Dinner Dance Helps Special Needs Adults

The ) family danced the night away recently at the 42nd Annual Murray House Dinner Dance at the Brownstone in Paterson. 

“It was a lot of fun, the food was great and it was nice honoring Sister Joan and other members of the DPD,” said Alexis a resident from the DPD’s Fitzpatrick House.

Sister Joan Kathleen Gercke, SSJ, the DPD’s Volunteer and Pastoral Care Coordinator, was honored as their “Person of the Year." Sister Joan has worked with the DPD for 22 years. She coordinates the CARE religious education program for the DPD residents and adults living at home with their families; has helped the DPD’s People Need Friends Volunteer group grow and flourish; and has provided pastoral care for residents who, because of illness and medical needs, live at nursing homes.

Sister Joan also received the Congressional Award for service, presented by Congressman and friend of the DPD Bill Pascrell, and an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Benedict XVI presented by the Diocese of Paterson, Chancelor, Sister Mary Edward Sphorer, S.C.C.

“For the past twenty-two years, I have had the privilege of being part of the DPD. Each day has brought new challenges and new opportunities. To this day, I am still in awe each time I talk about the services provided by our Department. I am so grateful to each member of DPD family and look forward to coming to work each day,” Sister Joan said.

In addition to Sr. Joan’s honor, there were other awards given out at the event. Two longtime DPD volunteers, Yvonne Ferrara and Sandra Kahn, received the Marilyn Murray Keenan Inspiration Award and their friends from the Alexander House were smiling from ear to ear as they received the award. Marilyn Murray Keenan, a volunteer at the DPD for over 30 years. Murray Hosue was named in honor of her brother Jimmie who was developmentally disabled.

Vivian Boye-Codjoe, the Associate Director from the Wallace House, earned the Staff of the Year Award. 

“Vivian is a hard worker, has a kind heart and is extremely dedicated to making a difference in the lives of adults with special needs,” said Scott Milliken DPD Executive Director.  

Diana Iuculano, a resident from the Alexander House, received the Frank X. Graves award given in honor of the late mayor from Paterson. The award was presented by Dr. Linda Graves, Mr. Graves’ daughter.

“For many, the best part of the evening is the presentation of the Outstanding Achievement Awards,” said Chris Brancato DPD Development Director. “The entire Murray House Dinner Dance is a celebration of the residents of the DPD and there is nothing that epitomizes this celebration more than when they come up to the podium surprised and excited to receive their plaques."  

Peter from the Finnegan House, Susan from the Wehrlen House, Terry from the Barnet House, Gregory from the Fitzpatrick House and Peter from the Murray House were surrounded by their friends and family members as they were honored. 

“We would like to thank everyone who made this beautiful evening possible," Milliken said. “Our staff team did an exceptional job assuring that the residents of the DPD had a great time. Tommy Manzo and the Brownstone provided wonderful service and delicious food. Our sponsors and donors helped raise needed funds for the DPD and covered the cost of 50 of our residents to attend. Finally, we could not have made the evening a success without the Murray Family.For 45 years they have made a difference in the lives of adults with special needs.  The Murray Family is truly part of the DPD Family.”

The DPD is a Catholic Charities Agency in the Diocese of Paterson that provides residential, vocational and social support for adults with special needs and their families.  3 of the DPD’s group homes are located in Jefferson, the Finnegan House, Columbus House and Alexander House.  The DPD also operates the Gruenert Center, a vocational day program in Lake Hopatcong. Over 350 guests attended including nearly all of the agencies’ 74 residents.

For more information about the DPD visit www.dpd.org or contact Chris Brancato at 973-406-1104.