Your support of our Direct Support Professional Recognition Appeal will inspire and uplift our staff, including one of our heroes, Cristina Gomez.
Cristina is a Direct Support Professional, dedicating her life to the people of Walsh House. Brian resides at Walsh House and is “non-verbal." He is kind, empathic and has a great sense of humor. It sometimes it can be a challenge for him to express exactly what he is feeling inside, but his dedicated staff know him well.
In a recent chapter of Brian's life, he confronted severe, initially undiagnosed, medical complications that cast a shadow over his well-being. Enter Cristina, a steadfast presence in Brian's journey, who observed the decline in his spirits even after medical interventions. Displaying remarkable empathy and determination, Cristina tirelessly championed Brian's cause, ensuring his voice was heard amid numerous medical consultations. Eventually, Cristina's unwavering commitment led to the successful treatment of the underlying medical issues, paving the way for Brian's return to his exuberant, joyful self.
Cristina's genuine kindness, boundless empathy, and meticulous attention to detail became the catalyst for a transformative chapter in Brian's life. It is heroes like Cristina who paint the vibrant tapestry of our organization, with over 150 DSPs weaving similar stories of impact each day at DPD. Will you join hands with us in this campaign, to support and empower our DSPs?
The Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD) has been an essential force in providing help and creating hope for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since our founding in 1965 by Father Jack Wehrlen.
Throughout our journey, the core of our mission has been the dedicated and compassionate staff. As we celebrate Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Month in September, we want to take this opportunity to shine a light on our incredible DSPs and provide you with the opportunity to brighten their lives.
Direct Support Professional Recognition Week (September 10-16, 2023) is a great opportunity to highlight the dedicated, innovative direct support workforce that is the heart and soul of supports for people with disabilities.
It is in this spirit of appreciation that we reach out to you. We are asking for your help in supporting our extraordinary DSPs through our DSP Appreciation Appeal. Please consider making a onetime or monthly donation below. Learn more about how you can help by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Please email info@ccpaterson.org with any questions about this appeal. God bless our DSPs and God bless you!
Thank you for your support of our DSP Recognition Appeal! Your support will directly support the individuals who tirelessly work to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Please email info@ccpaterson.org for any questions about this appeal or our ministry.
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Our DSPs are kind, loving, supportive, innovative, and hardworking. Many of these exceptional individuals have been part of our family for decades. They went above and beyond during the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and are now dealing with its lasting impact. It is in this spirit of appreciation that we reach out to you today. We are asking for your help in supporting our extraordinary DSPs through our DSP Appreciation Appeal.
Despite being limited by the state budget and its "entry-level" wage structure, we strive to continuously advocate for increases in direct care salaries. Through sound fiscal management and a strong sense of family, we have managed to achieve "more with less" despite funding shortfalls. Nonetheless, the importance of our DSPs' roles cannot be understated, and that is why we have established the Direct Support Professional/ Employee Appreciation Fund.
This restricted fund, entirely made up of charitable donations, is used to show appreciation to our staff, facilitate ongoing education, and, when necessary, supplement staff salaries at the discretion of the Board of Trustees. Please consider donating to this spirited appeal. Your generosity and support will have a lasting impact on our DSPs and, by extension, the lives of those they tirelessly serve.
You may mail a donation to:
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson
ATTN: DSP Appeal
777 Valley Road
Clifton, NJ 07013
Direct Support Professional Recognition Month (September) is a great opportunity to highlight the dedicated, innovative direct support workforce that is the heart and soul of supports for people with disabilities. Direct Support Professional Recognition Week is September 10-16, 2023.
DPD's Direct Support Professionals are kind, loving, supportive, innovative and hard working. Many have been with us for decades.
In addition to making a monetary donation, here are some other ways that you can support our DSPs:
1. Send a note to say thanks: Whether it’s a hand-written card, an email, a letter, a picture — hearing directly from the families whose loved one they support means so much. You can email us at info@ccpaterson.org. Letters can be mailed to: DPD - 1 Catholic Charities Way - Oak Ridge, NJ 07438.
2. Give a shout-out on social media: Post about what DSP/DSPs in your life have meant to you, your family, or your loved one for us to share across our social media channels to tell the world how incredible direct support professionals truly are.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ccharitiespat
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ccharitiespat
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ccharitiespat
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/ccharitiespat
3. Write to lawmakers: Public policy affects direct care workers in countless ways: from funding that impacts pay, to regulatory requirements and more. Learn more at NJACP: www.njacp.org/advocacy
4. Send a sweet treat: You can sponsor a snack or dinner at one of our group homes or supervised apartments! Staff can’t accept individual gifts — but sending tokens of appreciation to the entire team is more than fine, and greatly appreciated by our DSPs! Donate here or email us at info@ccpaterson.org to support.
We thank our DSPs for all they do! May God bless them during this special month and throughout the year!