2015 Bishop's Annual Appeal

Appeal supports Catholic Charities agency serving adults with disabilities

OAK RIDGE  If only one word could be used to describe the group homes of diocesan Catholic Charities Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD), “family” would be the word. Just a single visit to a DPD group home would show the loving family environment that is evident every day of the year.

The agency, which serves adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities, was founded more than 50 years ago by Msgr. John Wehrlen as the Diocese’s response to the needs of people with disabilities and their families. DPD offers a chance for those with disabilities to become more active and valued members of society and to participate fully in a life with dignity and peace. Because of this and as a part of the diocesan Catholic Charities family, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal supports the works of DPD to ensure those with disabilities are never forgotten.

Under the theme, “Serving Christ Among Us,” the 2015 Bishop’s Annual Appeal will help DPD continue its mission along with other Catholic Charities’ agencies and will also provide assistance to inner-city elementary school students at diocesan Catholic schools; to the education of diocesan seminarians, and to Nazareth Village, the retired priests residence in Chester.

Scott Milliken, the DPD’s executive director, said, “When you donate to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, you are giving to DPD and thus, directly helping people in need. DPD is a Catholic organization, one of the very few Catholic agencies that fulfills this sort of mission. Catholic values and social teaching are at the core of everything we do.”

Currently, DPD serves 74 individuals in its residential programs, 57 people at its Gruenert Center, a vocational day program in Lake Hopatcong, and a countless number of additional people who receive spiritual, vocational, recreational and educational support. DPD’s operations include nine group homes, two supervised apartments and a vocational day program. In addition, they provide support coordination for individuals who live in Sussex County, recreational activities and pastoral care.

DPD is currently growing. In December, its 12th residential program, Giuliano House will be opening in Jefferson Township. Giuliano House will serve four medically needy individuals who are currently living in developmental centers. In 2016, DPD will be constructing a greenhouse where people with disabilities will work and be involved in the community. This expansion has been made possible through contributions like those that have been given to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.

Even with DPD’s expansion, there is a great need for services. Because of its personalized care, there are more than 8,000 people on a waiting list to get into programs like DPD offers.

Donations from the Appeal to the DPD are always directed toward direct support and are never used for administrative costs. In the past, Bishop’s Annual Appeal funds have been used to help the DPD with necessary home repairs, unbudgeted expenses, program upgrades, recreational activities and to make necessary program modifications to allow the individuals who live in the programs “age in place.”

Just recently, Appeal money helped a client, who lived at DPD group homes for 43 years. Joe Duffy said, “Eleanor Siegrist recently passed away after a two-year battle with cancer. Eleanor had no blood relatives but more than 100 other residents of our homes and current and former staff and their families came to know and love her and attended her funeral.”

The Appeal helped to pay for her funeral expenses and the repast as well as simple gifts for Eleanor when she was in the hospital in her final months. Many of the residents have no family or if they have family they are unable to assist in the clients’ care. Duffy said, “The Appeal money greatly helps to provide a good quality of life for all.”

To learn more about the Department for Persons with Disabilities, the agency invites the faithful to join its Facebook page, which is frequently updated or visit its website at www.dpd.org. They also encourage tours of its group homes and vocational center to see firsthand the work and ministry they do in serving those with disabilities and ensuring they are cared for with love and respect.

Chris Brancato, director of development at DPD, said, “We can’t thank all those who give to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal enough. Your support helps make a lasting impact on the lives of God’s special people and the entire DPD family is very appreciative of your generosity.”

[To support the 2015 Bishop’s Annual Appeal with a pledge, visit the diocesan website at www.rcdop.org and click on Bishop’s Annual Appeal or contact the diocesan development office at (973) 777-8818, ext. 215 or 218. For information on the DPD visit www.dpd.org. To arrange a visit call (973) 406-1100.]