Arc Mercer Sets the Standard for Community Integration with Annual Beach Day

The Arc Mercer’s Residential Team recently hosted one of the agency’s most cherished traditions—our annual Beach Day at Ortley Beach in Seaside, NJ. With nearly the entire residential consumer community in attendance, the event showcased not just a day of fun in the sun, but the Arc Mercer’s commitment to quality community integration on a large scale.

Pulling together an event of this size required seamless coordination across departments. Residential leadership, group home managers, and frontline staff worked closely with the transportation team to ensure every consumer could safely and comfortably participate. By the time buses rolled in, the beach was ready with over 100 chairs, refreshments, games, and sunscreen—everything needed for an inclusive and worry-free day.

Once settled in, consumers and staff filled the beach with energy and joy. From cornhole to seashell hunting, birthday celebrations to ocean breezes, the day was filled with meaningful interactions and shared memories. Some even took to the waves, supported closely by staff, demonstrating the agency’s balance of safety and independence for the individuals we serve.

This outing wasn’t just a celebration—it was a reflection of Arc Mercer’s leadership in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) services. Last year alone, the agency facilitated more than 3,600 community integration activities, offering consumers regular opportunities to connect, engage, and thrive in the broader community.

Community outings like Beach Day are at the heart of what makes the Arc Mercer a top-tier agency in New Jersey and beyond. They reflect our belief that true quality of life comes from participation, inclusion, and belonging. By prioritizing these experiences, Arc Mercer continues to set the industry standard for what it means to deliver not only care, but opportunity.

With teamwork, innovation, and a dedication to our mission, the Arc Mercer once again proved that when consumers are given the chance to engage with the world around them, the results are unforgettable.