Bishop’s Annual Appeal

OAK RIDGE  At the Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD) here, every life is valuable and has purpose. This belief is reflected through the more than 100 clients, the Diocesan Catholic Charities agency serves. For the last 50 years, the DPD has provided loving support for adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities — persons who are often among the most marginalized in society.

As part of the Diocesan Catholic Charities family, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal supports the work of the DPD. This year’s Appeal theme, “Be Rich in Good Works,” gives the faithful the opportunity to continue the important good works of the DPD.

“The Department for Persons with Disabilities does God’s work each day, said Chris Brancato, development director. “The help that we provide makes a difference in the lives of many people in need. We promote independence and help people to fulfill their dreams. We would not have been able to do this without generosity from our donors, board members and parishioners through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.”

The DPD operates 10 group homes and two supervised apartments throughout Morris, Sussex and Passaic Counties. In addition, the DPD runs a vocational day program at its Gruenert Center in Lake Hopatcong. It also provides support coordination for individuals who live in Sussex County, recreational activities and pastoral care. The agency opened its newest home Giuliano House, last December in Oak Ridge. It is home to four medical needy individuals, who formerly lived in developmental centers. Even with this recent expansion, there is still a great need for services. Because of this personalized care, there are more than 8,000 people on a waiting list to get into programs like the DPD offers.

The agency is the only Catholic organization in the state of New Jersey that provides care for people with individuals and developmental disabilities and it is also one of the largest in the country.

Donations from the Appeal are always used toward direct support and are never used toward administrative costs. In the past, Appeal funds have been used for 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.” Each year, the organization is subject to cost of living increases and state budget reductions. Donations help ensure that the DPD is always providing the highest level of care possible.

To learn more about the Department for Persons with Disabilities, the agency invites the faithful to like 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 witness how these individuals are cared for with love and respect.

In addition to DPD, Appeal donations will help the other divisions of Diocesan Catholic Charities — Catholic Family and Community Services and Straight and Narrow The Appeal will also support diocesan seminarian education, Catholic elementary school students in inner city areas and Nazareth Village, the priest retirement residence.

Brancato said, “We can’t thank all those who give to the 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 you generosity.”

[To arrange a visit to the DPD call (973)406-1104. To make a donation or pledge online to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, visit www.2016appeal.org or call (973) 777-8818, ext. 218.]