The Arc of Atlantic County –
Supporting People with Disabilities since 1961
Founded in 1961, The Arc of Atlantic County is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing information, advocacy, and service to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families living in and around Southern New Jersey.
Started as a grassroots movement by parents, professionals in the field, and other community members who wanted to give people with I/DD and their families a voice; today, The Arc of Atlantic County continues to be an advocate for the people and families who rely on their service and support. The Arc of Atlantic County mission is to improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in our community. Through direct services, advocacy, education and prevention activities, we work in partnership with individuals and their families to make choices possible about how and where they live, learn, work and play.
By offering residential services, employment services, Support Coordination, Intensive Case Management, Family Support services, and recreational and educational activities, over the years, The Arc of Atlantic County has grown to serve more than a 1000 people with I/DD and their families throughout Southern New Jersey.
Residential housing services offered by The Arc include shared or group housing – with 24-hour staff support, apartment based supervised living – with on-site staff support, and appointment based support services people who live independently, but need help with medical needs, grocery shopping, and other needs.
In addition to Residential housing services, The Arc also offers Adult Day Habilitation and Pre-Vocation services for those living in and around Atlantic County.
The Arc of Atlantic County Recreational and Educational Program offers sports training, and educational activities monthly. Sports’ training is comprised of weekly practices, games and participation in Special Olympics at both local and state competitions. Educational activities offered by The Arc cover a variety of topics including dance, art, cooking, and technology use. Class participation gives people an opportunity to interact with others as well as opportunities to keep their minds active and engaged. Some of our most popular classes include Zumba, line dancing, crafts, ceramics, cooking, and computer/technology.
Intensive Case Management services are provide free of charge to those in need. The Program specializes in assisting individuals with I/DD and other vulnerable populations, many of whom receive no State support funding or do not otherwise qualify for government assistance. This service provides a comprehensive range of information, advice, and direct support to individuals and their families.
While Residential housing services, and Adult Day Habilitation and Pre-Vocation services are funded through Medicaid, Recreational and education Programs, and Intensive Case Management services rely solely on the support of donors to The Arc of Atlantic County.
One way people can support the work of The Arc of Atlantic County is to shop or donate gently used clothing and household item to “The Arc Makes Cents” or “The Arc Makes Cents, Too” Thrift Stores located in Atlantic County. All proceeds from the Thrift Stores support recreational and education programs, Intensive Case Management, and other family support services offered by The Arc.
In July, The Arc Makes Cents, Too Thrift Store will be moving from its current Northfield location to a new larger location, in The English Creek Shopping Center, next to AC Moore and Ollie’s. The new location will offer an expanded selection of clothing, furniture, and home goods.
To learn more about The Arc of Atlantic County services or ways to support The Arc, visit their website thearcatlantic.org, or call 609-485-0800 ext. 800.
