Sweeney, Gopal Visit The Arc of Monmouth

Trenton – Senate President Steve Sweeney joined Senator Vin Gopal in visiting The Arc of Monmouth Work Opportunity Center today.  The Work Opportunity Center (WOC) partners with local businesses to find work opportunities for more than 145 individuals with disabilities in Long Branch.

“Direct Support Professionals, like the folks working at the Work Opportunity Center, provide crucial services for our loved ones with disabilities,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland).  “We must continue to do everything we can to help individuals with disabilities lead their most fulfilling lives. That means making sure the DSPs are compensated competitively, so the hard working men and women can afford to do the work they love. ”

The WOC is a community vocational program, underneath the greater Arc of Monmouth umbrella, where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities build and strengthen work skills by doing real jobs subcontracted from local businesses.

The Arc of Monmouth serves over 1,600 individuals in 20 locations throughout Monmouth County, providing employment, vocational, and educational services, adult training, community living programs, behavioral health care, social services and an abundance of enriching recreational activities.

“The Arc of Monmouth has been working with the physically and developmentally disabled in our community for over 50 years,” said Senator Gopal (D-Monmouth).  “Their contribution to Monmouth County cannot be overstated. I’m glad the Senate President could see some of the amazing work the Arc has accomplished here.”

WOC is housed in a climate-controlled 30,000 square foot building with a 10,000 square foot warehouse and a workforce of over 145 people in Long Branch, New Jersey.