DPD Gruenert Center Reopens Virtually

One of Catholic Charities most impactful and longest-running programs is the Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD). 

DPD has been supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over 55 years. In addition to residential programs, case management services, and recreational opportunities, DPD operates Gruenert Center in Lake Hopatcong.   Gruenert Center is a day habilitation program, where 60 individuals who happen to have intellectual and developmental disabilities are provided with social, recreational, educational, and supportive opportunities.   
 
On March 16th, DPD closed Gruenert Center at the direction of the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While we have had to expand our services at Catholic Charities to meet the increasing needs of our communities during COVID-19, we have simultaneously worked diligently to keep the most vulnerable among us safe.  Since March, staff at the Department for Persons with Disabilities have been on the front lines providing help and creating hope for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Catholic Charities CEO, Scott Milliken. 

The 60 individuals Catholic Charities’ supports at Gruenert Center have been sheltering at home due to their medical vulnerabilities.
 
“DPD has been providing a variety of Zoom sessions to many of our service recipients since March and we are excited to expand our offerings to even more individuals needing support and enrichment activities at home.  Our Gruenert Center administrative team has been working tirelessly to come up with a variety of programming that appeals to the many interests of the individuals we support,” said Carolina Nelson, Gruenert Center Director.

Virtual day habilitation programming kicked off on July 22 ^nd and will continue to expand over the coming weeks.

Some of the virtual offerings will include COVID-19 health and safety sessions with registered nurses,  American Sign Language classes, music and art therapy, chair yoga, socialization skills training, book clubs, and virtual tours with Gruenert staff of varied community resources such as zoos, parks and museums. 

“We are also looking forward to connecting even more with many individuals who live at home with their families who may not have had as much interaction or socialization during the pandemic.  One area that is a challenge we are working hard to overcome is access to and support to utilize the needed technology to connect to our virtual sessions.  Some individuals do not have tablets or Chromebooks to use and may not have the funds available to purchase devices,” said Joanna Miller, Executive Director of the Department for Persons with Disabilities.  

The agency also faces additional financial challenges as the State of New Jersey manages the ripple effects of COVID-19.  New Jersey had been providing 75% retainer payments to keep providers, like DPD, financially sound during this time and to keep day programs closed.  As of July 20th, these payments have stopped due to federal Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services guidelines. The Division of Developmental Disabilities will continue to provide 50% supplemental funding to day program providers, but are now requiring that virtual day habilitation services be offered to all individuals sheltering at home as a condition of this funding stream. 

“Support from our community is needed now more than ever for Catholic Charities to continue to adapt to COVID-19 changes. Since the mid 1960’s, DPD has made a difference in the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  We will continue to persevere forward to provide safe and fruitful opportunities for those in need,” said Chris Brancato, Catholic Charities’ Development Director.
 
To learn more about the Department for Persons with Disabilities and Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson widespread response to COVID-19, get help, learn about virtual volunteer opportunities, or donate, visit www.ccpaterson.org/corona.

“We have always been committed to the use of technology and this is a great way to connect with our DPD Family during this challenging time, while keeping our service recipients safe.  I am so grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to put this together to provide help and create hope for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Ms. Miller added.