In celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, The Arc, Ocean County Chapter, hosted a successful Lunch Break event on March 5th that brought together more than 80 individuals from our vocational programs alongside members of the local business community.
The event created an opportunity for attendees to connect, network, and explore partnerships that support internships, volunteer opportunities, and employment for individuals participating in The Arc’s vocational programs. By building relationships with local employers, we continue working toward a more inclusive workforce across Ocean County.
Local businesses learned about the many ways they can partner with The Arc to support inclusive employment. Through the Arc Employment Center, businesses can hire services such as commercial cleaning, shredding, assembly, collating, labeling, and shipping. Additional programs like Transition Services, EDGE, Learn to Earn Pre-ETS internships, and Employment Supports provide valuable opportunities for individuals to gain job skills and real-world work experience.
The afternoon also included inspiring remarks from The Arc’s Executive Director and Assistant Executive Director of Vocational Services, as well as the Mayor of Brick, who shared her support for inclusive opportunities in the community.
One of the most powerful moments of the event came from a resident and vocational participant who spoke about what Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month means to her. She shared how having a job is not only about earning income, but also about building confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging in the community.
A special thank you goes out to The Arc’s Journeys and Discovery program for preparing and serving a delicious lunch for guests. The beautiful floral centerpieces were designed by the North Bay ATC, and guests had the opportunity to purchase sweet treats from Community Connections and dog treats made by Tuckerton ATC participants.
Events like this Lunch Break highlight the power of collaboration between businesses and community organizations. Together, we can create more opportunities, expand inclusive employment, and continue building a community where everyone has the chance to succeed.
