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March 2, 2023March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. During this month, we recognize positive contributions people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) make in our communities each and every day.
March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month since 1987 when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities “the encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”
For 58 years, the Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD) has provided help, created hope, and has celebrated people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Led by our founder, Msgr. Jack Wehrlen, DPD was a pioneer program, opening one of the first group homes in the United States, Murray House in 1971 in Paterson, New Jersey. Today, DPD operates 10 group homes, 2 supervised apartments, Gruenert Center Day Habilitation Program in Lake Hopatcong, Saturdays at the Center, the Fight for the Right Community Service Group, Support Coordination Services in Sussex County and so much more. We are active in promoting change in our society and proudly engaged with the New Jersey Association of Community Providers and several other advocacy groups.
Individuals who live at our residential programs, work at Gruenert Center, and who receive support coordination services are proudly leading their communities in so many ways!
We give thanks to our many advocates, benefactors, supporters, family members, volunteers, and dedicated staff team. These many individuals join in celebration of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities each day!
You can support DPD and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities this special month, in a variety of ways:
John's Crazy Socks Fundraiser: John’s Crazy Socks was co-founded by John Cronin and his father, Mark. John is not only an entrepreneur, but he also happens to have Down syndrome and more than half their employees have a differing ability. Buy a pair of socks, and proceeds will benefit the Department for Persons with Disabilities! Visit www.ccpaterson.org/socks.
Murray House Dinner Dance: The Murray House Dinner Dance is the annual gala and award ceremony for the Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD). This year, the event returned live and in person, after a 3-year hiatus on February 19, 2023. Visit www.ccpaterson.org/murray to contribute or watch our inspirational awardee highlight videos.
Learn about the rights of people with disabilities: The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990, making it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities. Read about the rights laid down in this Act, which is also enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Advocate: Visit the NJACP Advocacy Center to learn more about important issues facing our community: www.njacp.org/advocacy.
Pray: This Lenten Season and Developmental Disabilities Awareness month, join us in prayer for our Direct Service Professionals, people who continue to fight for justice, and those who continue to struggle with any challenges they may be faced with.
Make a General Donation in honor of someone with intellectual and developmental disabilities: Visit www.ccpaterson.org/donate.
Catholic Charities is grateful to work hand in hand with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are blessed, thankful, and looking forward to a bright future!
Our Robert, from Department for Persons With Disabilities, Walsh House, performs Unforgettable. Live at St. John the Baptist Cathedral, 2020. Robert passed away in 2022 but his memory will always remain close to our hearts!
