The Arc of Monmouth

The Arc of Monmouth is the premier nonprofit provider of lifelong services, supportive housing, vocational training, and community advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Monmouth County. Established in 1949 by a visionary coalition of local parents who organized to demand educational rights, dignity, and community acceptance for their children, the agency has grown over more than seven decades into a vital countywide institution supporting more than 1,400 children, adults, and their families each year.

The agency's residential services division operates a comprehensive network of licensed community group homes and supportive apartment programs in neighborhoods throughout Monmouth County, including locations in Middletown, Neptune, Long Branch, and Wall Township. Staffed by trained direct support professionals, each residence provides 24-hour personalized care, medication administration, nutritious meal preparation, healthcare coordination, and comprehensive instruction in essential daily living skills. The residential program emphasizes self-determination and community integration, ensuring that residents actively participate in planning their schedules, making household decisions, pursuing personal hobbies, and enjoying local community life in safe, comfortable home environments.

Daytime habilitation and vocational programs are centered at The Dorothy B. Hersh Regional Center in Tinton Falls and the Western Monmouth Adult Training Center in Freehold. In addition, the agency partners with Brookdale Community College to offer The Achievement Center, an innovative post-secondary certificate program that provides young adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to experience college campus life, participate in student activities, and take specialized courses in functional academics, career development, and social skills. Adult daytime participants engage in creative arts, computer literacy, culinary training, physical fitness, community volunteering, and life skill instruction designed to build independence and foster enduring friendships.

Through its comprehensive vocational and employment services, The Arc delivers individualized career interest discovery, resume development, interview practice, and supported job placement with regional commercial employers. Dedicated job coaches provide on-site vocational instruction and ongoing workplace support to ensure long-term career success. The agency also operates supervised mobile work crews that provide professional commercial cleaning, building maintenance, and landscaping services, including environmental maintenance partnerships through Keep Monmouth Beautiful across the county. Family support services provide in-home respite vouchers, support coordination, behavioral health consultations, and recreational clubs such as bowling leagues and seasonal dances that give caregivers vital relief and participants lasting friendships.

Individuals and family caregivers can access intake services, support coordination, and program enrollment by contacting the administrative headquarters in Tinton Falls. Staff members work in close collaboration with local school districts, healthcare networks, state agencies, and civic partners to promote community-wide inclusion and equal opportunity across Central New Jersey. Community members can advance the agency's mission by volunteering as recreational buddies or career mentors, attending signature fundraising events such as the annual golf classic and winter gala, or making philanthropic contributions to sustain vital lifelong programs.