• The Arc of Bergen and Passaic Counties

    Ralph Mastrangelo. Jr., emeritus member of The Arc's Board of Trustees and the parent of a daughter with developmental disabilities testified on March 29th at the NJ Assembly Budget Hearing. Mr. Mastrangelo, Jr. spoke about the need for direct support professionals to earn a living wage. He said "Funding must be allocated to increase direct support staff salaries by one dollar and twenty five cents ($1.25) per hour every year for five years. We are asking that the 2018 budget include $36 million in state dollars to be matched federally, so that year one of this plan can be implemented. It has been over eight years since there was funding to give these staff a living wage. Staff who have never made what they are worth, but do their jobs because they love what they do. Staff who dedicate their lives to help my daughter and her peers. Staff who have held up their part of the bargain but now are faced with having to leave the jobs they love because they can’t afford to pay their rent. What will happen to Mo when they quit to get a job that will allow them to feed their families? Who will care for Mo? When we talk about helping people with developmental disabilities we can’t forget that people like Mo, who are living in group homes and attending day programs depend on direct support staff for their very lives." To read his full testimony click on the headline. To join the Coalition for a DSP Living Wage email TBaffuto@arcnj.org

  • The Arc of Bergen and Passaic Counties

  • The Arc of Bergen and Passaic Counties

    Join us for a 70s Dance in Celebration of The Arc's 70th anniversary. April 30th at the Hasbrouck Heights Hilton. DJ, Photo Booth, Buffet Dinner. Reservations required. No Tickets at the door. $7.00 per person. Dress in your favorite 70s garb. Click on the headline for invitation & reservation form.

  • The Arc of Bergen and Passaic Counties

    The Mom 2 Mom meeting is cancelled for Tuesday March 14th due to the snow. The April meeting has been moved to April 4th.

  • The Arc of Bergen and Passaic Counties

    Medicaid is a major source of funding for Day Services, Group Homes and Apartments and other Community Programs. Block granting Medicaid and caps will put the funding for these programs at risk. In addition the ACA's includes provisions that protect individuals with disabilities such elimination of lifetime caps, preexisting condition restrictions and the donut hole for prescription drugs. Advocacy to Protect the Lifeline for Individuals with Disabilities is needed NOW. Sign Up to get action alerts and the latest news.