'My Life is Better Since Moving Into the DPD'

Welcome to our guest writer for today's five things, the Department for Persons with Disabilities. They're such overachievers, they wrote 10 things instead of five!

1. The organization began serving adults with disabilities over 45 years ago.  I have been with the DPD for 36 wonderful years! I think of Father Wehrlen as my hero, because he was the Founder of the DPD, and helped me while I adjusted to living with a new group of people. I can say that I have a wonderful life at the DPD and I am so glad this is my home! “ - Claire, DPD resident
2. It operates the longest running group home in the state of New Jersey, the Murray House in Clifton.
3. It is the largest Catholic Charities Agency providing care for adults with developmental disabilities in the United States.
4. It operates 9 group homes and 2 supervised apartments throughout Morris, Sussex, and Passaic Counties.
5. It operates Gruenert Center, a vocational day program for 50 men and women in Lake Hopatcong.
6. It is the only provider agency for adults with disabilities in the state of New Jersey internationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA). http://www.coanet.org/
7. It has a dedicated network of more than 100 volunteers. “My experience with DPD gives me the opportunity to share and receive the beauty of unconditional love and acceptance.”  - Peggy Cofrancesco, DPD volunteer
8. It provides information and referrals for families of adults with developmental disabilities living in the community.
9. It provides pastoral care for former residents who now reside in nursing homes.
10. It empowers residents to be active and involved in their communities. “My life is better since moving into the DPD.  I have friends and I get to see my family. Living here is fun, I go out for trips and on vacation.” – Alexis, DPD resident

If other organizations would like to write five things they want the town to know about their group, email me at susan.toth@patch.com.