The Arc of Somerset has been providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families throughout the county for over twenty years. One of the many services we provide is Family Support. This enables the Arc to provide support in many different ways directly to those families in the community.

Family Support focuses on the needs of the entire family, not just the family member with a disability. it is a network of supports which helps families face their twenty-four hour care-giving responsibilities. It enhances the quality of life for the entire family. The Arc of Somerset offers the following Family support services:

Saturday Respite

This provides recreation and socialization activities to children and teenagers ages 5 to 18. We meet every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m at the Jerry Davis Center.

Family Stipend

This offers financial assistance directly to families, to maintain and enhance the quality of home life for themselves and their member with a disability.

Respite Group Home

Provides 24 hour out of home care for adults with developmental disabilities, generally on a short term basis.

In-Home Respite

The Arc of Somerset is happy to announce the start of a new in-home respite program for families who have a family member with a developmental disability. Your family member must be 6 years or older, registered with the Division of Developmental Disabilities and referred to us through your case manager.

This program will offer respite to 10 families living in Somerset County. Each family will have one in home respite provider who will work with your child in the home and\or in the community on social, recreational, and living activities - all based upon the individual's needs and the family's expectations. All potential respite workers will be screened, hired, and trained by our agency with input from the family.

This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to spend time with a qualified respite worker while the rest of the family can take a break from their 24 hour a dare care-giving responsibilities. For more information, please contact Lauren Panarella the Family Suport Coordinator at The Arc of Somerset at (908) 725-8544 x624.

After School/Work Program

Offers children and adults recreational, social and living skill activities from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To be eligible for these services, your family member must be found eligible by the Division of Developmental Disabilities, and referred to us through your case manager.

For more information, please contact the Family Support Coordinator at:

Lauren Panarella
(908) 725-8544 x624

Other Family  Support Services are:

Information and Referral

Provides current information on services in the community.

Service Coordination

Offers assistance in arranging an array of services to support the family and the member with a disability.

Care to Share Family Network

A family support network that collaborates with The Arc on various resources for families with a child who has a disability. Find out more information. Click Here