The Arc of Burlington County

The Arc of Burlington County is a not-for-profit organization committed to helping improve the quality of life for children and adults with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities, as well as their families. Founded in 1956, they are affiliates of The Arc of the United States and The Arc of New Jersey.

Arlene Miller, who handles Community and Public Relations for the Arc of Burlington County, said, “The Arc of Burlington County was founded in 1956 by a group of parents of children with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities primarily because at that time, there were no services available for their children. Organizations like ours are equally as important today because while services are certainly more extensive now, they’re not always easy to access. The Arc serves as an advocate for the individuals and families with developmental disabilities who need to find out what they need, what’s available for them, and how to go about getting the services. We also provide those services they need. We have ten group homes and supervised apartment programs within Burlington County, five adult day programs, one developmental day care for infants and children from birth to three years, summer camp each August for individuals 13 and up, and a very comprehensive recreation program that meets a need not readily available for people with disabilities. Each month we issue THE CHECKLIST, a monthly information newsletter listing our upcoming recreational and other events.”

How do they help those in need in our area? Miller wrote, “The adults and children we serve are all referred to us through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and must be registered through DDD, be assigned a case manager, and have an evaluation to determine what services they’re eligible for. They and their families often advocate for themselves and ask that they receive services from The Arc, and we do our best to work with individuals and families to accommodate their needs.”

How do people get involved? People can get involved by becoming a member of The Arc for $35 a year. Miller says, "We’re part of The Arc of the United States, the largest national advocacy organization serving people with developmental disabilities. New Jersey is one of the most Arc-organized states around. There’s an Arc in every county throughout the state, and execs meet regularly to keep each other informed, join forces to advocate for our clients, and share ideas.”

Do you need any donations? Miller replied, “We LOVE donations! Most of our funding comes through the state and is designated for specific programs we operate. Consequently, we depend on membership and donations from individuals, organizations, and corporations for all the “extras” we need to help us service our clients better. Our recreation program, for example, is seriously under funded and is always in need of donations."

If you want to participate and help raise funds, Arc holds a number of events throughout the year. Check with their website for more information.

Their 2nd annual Arc of Burlington County Golf Classic fundraising event will be streamlined: earlier starting time, better food, shorter day, same great golf course! It takes place Tuesday, September 29, 2015 (rain date September 30), at Deerwood Country Club, 845 Woodlane Road, Westampton. For more information, click here.

If you are looking to volunteer your time consider this worthwhile organization. Miller wrote, “Our primary volunteer needs are at our Learn-A-Way Developmental Day Care Program in Hainesport. We need help feeding the children, changing and rocking the babies, and just being nurturing adults. Volunteers must undergo a criminal background check and have a physical. Anyone interested can contact me, and I’ll send them out a packet of information.” Contact Arlene Miller by email at Arlenem@arcofburlington.org or call 856-764-9494.

The Arc of Burlington County can be reached at 115 East Broad Street, Burlington, NJ 08016. For more information, call 856-764-9494 or visit arcofburlington.org.

Updated 7/20/15

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Author: Editor; Margo Harvey