Arc Mercer’s Dual Diagnosis Program Donates School Supplies to Fisher Middle School as Part of Shine and Inspire Partnership

The Arc Mercer’s Dual Diagnosis Program recently took part in a special community outreach initiative, donating much-needed school supplies to students at Fisher Middle School in Ewing, NJ.

The effort was made possible through a collaboration with Shine and Inspire, a nonprofit that has maintained longstanding relationships with both Fisher Middle School and the Arc Mercer through supply drives and donations. While Shine and Inspire’s support of the school is ongoing, this special donation marked a unique, one-time effort organized in partnership with the Arc Mercer.

The donation included a wide range of supplies, from backpacks and notebooks to classroom essentials, all delivered directly to the school by members of the Dual Diagnosis team. The impact was immediate and appreciated by the school staff.

“On behalf of Fisher Middle School, I would like to personally thank you and your team for purchasing, delivering, and everything involved in getting these items to our school today,” said Jesse Ambriz, a 7th grade mathematics teacher at Fisher Middle School. “There are hundreds of our students that will benefit from your generosity."

While the donation directly supported local students, it also provided a powerful experience for the individuals in the Dual Diagnosis Program. 

These kinds of community-based initiatives are an important part of the program’s therapeutic approach, promoting wellness, self-worth, and connection. For individuals living with both intellectual or developmental disabilities and mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, meaningful engagement in community service can have lasting benefits.

Participating in this project allowed members of the program to feel empowered, involved, and proud of the role they played in helping others. It provided a real-world opportunity to practice teamwork, responsibility, and empathy—all within a supportive, structured environment.

The Arc Mercer’s goal is to help individuals with IDD live full, meaningful lives, and that includes finding ways to give back. Acts of service like this reinforce the idea that every person, regardless of their diagnosis, has something valuable to contribute to the world around them.

The Arc Mercer is proud to partner with organizations like Shine and Inspire and remains committed to fostering inclusive opportunities that benefit both the individuals supported and the wider Mercer County community.