Welcome Home : An Evolving Approach to Residential Living
Dale Crews lived with The Arc of Essex County in the Nutley group home for nearly two decades . During that time , she bonded with her roommates and group home staff , and enjoyed participating as a member of her community . While the Nutley group home holds many memories , navigating the colonialstyle property with her walker became increasingly challenging . Collectively Dale and The Arc recognized the need for a home that would meet her mobility needs now and in the future .
Inspired by Dale , and others like her , The Arc of Essex County embarked on a search for properties that could support current and future residents whose mobility needs may evolve . The beginning of the 2015-2016 Fiscal Year marked an opportunity to transform The Arc ’ s vision for future residential living into reality .
The Arc of Essex County purchased a ranch-style home in Roseland , NJ in June 2015 . Over the next 11 months , the agency transformed the house ’ s original design to meet the needs of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in every phase of life . Utilizing funding from the Essex County Division of Housing and Community Development , the Borough of Roseland , and the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities , The Arc added front / rear wheelchair ramping , converted the existing master bathroom to an accessible-friendly bathroom , and installed comprehensive lighting and fire suppression systems .
Dale and her roommates moved into the home in May 2016 and have been forming their own traditions and memories ever since .
The success of the renovation project emphasized the importance to create
Pictured ( L-R ) - Ben Proce , Trustee of The Arc of Essex County , John Duthie , Mayor of Roseland , Linda Lucas , CEO of The Arc of Essex County , Joe DiVincenzo , Essex County Executive and George Serio , Jr ., Director of the Essex County Division of Housing and Community Development officially open the Roseland group home in May 2016 .
long term housing stability for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities . As The Arc moves forward in its residential endeavors , the agency embraces the responsibility to anticipate and respond to residents ’ needs . The Arc will continue to make needed accessibility improvements to existing properties , while searching to acquire new homes with living space all on one level .
With a focus on responding to the community ’ s needs , The Arc of Essex County is creating flexible housing options . Residents and their families can be confident in The Arc ’ s ability to innovate and adapt now , and in the future .
“ As we look to acquire and renovate additional residential properties , being able to meet evolving service and mobility needs is a top priority . Ranch-style homes offer our residents living space on one level which is important as they enter their senior years . Additionally , for those with mobility needs , interior and exterior modifications further enable our residents to live comfortably in all phases of life .”
- Frank Cinque , Senior Director , Asset Management , The Arc of Essex County