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Department for Persons with Disabilities Heroes
This year, the Department for Persons with Disabilities will be honoring our "Heroes" - individuals who have gone above and beyond to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities during this crisis.
On September 18th we will host an awards ceremony streamed live to our Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ccharitiespat, recognizing the individuals below:
The DPD Maintenance Team - Danny Mccoy, Don Rossi, Joe Wickham, Jake Ferguson and Ciro Rockstroh
The Department for Persons with Disabilities Maintenance Team of Danny McCoy, Don Rossi, Joe Wickham, Jake Ferguson, and Ciro Rockstroh have dedicated their lives to the Department for Persons with Disabilities. These 5 men combined have over 150 years of service to our organization. They have gone above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic, assisting with deep cleaning, supplying PPE to our group homes, and always being available and willing to help our DPD residents, staff and volunteers. We are truly blessed and thankful for all they do!
Anne Williams, RN, BSN: Annie joined the Department for Persons with Disabilities Family in 2008. She received her nursing degree in 1990 from the College of Staten Island, City University of New York. In 2014, she became a Certified Developmental Disability Nurse. Annie is always there to offer her support and clinical expertise. She has heped assure health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic; instituting temperature checks, setting up a quarantine hospital, and being there to support DPD staff and residents. Annie is a true healthcare hero, who is beloved by the people we serve!
Barry and Elizabeth (Betty) Levine: Eric Levine was born in 1978 and soon after was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Eric's parents almost immediately we became involved with the
ARC (for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities). Barry has been on the ARC Board for 40 years and twice served as it’s President. When Eric was 21 he moved into the Department for Persons with Disabilities, Columbus House. "Eric has been treated with respect, care. and love. He lives in a safe, healthy and caring environment. As a friend said to us 'don’t buy anymore lottery tickets. You won the lottery the day Eric moved into the Columbus House,'" said Betty. The DPD Family is equally appreciative of the 20 years of support from the Levine Family. Through the COVID-19 pandemic they have offered their support, kind words, and appreciation. They are model DPD Family members: involved, loving, and caring. Betty is a regular golfer in the Wiegand Farm Golf Classic, and we are proud to honor Betty and Barry in 2020!
The Bread Gal Bakery: The Bread Gal Bakery, led by owner, Jessica Sillaro has been baking and delivering an extensive line of fresh, artisan products for over 25 years. Mrs. Sillaro is dedicated to sustainability and giving back to the community. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic the Bread Gal Bakery donated and delivered fresh products each week to each of our 12 residential programs and also supported our fellow Catholic Charities agencies, Straight and Narrow and Catholic Family and Community Services. Over the course of several months, these donations made a difference, and were a source of joy for DPD residents and staff. An immense act of kindness!
The Department for Persons with Disabilities Residential Staff Team: It is impossible to pick just one residential counselor/direct support professional, as the entire DPD staff team embodied Christ's love during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the last several months, the DPD residents have been sheltering in place and it has been our staff who have been friends, family, and rays of light. We are grateful to the entire DPD Family - true heroes!
To donate in honor of our DPD Heroes, please visit www.ccpaterson.org/wiegand.