Catholic Charities Diocese of Paterson help — “...providing creating hope…” Department for Persons with Disabilities DPD Dispatch Fall, 2014 1 Catholic Charities Way PO Box 2539 Oak Ridge, New Jersey 07438 973‐406‐1100 www.dpd.org Inside Hole-in-One! Scott Milliken presenting a $10,000 check to MEGA 50/50 winner Doug Cook. Next to Doug is PQI Assistant, Nicole Ayers. Bishop Visits DPD 5 DPD Reaccredited 4 Upcoming Events Murray House Beefsteak - Oct. 11, 2014 - Wayne Fire Dept. Community Co. 1 dpd.org/beefsteak Caritas Gala - Nov. 8, 2014 - Birchwood Manor, Whippany 2nd Annual DUNK for Disabilities - January, 2015 (Date TBD) Jefferson High School Patrick from Finnegan House with DPD Staff Kelly O’Caiside, at Berkshire Valley Golf Course. Patrick greeted golfers at the “Meet Patrick Hole” and informed them about DPD’s services. Over 120 auction items were up for grabs at the Wiegand Farm Golf Classic. The silent auction portion of the event helped raise over $10,000. 229 Golfers pack two courses in support of DPD The Department for Persons with Disabilities’ (DPD) 40th Annual Wiegand Farm Golf Classic, sponsored by Lakeland Bank and Eastern Propane, was held on June 23, 2014 at Bowling Green Golf Club and Berkshire Valley Golf Course. 229 golfers flocked to the courses to support DPD, which was an all time record for this event. This was the second consecutive year that the outing was held at the two nearby courses. Throughout the past 5 years, support has grown substantially for the event, as we have seen the event grow in revenue from $10,000 - $80,000 and has more than tripled event attendance. “The 2014 Wiegand Farm Golf Classic was our biggest and most successful ever. We had 229 registered golfers, over 130 sponsors and raised over $80,000. This amazing level of support is truly uplifting and inspirational”, said DPD Development Director Christopher Brancato. Over $60,000 was raised on sponsorships, including contributions from the Event Sponsors, Lakeland Bank and Eastern Propane, Diamond Sponsor Clear Channel Radio, Platinum Sponsors Arthur J. Gallagher and Co. and Gold Sponsors Joseph A. Natoli Construction and Macedos Construction. Continued on Page 3 A Message From the Executive Director…. Page 2 Executive Team Executive Director Scott Milliken, MPA Associate Executive Director Joanna Miller, MNM Chief Financial Officer Rocco Zappile , CPA/MBA Director of Development and Public Relations Christopher Brancato, MA Behavioral Analyst Doreen Cook, LSW Agency Nurse Anne Williams, RN Human Resources Director Hope Eder, M.S. Support Coordinator Kris Bulas Volunteer and Job Placement Coordinator Pat Barrett Board of Trustees President Joseph F. Duffy Pride in our Past: Our Founder, Msgr. Wehrlen with Billy Ogle Celebrating the Present: Former Executive Directors Tom Barrett and Julie Tatti at the opening of our Activity Center in 2011. It was an extremely busy summer and I believe, that as you read through the newsletter, you will be amazed at all events and good things that occur at DPD. March 5th 2015 marks the 50 year anniversary of DPD and we are planning a yearlong celebration of events. The theme is “Pride in Our Past, Celebrating the Present, and …Building for the Future.” Our anniversary celebration will kick off on February 22, 2015 at the Murray House Dinner Dance. Embracing the “Pride in Our Past” and upholding our mission of supporting adults with dignity and respect is extremely important in an ever changing political and economic environ- Scott Milliken ment. To celebrate our past, DPD will be publishing a 50th year anniversary journal full of information and testimonials about DPD from our past, present and into the future. We will also celebrate the present by acknowledging all of the residents and families who are supported by DPD with a special gala at St. Thomas the Apostle in Oak Ridge full of dancing and fun. Also, you can look forward to seeing our 50th anniversary commemorative logo on all of our letterhead, envelopes and email signatures for the whole year. And, as we “Build for the future,” we will ask your support to assist us in raising funds for a new group home we will be building in Jefferson Township, “Giuliano House”, opening in 2015, our 50th year. I am thankful to all those who supported our events in the past and hope that as things roll out over the course of next year that you will support Building for the Future us for the future. Thank you to all our staff, volun- Giuliano House, Opening in 2015 teers, managers and families who made DPD what it was, is and will be in the future; we would not be the kind of organization without you! Chris’ Corner On March 27th, my first child, Christopher Louis was born. Both mommy and baby are happy, healthy and enjoying all that life has to offer. Many of you reading this have had children and know that it is a feeling like none other. The love that you have for your own daughter or son is greater than you could have ever anticipated. This quote resonates with me and I’m sure many can relate to it: “making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body” – Elizabeth Stone. I believe that being a part of the DPD Family has helped make me a better parent. I have been fortunate to make relationships with good people, volunteers, supporters, those who selflessly give back. I hope to raise my son to have similar qualities to many of these individuals who I have encountered throughout my last decade at DPD. 1st Vice President Dr. Joseph Giuliano 2nd Vice President Dennis Murray Secretary Dr. Diane Cavanagh Trustees James Bashant John Butler Michael Calabrese Peggy Cofrancesco Thomas Ciborski Sr. Dorothy Dee, SSJ Bruce De Molli Okechi Ogbuokiri, Esq. Donald Okner Esq. Christopher Onwuasoanya William Rudloff Rev. Brian Sullivan Above: Peter from Murray House and I with Baby C. Right: Kathy and Peter at Murray House. Great babysitters! DPD has made a difference in my life and has also given back tremendously to those in need. As a new parent I further see the immense value of an organization that “provides help and creates hope” for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Thank you for all you do! DPD Wish List Help make a difference in the lives of people will special needs by donating funds to purchase needed items. Alexander House Washing Machine: $800 Rug for Office: $1,000 Barnet House Treadmill: $800 2 tickets to a Yankee Game: $200 Columbus House Power Recliner: $1,300 Gruenert Center Ceramic Slip Machine $2,000 Murray House Tickets to a Broadway Show: Basile Apartments $500 Dishwasher: $500 Finnegan House Kelleher Apartments Calabrese House Fitzpatrick House Wallace House Funds to send a resident on vacation: Bookcase:: $400 Living Room Set: $1,000 Refrigerator: $2,000 Kitchen lighting: $2,000 Patio Furniture: $1,000 Cutlery Set: $200 $1,000 Wehrlen House Wiegand Farm Golf Classic $800 Funds for silent auction items: Saturdays at The Center Funds for Day Trips: $800 Wiegand Farm Golf Classic a Success In addition to sponsorships, DPD raised over $10,000 on the Silent Auction portion of the event which featured items donated by celebrities, athletes, restaurants , golf courses and local businesses. DPD also raised $10,000 on their MEGA 50/50 fundraiser which was won by Mr. Doug Cook of Hampton. “The MEGA 50/50 prize was around $9,700 when an anonymous donor offered a $600 donation to raise the prize up to an even $10,000. We plan to guarantee a $10,000 prize in future years”, said Mr. Brancato. Page 3 Continued from page 1 Luckily, the skies remained sunny throughout the entire day for DPD. The golfers started off the day by watching several participants take a chance at a 60 foot putt for $2,500. Unfortunately, the putts fell short. Massages were also offered to golfers by massage therapists from Elements Spa in Riverdale and giveaway items were handed out to all participants. In addition, the Borasio in the Morning Show on WNNJ radio broadcasted live from Bowling Green Golf Club. After golf, the luncheon, silent auction and award ceremony were held. DPD Board Member and past Knights of Columbus State Deputy Tom Ciborski, and State Treasurer Bob Hatler presented Charlie Miraglia with the Knight of the Year Award for his contributions to the Knights, KofC Insurance and work with people with developmental disabilities. Captain William Carroll IV was presented with the Dominick Calabrese Humanitarian of the Year Award by Chris Brancato. Captain Carroll is a decorated veteran of the US Armed Forces who recently returned home from Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. “Captain Carroll is a true American hero who has represented the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan to help keep us all safe. Captain Carroll also does a great deal for the local community as a volunteer firefighter, Knight of Columbus and member of the Jefferson Township PBA. We are so proud to honor him for his fantastic and dedicated service, kindness and bravery,” said Scott Milliken, Executive Director of DPD. Past DPD Board Member and Golf Committee Chairman Jack Kelly was also recognized for his 40 years of service. “Jack started this outing 40 years ago and has been a longtime supporter of the Department ever since. The 18th Hole at the Wiegand Farm Golf Classic will forever be known as the ‘Jack Kelly Green’ for Jack’s many contributions to our organization.”, said Mr. Milliken. Mr. Kelly was presented with a framed golf flag at the event. “We would like to thank all of our Sponsors especially our Event Sponsors, Lakeland Bank and Eastern Propane. The event would not have been possible without our dedicated Wiegand Farm Golf Committee especially chairman Jack Kelly who has been a part of all 40 of our golf classics! We would also like to thank all of the residents from DPD’s programs who came out to the event and reminded us all what the day is all about”, said DPD Development Director, Chris Brancato. If you are interested in golfing in the 2015 Wiegand Farm Golf Classic or if you would like to sponsor the 2015 event please contact DPD Development Director Chris Brancato at 973406-1104 or at [email protected]. Photos, top to bottom: The winning foursome at Berkshire Valley Golf Course led by DPD Board Member, Father Brian Sullivan (left); DPD Humanitarian of the Year Captain William Carroll surrounded by his family; Knight of the Year Charlie Miraglia standing next to State Treasurer Bob Hatler (right), Past State Deputy Tom Ciborski and Chris and Scott from DPD; Wiegand Farm Golf Classic Chairman Jack Kelly receives his “retired” hole flag; Gina (front, left) next to Kaleigh and in front of Wehrlen House Director Marcia Carbery and Associate Director, Alison Barrett; Captain William Carroll (center) alongside members of the American Legion, Oak Ridge. Page 4 DPD Reaccredited by COA DPD has recently received notification that it has been reaccredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA). DPD has been continuously accredited by COA since 1986. “Seeking reaccreditation from COA provides us with an opportunity to closely examine every aspect of what we do and how we do it. We look at every function and service of our agency and measure them against the standards of “best-practice” provided by COA. Where change is needed, we immediately implement a plan to make those changes and we continuously improve the services that we provide. Accreditation helps us to fulfill our commitment to excellence in all that we do”, said Scott Milliken, Executive Director COA accreditation attests that an organization meets the highest national standards and is delivering the best quality services to the community it serves. DPD is proud to be a part of COA's Community of Excellence that includes more than 1800 organizations—public and private that are either COA accredited or seeking accreditation. These organizations serve over 7 million children, individuals, and families in the United States and Canada. The COA reaccreditation process involves a detailed review and analysis of both an organization’s administrative operations and its service delivery practices. All are “measured” against national standards of best practice. These standards emphasize services that are accessible, appropriate, culturally responsive, evidence based, and outcomes-oriented, In addition, they confirm that the services are provided by a skilled and supported workforce and that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. “Receiving COA accreditation is quite an honor. DPD is the only provider agency for adults with developmental disabilities that is COA accredited in the state of New Jersey. I would want my loved ones to be in the care of an agency that is COA accredited because it would tell me that they are being treated with a very high level of care,” Mr. Milliken added. Bishop Serratelli visits DPD, blesses new Cross Page 5 On Thursday, August 21, 2014 Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli visited DPD. Bishop Serratelli was in town to bless a new 20 foot cross that now stands on our Wiegand Farm on Weldon Road in Jefferson Township. DPD received the large Lithuanian cross as a gift from St. Casimir Parish, Paterson, which closed its doors on March 2nd. Maintenance personnel at DPD volunteered their time in recent weeks to repair, refurbish and erect this cross. The cross now stands prominently and can be seen by anyone who passes the Department on Weldon Road. Top: Bishop Serratelli blesses the cross on Aug. 21st. Right: Bishop with Darlyn from Alexander House. “It’s a beautiful cross. Being a Catholic agency, DPD wanted to see the cross planted on Catholic ground. Our Wiegand Farm is known by many in the community for the cow we have in our field. We hope that we will also be recognized for this cross” said Scott Milliken, Executive Director of DPD. The cross has special meaning to the Lithuanian community, as crosses similar to these were erected in front of churches during the USSR’s occupation of Lithuania in the 1940’s “The parishioners of St. Casimir and I are elated about the relocation of the cross,” said Father Hanley, former Pastor of St. Casimir. “DPD is a beautiful place and the people who live there are treated with kindness and respect”, he added. “We have to continue to spread the word about the wonderful work that DPD does. The Department for Persons with Disabilities has been a tremendous blessing to the Diocese of Paterson and to all of these individuals and families who are served by its mission”, said Bishop Serratelli. Interns from Bethlehem University, Palestine, help at DPD DPD was fortunate to have 2 interns from Bethlehem University, Palestine over the summer. Ameera Ghaboun and Hanan Bargouthi helped at DPD in June with various administrative tasks including fundraising, accounting and organizational management. They also spent time with the people who live in our programs and work at Gruenert Center. The Israel and Palestine conflict escalated shortly after the conclusion of their internship. Please keep Ameera and Hanan as well as all of those suffering in the Middle East in your prayers. Ameera wanted to share her experiences with the readers of this newsletter: Allow me at first to change the formal title of this internship program because I really want to call it the internship of richness. My name is Ameera Ghaboun, I am a fourth year student in Bethlehem University – Palestine. I got this great opportunity to be here with the Catholic Family and get introduced into one of the greatest, inspiring and lovely places which is the Department of Persons with Disabilities (DPD). With love, care and respect, people with developmental disabilities are being served by great staff members. A place that really strives to end the discrimination towards people with disabilities and gives them the chance to work, be productive and serve the community. I can’t even find comparison between this agency and other agencies back home in Palestine. Why? Because it’s difficult to compare a place that’s considered home for individuals and somewhere else that’s not fit for people to live. Palestine has few places that take care of those who need help, and these places are not inspiring, not clean, and do not look like a home. Visiting DPD confused my feelings, and made a huge mixture of happiness and pain within my heart and mind. DPD, with its great staff members, always try to be the rainbow in anybody’s cloud, they really represent the real meaning of honest love. For me, it’s the place where real love was created. Gloominess has occupied my heart and mind when I think of Palestinian people with developmental disabilities back home,. There, they are often “blamed” for having a disability, rather than treated as equals. This visit gave me and my friend Hanan a great push to work hard when we go back home and try to do real, honest and something from the bottom of our hearts for those who really need our help and support. I don’t want to place the blame on anyone for not offering these types of services back at home, I just want to make a difference. going forward. Our one week visit here was not enough, time passed so quickly and we really wanted to spend more time with such great people. Our stay at DPD has been inspirational and we will bring back some of the skills we learned here to try and help people with developmental disabilities in our home country. Huge thanks for every single person at DPD because you really opened our minds and hearts, and allowed us to taste the sweetness of helping others. Left: Ameera (left) with Barbara from Wehrlen House and fellow intern Hanan at Gruenert Center. Below: Ameera and Hanan with members of the Department for Persons with Disabilities Family. They blessed us with their presence during the week of June 23rd. Page 6 Volunteers from Catholic Heart Workcamp make a difference When people think of summer vacations – trips to the Jersey Shore, European excursions and cruises might come to mind. But for one group of teens, their time off was spent cleaning homes, gardening and spending time with adults with developmental disabilities, all by choice, just to make a difference. For the past eight years, the Department for Persons with Disabilities has had the opportunity to receive much needed help from teenage volunteers who have assisted with yard work, cleaning and maintenance in their group homes. The volunteers came from Catholic Heart Work Camp (CHWC). CHWC’s mission is to “serve the neglected, brokenhearted and marginalized in any way needed.” They strive to “revitalize communities and beautify homes for the elderly, disabled and those who cannot afford needed repairs.” “The hours the Work Camp volunteers spend at DPD are so important to us”, said DPD Volunteer Coordinator Pat Barrett. “We have a tight budget and a thin maintenance staff. The volunteer’s contributions allow us to beautify our homes and further improve the lives of the people who live in them”, Pat added. Top: Spencer, Quentin, Fiona, DPD Resident Gregory, Danielle & Rosie at Fitzpatrick House in Pompton Lakes . The volunteers worked at Fitzpatrick House and Barnet House in Pompton Lakes, Wallace House in Sparta and Columbus House in Oak Ridge. In addition to helping out with house maintenance, they spent time with the people who live in our programs and treated them with dignity and respect. We would like to thank Catholic Heart Work Camp and all of the volunteers who so generously spent part of their summer vacations at DPD! Bottom: Workcamp volunteers clean the windows at Fitzpatrick House. Congratulations to longtime DPD Staff Member Don Rossi (pictured, right with his family) who received the 2014 Vivere Christus Award from the Diocese of Paterson. The Award is given annually to individuals who “contribute to the mission of Christ and his Church.” People Doing Good Thank you to Annie Fowler, a Catholic Heart Workcamp Alum, who organized a goods drive for DPD! Pictured above is John (left) and Anthony from Alexander House with some of the donated items Thank you to our Brothers at the Knights of Columbus for their continuous support of DPD through their Disability Drive Fundraiser. The Knights have raised over $3 million for DPD since our inception. Pictured above are Knights from the St. John Vianney Council in Stockholm alongside Craig from Columbus house and Chris Brancato. Congrats to our wonderful staff members who allow us to “Provide Help and Create Hope” every single day! Employee of the Month March: Gail Wachtel, Administration April: Linda Delaney, Wallace House May: Karen Franz, Wallace June: Alex Lasoi, Barnet July/August: Lusselly Rodriguez, Murray House Employee Anniversaries 30 Years: Kathy DeYoung, Director of Gruenert Center 15 Years: Fariouz Basahir, Residential Counselor, Murray House 10 Years: Christopher Brancato, Development Director Congratulations to Kathy DeYoung (Left) on 30 years at DPD! Kathy is the Director of Gruenert Center in Lake Hopatcong. DPD All-Star Master Cook Cook-Off Our Master Cooks! Christie (right), was crowned champion for her Plantain Caserole. Jim, was the runner up for his rice bowls Columbus House Director, Cheryl Slate accepted on behalf od Jessica who took home third place for her fruit pizza. Thank you to all of our Master Chefs for participating in this yummy event! DPD held it’s First Annual Master Cook Cook-off Championship on July 17th. Each group home held an individual competition in the weeks prior to this event between their staff members. The winning staff member from each program was then represented at the championship event. Congrats to Christie Graham who was crowned our champion for her delicious plantain caserole. Jim White, a volunteer from Gruenert Center took home second place for his rice bowls. Jessica Carolan rounded out the top three for her fruit pizza. In addition to the Master Cooks, there was a separate competition for desserts. Mabel from Barnet House was the winner of this competition for her delicious banana pudding. Mabel lives at Barnet House and asked to be apart of this staff event, and sure enough took home top prize! Lynne Mabel’s Banana pudding was Rockstroh from Finnegan House and Debbie served at our Annual Pig Lichter from Murray House took home Roast and was the big hit of the afternoon! second and third place, respectively. Both Mabel and Christie had their dishes featured at our Pig Roast on August 23rd. Congrats to all of our winners! Net News DPD now has nearly 1,700 Fans on Facebook! Join the bandwagon and “Like” us today! We encourage you to “Like” our posts and be very interactive, as it helps us reach more people. Even if you do not have a Facebook account you can visit us and view our pictures and posts. If you are more of a Twitter person you can / D P D C C “Tweet” with us and join our 200 Twitter Followers! Stay up to date on all things DPD by visiting our website from your computer, tablet or smart phone! www.dpd.org Upcoming Events Page 7 Murray House Beefsteak Oct. 11, 2014 - Wayne Fire Dept. Community Co. 1 dpd.org/beefsteak Join the Murray Family and DPD as we host a Beefsteak Fundraiser catered by the Brownstone. For more information call Meghan Murray at (201) 323-4915 or go to www.dpd.org/beefsteak to purchase tickets online. Catholic Charities 2014 Caritas Gala Nov. 8, 2014 - Birchwood Manor, Whippany Join the Department for Persons with Disabilities and Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Paterson as we celeDPD CFO brate all of the good work we do at Rocco Zappile the Caritas Gala on November 8th. will be honored This year, our own Rocco Zappile will at this year’s be receiving a Caritas Award for his Caritas Gala. 25 years of service to DPD. For more information about how you can attend or sponsor this elegant event contact Chris Brancato at 973-406-1104 or at [email protected]. 2nd Annual DUNK for Disabilities Jefferson Township High School and DPD are happy to announce that we will be brining back our DUNK for Disabilities Basketball Game! It will be held in January at Jefferson Township High School versus a team TBD. In addition to the game itself, there will be entertainment including a raffle to take a $10,000 half court shot, student performers, a door prize raffle, a free throw competition and more! All attendees will also receive a free commemorative t-shirt! Attendees can pay at the door. Please consider attending or sponsoring this fantastic event and contact Chris at 973-406-1104 or at [email protected] for more information. 45th Annual Murray House Dinner Dance Feb. 22, 2015 The Brownstone, Paterson The Murray House Dinner Dance is the Department for Persons with Disabili es event of the year! Join us and the Murray Family for our 45th Annual Event at the beau ful Brownstone in Paterson for a night of great food, dancing and honoring people with developmental disabili es and those who make a difference in their lives. For more informa on about how you can be an event sponsor or a end call Chris in the Development Office at 973‐406‐1104 or call Dennis Murray at 973‐809‐1061. D P D C e l e b r a t i n g 5 0 Ye a r s March 5, 1965: Department established by Bishop James J. Navagh - Father John Wehrlen named Executive Director. January 16, 1967: Gruenert Nursery opens on Valley Road in Clifton. The Nursery is for young children with disabilities. June 29, 1969: Camp Alexander opens in West Milford. The Camp is a summer and weekend camp for young people with developmental disabilities. September 19, 1971: Murray House opens on Main Street in Paterson. Murray House is the longest running group home in the state of New Jersey for people with special needs. June 16, 1974: Dedication of Gruenert Adult Opportunity Center at Wiegand Farm in Oak Ridge. Gruenert Center has had several homes throughout the years and is now located in Lake Hopatcong. Summer, 1983: Our first supervised apartment program opened on Jackson Street in Paterson. DPD now operates 2 supervised apartment programs, Kelleher Apartments in Butler and Basile Apartments in Wayne. 1984: DPD becomes a member of Catholic Charities USA. Winter, 1986: Department accredited for four years by the Council on Accreditation of Services for families and Children. DPD has been accredited quarterly throughout the last 30 years. 1991: Our Volunteer Program, “People Need Friends” was established. 2000-2001: Wallace House, Sparta and Calabrese House, Parsippanny begin providing care. These two group homes are our most recently opened residential programs. DPD currently serves 75 people in 11 programs throughout Morris, Sussex and Passaic County. 2011: Saturdays at the Center (SATC) established. SATC provides recreational and educational opportunities for young adults living in the community. 2014: DPD begins offering support coordination for people with developmental disabilities living in Sussex County. 2015 will mark our 50th Anniversary! In the coming months, we will be reaching out to you for support of this occasion that only occurs once in a lifetime! DPD Dept. for Persons with Disabilities P.O. Box 2539 US POSTAGE PAID Sparta, NJ Oak Ridge, NJ 07438 PERMIT NO. 8 Address Service Requested Donate your used clothes! Learn more by going to www.dpd.org Follow us on the web!!! NONPROFIT ORG Donate your car to help raise funds for DPD! Simply call 1-855-670GIVE. Tax deductible! Scan this with your smartphone! visit www.dpd.org - www.facebook.com/dpdcc - www.twitter.com/dpdcc
© Copyright 2024 ExpyDoc
