplied sub-contract work to be performed at The Arc’s Work Opportunity Center in Long Branch and by students in the Dorothy B. Hersh High School at the Arc Center.
The Employer Appreciation Breakfast is an excellent opportunity for the local business community to network and learn of the benefits of a diversified workforce. Find out how hiring and contracting people with disabilities is good for the bottom line and how it improves your company’s brand image by joining us at the breakfast!
For information about the breakfast or Employment and Vocational Services for people with disabilities, contact Nan Owen at 732-866 0435.
The Arc of Monmouth serves more than 1,400 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with education, vocational training, residential services, health care, supported employment, recreation, social services, self-directed services and advocacy.
RED HORSE ART GALLERY TO HOLD FIRST ART AUCTION
April 14, 2011 – FREEHOLD – The Red Horse Art Gallery, a gallery that features the artwork of artists with disabilities located in the Freehold Raceway Mall (Upper level next to Sears), will be holding its first art auction on Friday, May 20 from 6 to 8 PM. Local celebrity Lou Russo from 94.3 The Point will be the event’s auctioneer.
This auction will feature beautiful works of art by New Jersey artists with disabilities including abstract, realistic and fantasy pieces. A variety of mediums are represented such as photography, watercolor, acrylic, wood burning, oil and pen.
This limited seating auction is collaboration between The Arc of Monmouth, LADACIN Network, VSA New Jersey, Monmouth County Arts Council and the Freehold Borough Arts Council. The Gallery promotes the skills, talents and dreams of individuals with disabilities.
The Gallery invites you to be a part of this inaugural event. Only 100 tickets will be sold at $10 each. As a guest you will have the exclusive privilege to bid on over 40 pieces of art and enjoy wine and cheese with other art enthusiasts. In addition, a beautiful watercolor painting will be awarded as a door prize.
The Red Horse Gallery is a program of The Arc of Monmouth and VSA New Jersey. The Arc of Monmouth is an organization that provides services to over 1,400 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The gallery, in collaboration with VSA New Jersey, offers exhibits and open house gatherings for artists with disabilities and believes that “creativity has no limitations.” Art classes are offered to individuals with disabilities through grants from the Monmouth County Arts Council and other funding sources. VSA New Jersey is a part of the international VSA arts network, an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this event. For information about sponsorships or to purchase tickets, please call 732-866-0435.
UNVEILING OF NEW SIGN AT THE ARC OF MONMOUTH
March 24, 2011—(TINTON FALLS) The Arc of Monmouth set its new brand into motion this morning with the unveiling of new exterior signage. This sign reflects the new brand identity of The Arc, capturing the nonprofit’s energy and determination to embrace and support persons with Down Syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Executive Director Mary E. Scott welcomed over 100 attendees to the reception, which included remarks by Board President Neil Fleischman. Mr. Fleischman, who made history in 2010 as the first person with I/DD to also serve as board president of a New Jersey chapter of The Arc, detailed the impact that The Arc has had on his life. The presentation also featured statements by Work Opportunity Center Self Advocates Julie Trachtenberg and Evan LeCour, and a rendition of “Over the Rainbow” performed by the students of Hersh High School’s Bell Choir. (The Dorothy B. Hersh High School is a fully accredited school located within the Arc Center, serving students with I/DD.)
In attendance were Freeholder Amy Mallet, Tom Pivinski (Director, Monmouth County Division on Aging, Disability and Veterans’ Interment), Laurie Duhovny (Coordinator, Human Services Advisory Council), Jeff Schwartz (Director, Division of Planning and Contracting) and Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande, who personally helped unveil the new signage.
“Our new brand identity represents a new day for The Arc of Monmouth and the mission of The Arc. With its energetic design featuring a vibrant orange and yellow, the new logo brings the work of a strong and vigorous organization front and center and is a bright reminder that we provide opportunity: opportunity for hope, opportunity for growth and opportunity for change,” said Mary E. Scott, Executive Director.
In her remarks, Julie Trachtenberg commented, “I love the colors of the new logo! It reminds me of a happy snake moving forward. If everything stays the same it would be old. The Arc means a lot to me – my friends, my coach, my counselor and the groups help. Respect, love, caring and support come from The Arc.”
NEW BRAND IDENTITY FOR THE ARC OF MONMOUTH
March 1, 2011—(TINTON FALLS) The Arc of Monmouth is proud to unveil our new brand identity in the spirit of energy and a renewed commitment to providing opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families.
This dynamic new logo is the new face of The Arc of Monmouth and it will be on our publications, website, signs, community events and more. The logo will unite our affiliated chapters across the country under the banner “Achieve With Us”, a call to move forward and take the road leading to progress, inclusion and respect.
The logo design reflects the energy and determination of The Arc to support and embrace people with I/DD and their families across their lifetimes and across diagnoses, including Down Syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The color combination of orange and yellow is a stand out among nonprofit organizations and its vibrancy will be closely associated with The Arc. This identity was developed over the course of a year in-depth research, professional brand consultants and a dedicated team of individuals including chapter professionals.
“Our new brand identity represents a new day for The Arc of Monmouth and the mission of The Arc. The new logo is bringing the work of a strong and energetic organization front and center and is a bright reminder that we provide opportunity: opportunity for hope, opportunity for growth and opportunity for change,” said Mary E. Scott, Executive Director.
The Arc is the nation’s largest and leading organization for people with I/DD and their families with a 60 year history of promoting and protecting the rights of people with I/DD and providing them the opportunity to live full, satisfying and self-determined lives as valued and contributing members of their communities.
The Arc is an agent of change and over the last six decades, The Arc has been on the frontlines advocating for legislation to improve the lives of people with I/DD in health care, education, employment, housing and more.
The new brand identity takes The Arc forward as a movement and invites respect and recognition in communities across the country as we invite you to “Achieve With Us”.
“I love the colors of the new logo! It reminds me of a happy snake moving forward. If everything stays the same it would be old. The Arc means a lot to me – my friends, my coach, my counselor and the groups help. Respect, love, caring and support come from the Arc,” said Julie Trachtenberg, Past Secretary of the Self Advocacy Group at The Arc of Monmouth’s Work Opportunity Center.
THE ARC OF MONMOUTH MARKS
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH
February 22, 2011 – TINTON FALLS – The Arc of Monmouth joins a network of more than 700 chapters of The Arc across the nation, including self-advocates, families and volunteers, to mark Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March. The month will commemorate the progress toward improving the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and also highlight the challenges that remain in achieving full inclusion for people with I/DD.
Nearly a quarter century ago, The Arc’s advocacy led to President Ronald Reagan officially proclaiming March to be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. In bringing I/DD to the forefront, the proclamation underscores the pride and the promise of this constituency in achieving the same dreams of every American. This national declaration generated renewed respect for people with I/DD and increased awareness of the issues faced by this group of Americans and their families.
The Presidential Proclamation states, “For many of these people with developmental disabilities there is now the prospect of a brighter future and greater opportunity. Americans are becoming increasingly aware that such disabilities need not keep individuals from realizing their full potential in school, at work or at home, as members of their families and of their communities.”
“The Arc of Monmouth and the many volunteers in our community work each day to provide the necessary services and supports to ensure that people with I/DD are valued, contributing members of the community and fully included,” said Mary Scott, Executive Director.
To recognize Arc Awareness Month, The Arc of Monmouth will be erecting displays at some libraries throughout Monmouth County including information about Arc programs and services and general information about intellectual and developmental disabilities. As of this date, many towns throughout Monmouth County have committed to reading proclamations declaring March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month at council meetings.
“Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is an opportunity for our community to find out more about intellectual and developmental disabilities. It’s also a great chance to learn more about the importance of full inclusion in community life and how diversity is essential to our culture and to our neighbors,” said Mary E. Scott, Executive Director. “The Arc takes this opportunity to express our thanks to those in Monmouth County who’ve been our strong supporters, and to invite others to learn more about us and our mission during March and every month of the year.”
