Walk in park for those who sometimes can’t

Fundraiser will support programs, jobs, care for the disabled

Local residents will head to Braddock Park in North Bergen in two weeks to raise money for a countywide non-profit based in Union City that helps children and adults with developmental disabilities.
On May 15, the Arc of Hudson County – once called the Association of Retarded Children but now open to people of all ages with disabilities – will host its annual Walk-a-thon to raise money for the programs and services.
“This is our largest event,” said Executive Director Nadia Cabana. “And it’s very important because we can raise awareness about people with developmental disabilities and the importance of supporting them and enhancing their quality of life.”

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“We want to raise $50,000 this year.” – Nadia Cabana
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The fundraising event usually draws close to 300 participants and raises upwards of $30,000 for the center. But this year they’re aiming a little higher.
“Currently we have close to 200 participants,” said Cabana. “We want to raise $50,000 this year.”
Cabana said the walk is open to supporters of all ages and is very family friendly.
“We usually have many families,” she said. “This year we’re going to have entertainment that includes a clown and the famous Latin singer Jose Alberto ‘El Canario.’ ”
Also on hand will be the medical van from North Hudson Community Action Committee, which will be providing free health screenings.

Where the money goes

The money raised at the event will support various programs that assist the developmentally challenged with activities, employment, care, and information.
More than 1,000 families have been assisted through programs and services such as Employment Day Program, Family Support Voucher Program, information and referral, recreational activities, family support group meetings, After School Program, and the recently begun Adult Evening Care Program.
The recreational program, which caters to kids and their siblings, helps them develop social skills and confidence.
For adults there is the Employment Day Program, which has been empowering individuals with disabilities for over 10 years by giving them opportunities for community interaction in paid or volunteer positions.
Now in its fifth year of operation, the After School Program, a recreational program serving people age 6 to 21, provides a supervised and nurturing environment for the kids and also provides social and recreational activities after school.
Aides assist them with homework and provide a variety of daily activities from arts to exercise.

‘Arc’ Angels

The Arc of Hudson County was open in 1997 as a resource center to address the needs of the severely underserved population of children and adults with developmental disabilities in Hudson County.
They offer bilingual programs for their patrons and families in areas from job training to after care.
Affiliated with The Arc of New Jersey, the local program has been an independent chapter since July of 2007.
Founded in 1947 by a parent of a child with intellectual disabilities, The Arc of New Jersey is the largest nonprofit advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in New Jersey.
The Arc of New Jersey has 20 local chapters which provide services in 21 counties to more than 6,000 families.
Arc is also affiliated with the national organization which has more than 1,100 chapters and 105,000 members nationwide.

How to register

The walk-a-thon will take place on May 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Individuals interested in signing up can contact the office at (201) 319-9229 or visit the website at www.archudson.org.
Those who register prior to May 7 will receive a fundraising package prior to the event. However, participants may also register on the day of the walk for $20.
Walkers who raise $50 or more will receive a free t-shirt.

Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.

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