The Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD) is the agency within our diocese that serves men and women with developmental and intellectual disabilities.  On the surface the DPD seems to supply housing and day programs but in reality it is about being part of a loving family and community that attends to both the physical and spiritual needs of each person. 

The DPD is blessed by the charity of many individuals and organizations.  Without this it would be impossible to provide the quality of life that it does.  Our residents are very grateful for their many benefactors and decided that they, too, wanted to give back to the greater good.  With that a club was formed called “Fight for the Right” under the leadership of Kelly O'Casside with a goal to serve those in need. Since its inception the group has done work to assist causes such as Animal Shelters, the local Jefferson Township Women’s Organization, and now Birth Haven in Newton, NJ.   Money was raised, gifts and donations were collected and the group was able to present each of the young moms to be with a Mother’s Day goodie bag filled with baby items and things for her as well.  It was a wonderful opportunity for the residents of the DPD to work hard in the service of others. "Fight for the Right" continues to grow and thrive with additional help from "People Need Friends" volunteers Jenn Minervino and Anna Philhower.









Robert, Pat Barrett, Anna Philhower, Jenn Minervino and Debbie were on hand to deliver the many gifts and flowers


On April 29, 2016 the gift bags were delivered to Birth Haven by volunteer Coordinators Jenn Minnervino and Anna Philhower assisted by members Robert from the Alexander House in Oak Ridge and Debbie from the FInnegan House also in Oak RIdge.



 

It was a very eventful evening for us at CARE. Coming together as a faith community is so important and especially on an evening like this when two of our beloved DPD residents have passed away since the last time we gathered. Prayer and some tears were shed for Mabel and Desi but the happiness of the evening could not be avoided. Present at the meeting was Patti, the first resident of our brand new group home, the Giuliano House. Another member announced his desire to be baptized! How could we not have exciting hope in the year ahead!


















Jackie and Billy

The theme of this evening was our need to keep our focus on Jesus/God in our faith journey throughout the New Year: looking for opportunities to grow as children of God with an awareness of how God makes all things new. It was when we turned to Sunday’s Gospel of the baptism of Jesus that Alexis spoke of his desire to be baptized. We are so very excited and proud of his decision. Our goal is for the necessary catechesis to be complete in time for this year’s Easter Vigil.




















Gwen and Angie

After listening to the gospel story everyone played a board game that helped to reinforce the key elements of the story. Of course we sang our favorite songs and shared fellowship and refreshments to conclude our gathering thanks to the Finnegan House family.

CARE volunteer Ed Lavorgna leads the members in the game.

Volunteer Joan DeVito

A special congratulation goes out to Kelly from the Wallace House who was selected to be the recipient of the auspicious CARE Person of the Month Award.

On Saturday, November 14, 2015 the Saturdays at the Center Program continued their virtual world travels with a "stop" in Hawaii. Under the creative leadership of Patt Foth this recreational program is designed with young adults with developmental disabilities in mind. Since the beautiful blue waters of Hawaii are such an important part of the Aloha virtual tour, Patt took her group on the road and headed to the DPD headquarters in Oak Ridge to incorporate the warm waters of the indoor pool as part of their Hawaiian experience.

Patt Foth with Jackie and Terry Amantea

For young adults living in the community who are no longer in school there are limited opportunities to socialize and meet new friends. SATC was created to fill that need. It also provides respite time for their caregivers. It is a unique and fun experience for all involved. Of course, "People Need Friends" volunteers are an integral part of the meetings. They always bring the smiles and the extra hands!

Volunteers make all the difference!

New members and volunteers are welcome. The hours are 10AM -2PM at the Gruenert Center on Rt.15 in Lake Hopatcong. Call 973-406-1103 for more information.


Volunteer Patrice Hennen Tommy with Volunteer Kevin