2014-2015 Annual Report 2014-2015 Annual Report | Page 2

Change .
The future is even brighter .
Expect More .
A Letter from the Chief Executive Officer and Board President
Dear Friends and Members of The Arc Family ,
As we reflect on our 66th year serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities ( I / DD ) and their families , we can ’ t help but notice a common thread throughout our history .

Change .

Since our inception in 1948 , The Arc of Essex County has been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with I / DD and supporting their families along the way . A lot has changed , for the better , in those 66 years . And …

The future is even brighter .

The end of our 2014-2015 fiscal year marked another impactful change for those we serve – movement from a contract-based system to a fee-for-service system . This change , which we ’ ve been preparing for all year , is yet another way individuals and their families are empowered with the freedom to choose the services that best fit their needs .
As we wrap a year of preparing for change , we welcome the opportunity to show individuals and their families that when it comes to their service provider , they should …

Expect More .

Everyone deserves the best , and The Arc of Essex County delivers on that expectation each and every day . Our compassionate , dedicated staff treats every person who walks through our doors with the upmost respect . By joining The Arc family , the best resources and staff join your team to help navigate state systems , access services , reach goals , and achieve dreams .
These are just a few of the ways we care for our Arc Family . Your ongoing support ensures that The Arc of Essex County continues to meet and exceed the expectations of the individuals and families we serve . Thank you for making it all possible .
Sincerely ,
Linda Lucas Chief Executive Officer
Brad K . Hopton President