Department of Persons with Disabilities serves New Jersey with distinction

New challenges are confronting the nonprofit Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD) headquartered in New Jersey. The organization is a critical member of Catholic Charities providing the highest level of care to residents since 1965, but that care is becoming increasingly difficult to provide as costs increase and state funding remains tight. 

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The DPD is essential to the care of hundreds of residents and past clients throughout New Jersey. The organization was founded in 1965 after the suicide of a young, single widow who felt she could not carry on with a child who had severe developmental disabilities. After her tragic death, her priest, Fr. Wehrlen, recognized that the parish was not providing the level of pastoral care his parishioners with developmental disabilities needed. 
Within a short time, he opened the Murray House, which would be the first group home in the state.

Today, the organization has grown to include more group homes and the DPD's Adult Day Training Program located in Lake Hopatcong, NJ.  In fact, it is the single largest such program in the state. The organization has been recognized and accredited by the international nonprofit Council on Accreditation which provides certification for human services organizations.

The DPD works hard to assist individuals to live normal, integrated lives to the greatest degree possible. Residents learn new skills, and work whenever possible. The organization also facilitates social integration providing residents with frequent outings and activities which include visits to local malls and attractions, participation in the Special Olympics, the Knights of Columbus, and participation in local religious and secular education programs. 

Scott Milliken, Executive Director of DPD also explained how the organization contributes value to the community. Milliken explained that residents don't simply abide from day to day in the facilities, but rather they work to actively contribute to the greater community. Residents serve in soup kitchens, food drives, pet drives, and other philanthropic pursuits, in addition to working in the organization's workshop to create products they can sell. Engaging in these activities is a tremendous source of pride for the residents who also enrich the greater community. 

Unfortunately, the expansion of these much-needed services is now jeopardized by the consistently flat state budget and the ever-present risk of budget cuts. 

According to Chris Brancato, Director of Development and Public Relations, the organization must raise an estimated $500,000 annually to continue providing the high level of care currently given. And while budgets remain flat, costs increases are stretching thin finances ever thinner. 

Adding to the challenge, the aging resident population means still yet higher costs since older patients require more care than the young. 

But the DPD isn't without recourse, and it isn't scaling back on its care. Dynamic leadership and charity are combining to keep the organization running. 

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The DPD boasts very efficient management, sipping a mere 7.56 percent of its funds for administrative costs. This is an astoundingly low figure compared to the typical industry average of 12 to 17 percent. 

Robust fundraising campaigns also help. Supporters are invited to give gifts which are either spontaneous or planned, one time or recurring. Supporters are challenged to match donations and contribute in whatever ways they can. Even small gifts make a big difference, so supporters who give a little can still be satisfied that their contribution has an impact.

Perhaps the most crucial component is the staff, highly motivated by love. It is said that a labor of love is the truest of all, and while the staff may not enjoy bulging salaries, their hearts are filled daily with the rewards good works provide. This is no small thing, as a compassionate staff can have the largest impact on the quality of care and the long-term success of such programs. 

Aiding the regular staff is a team of dedicated volunteers. Volunteers range in age and experience from local grad students to the eldest who is 86 years old, a demonstration that caring for DPD's patients is a genuine calling for many. In addition to individuals, couples, families, and even teams frequently come together to serve DPD's clients. 

The residents also consider themselves lucky, as their statements can attest. Claire, a longtime DPD resident said, "I have been with the DPD for 36 wonderful years! I think of Father Wehrlen as my hero, because he was the Founder of the DPD, and helped me while I adjusted to living with a new group of people. I can say that I have a wonderful life at the DPD and I am so glad this is my home!"

Families of residents are also glowing with praise for the DPD. Chris Brancato shared, "After living at home for 40 years Mikey moved into one of the DPD's programs. Mikey's family was scared at first, not knowing what to expect. After 2 weeks Scott [Milliken] received a call from Mikey's parents, so appreciative of the hospitality and love that the staff of the DPD had showed their son. 'We feel like we have hit the lottery,' Mikey's dad said, brought to tears, so happy with the care that has been provided."

Sadly, only a minority of the residents at DPD have families, so for most, the DPD is the only family they have. However, the good news is that it's a healthy family. Milliken explained that the DPD takes advantage of the latest software applications to track patient health and alert staff to important events. Within moments, he explained, important messages can be dispatched to the staff as well as DPD administrators ensuring that patients are never neglected and their milestones are tracked. 

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The use of advanced technology to track patients has earned high praise from state officials and accrediting organizations. It has also cut administrative costs which allows for more services for more residents. 

As the DPD weathers the current financial times with courage and alacrity, it is also planning for the future. Over 8,000 people remain on the waiting list for acceptance into group homes throughout the state so expansion is critical. The sooner the DPD can expand, the sooner patients and the state can benefit. 

Individuals are invited to give tax-deductible donations to the DPD. Anyone interested in learning more about the DPD or in offering gifts are invited to visit their website, dpd.org or to follow this link. 

Interested parties may also contact the DPD directly at (973) 406-1100.

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