Mission
To promote a desired quality of life for families who live in Hunterdon County. Who we Are:  The Arc of Hunterdon’s Family Support Department is a team of committed employees who are interested in supporting families in areas such as day to day living, recreation, support with schools, developing community connections, etc.  We are a team who recognizes and values the uniqueness of each family with whom we work.   

What we Do:

• Information and Referral - We are here to provide information to families about various services and supports available to them in Hunterdon County.  The Arc of Hunterdon provides many valuable supports as well as partners with other resources in the community so that we can offer the most comprehensive services to families.

• Home Visit – In some cases, it makes sense for us to come out to visit you in your home to see how we can be helpful.  Through our home visit, we will be able to get to know you, what supports and services you are seeking, and how we can be most responsive to your family’s specific circumstances.  We do not subscribe to “one size fits all” strategies and value the relationships that we build with each individual family.   

• Parent to Parent – At various times, parents feel it is useful to connect with others who are facing similar challenges.  Given consent by families, we can act as a liaison to help families to network and build alliances with one another

• Cash Subsidy – As part of our partnership with DDD, the State of New Jersey identifies Hunterdon County families who would most benefit from additional resources in order to improve a situation for their family member(s) who have a developmental disability.  The Arc helps to facilitate this process.

• Respite – The Arc of Hunterdon maintains a list of potential respite providers.  In these cases, the relationship between the family and the respite provider is a private arrangement, as the respite worker will not be providing services as an employee of The Arc of Hunterdon.  In many situations, families are able to identify their own respite providers.  In both cases, families who have been eligible for financial support from DDD, for this purpose, can count on the Arc to facilitate the funding for this service.

• Distinctive Family Solutions

  “Distinctive Family Solutions provides a multi-faceted approach to supporting families.  One component of this program addresses challenging behavioral issues occurring in the home through the involvement of a consultant.  The outcome of this intervention provides the family with tools to work through difficult issues occurring in the home.   Distinctive Family Solution’s in-home support is designed to promote skill acquisition, stress reduction, confidence, and the improved well-being of the family unit.  Another service of Distinctive Family Solutions is the facilitation of informative and inspiring workshops and conferences to families living in the community.  These presentations are offered cost-free to families, and  the Arc also provides cost-free babysitting services during conferences as needed.”

Education

• Essential Lifestyle Plans – In the spirit of helping each individual to have a meaningful role in planning his/her future, we are available to help individuals and families develop ELPs.  We also are happy to participate in planning meetings and other forums (e.g. IEP meetings, team meetings, circles of support) in order to support the family.  We are committed to building positive relationships with schools and other agencies who are working towards helping individuals meet their goals.

• Transition Services – We are learning a lot about the challenges associated with developing meaningful transition plans with individuals.  We are committed to using the ELP process in order to support individuals.

Community Connections

We believe in the power of community and offer the following supports and services:

• Public Education – We are available to present workshops on such topics as fetal alcohol syndrome, positive relationships, pregnancy prevention, developmental disability awareness, etc.  (contact information) We also sponsor several workshops and conferences through out the year.

Other Services

• Special Sitters Training – The Special Sitters training is a two day educational opportunity for teens who wish to become sitters for children with special needs.  Participants learn communication skills, how to interact positively with parents, and awareness of various disabilities, creative thinking for play, as well as become First Aid and CPR (children and infants) certified.  Sitter’s names are kept on a roster available to parents upon request. 

• Self Advocacy – The Arc provides information to teens and adults regarding self-advocacy.  Emphasis is on developing a strong sense of citizenship and being contributing and valued members of the community.  Various groups meet regularly to discuss specific topics, as determined by members.  Some self-advocates partner with the Kiwanis Club as a way of developing citizenship.

• Saturday Drop Off - is a Respite program for ages 7-18. We meet in Kingwood township every Saturday from 10am to 3pm. Some of our programs are in-house activities, while others take us to various places in the community. It is a great way to have fun with friends. Every other month we have a sleepover from Saturday to Sunday; always a great time. You need to be  registered with the Division of Developmental Disabilities for this program. Please contact Ronnie LaParr at 908-730-7827 ext. 231 or email at ronnie@archunterdon.org for further details.

• Camp Horizons - is a summer day camp for ages 8-16. For two separate weeks over the summer we go on day trips to many different places. You can attend one week or both. You need to be  registered with the Division of Developmental Disabilities for this program. Please contact Ronnie LaParr at 908-730-7827 ext. 231 or email at ronnie@archunterdon.org for further details.