Congratulations to Pam Van Eck on Her Retirement

“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

Congratulations to Pam Van Eck on her retirement.  Pam, a 36 year employee of DPD, Catholic Charities, was celebrated on May 2nd for her service to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Over 150 of DPD's service recipients, staff members, volunteers, leadership team members, trustees, and family members came out to Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish Hall to wish Pam well.   

The afternoon was kicked off with a blessing from Father Matthew Twiggs, Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish; followed by words from DPD Executive Director Joanna Miller, Original Murray House Resident Robert Jaworski; and Associate Director of Murray House, Debbie Lichter.   The afternoon was made complete with video tributes from Pam's children and grandchildren who live out of state.

Pam was presented with numerous tokens of appreciation including a scrapbook highlighting her 35 years of service.   Pam tearfully thanked past Executive Directors Tom Barrett, Julie Tatti and Scott Milliken for their support, as well as current Executive Director Joanna Miller and acknowledged the many individuals with special needs who have touched her heart.  Pam will be moving out of state to be closer to her family, but will always keep the DPD Family close.

"Thank you for all you have done for all of us: residents, staff, families and volunteers alike. Your legacy will long live on here at DPD and for that you should be proud. From every beautifully decorated home we walk into, to the kind and loving staff you trained yourself, to the happy, healthy and incredibly proud residents you loved and nurtured, your footprint is on it all. Kindness, love and dignity were always apparent.

In good times and bad, in celebration and grief, you have been a beacon of strength and love for us all. The countless lives you have touched and changed are beyond measure. The names are too many to mention, but the faces are always in our hearts, as you, too, will always remain," said Joanna Miller, Executive Director of DPD. 

Congratulations to Pam on a beautiful career!