DSP Recognition

Bonita has been a dedicated Direct Support Professional (DSP) at DPD’s Calabrese House for nearly two years, and her commitment to the individuals she serves is truly inspiring. 

As a full-time staff member, Bonita is known for her flexibility and willingness to cover any open shifts, including overnights. This reliability is invaluable, allowing her supervisor to trust that everything will be handled with care and precision.

When asked to help, Bonita never hesitates, always replying with a cheerful, “Ask me to do any day or time, except for Saturday”—a day she reserves to honor her faith and praise the Lord. Her deep commitment to her faith beautifully aligns with DPD’s mission to create a compassionate, family-like environment while empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential—intellectually, socially, and spiritually

.Bonita’s dedication goes beyond her job description. She encourages residents to take turns saying grace before meals and supports their participation in religious activities of their choosing. Her supervisors praise her as a dependable, reliable, responsible, and loving presence in the Calabrese House.

Bonita’s warmth extends to everyone she encounters. She makes volunteers and aspiring deacons feel welcome and appreciated, fostering a community spirit that enhances the lives of everyone at the house. She excels at coordinating visits and ensuring communication flows smoothly between visitors and the team.

Bonita Louis exemplifies the spirit of service that is at the heart of our organization. We are incredibly grateful for her contributions and proud to have her as part of the DPD family. Your support can help us continue to empower dedicated professionals like Bonita to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.

Please consider donating to DPD so we can continue to support heroes like Bonita. Your contribution will help us provide compassionate care and empower our residents to live their best lives. Thank you for your generosity and support!

Dear DPD Family Member, 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 approach 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. Our DSPs are kind, loving, supportive, innovative, and hardworking. Many of these exceptional individuals have been part of our family for decades,facing a challenging time for professionals and patients in the healthcare system.

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. You have the option to contribute a one-time gift, give monthly, or even pledge a gift for a period of up to five years. Your generosity and support will have a lasting impact on our DSPs and, by extension, the lives of those they tirelessly serve. 

To donate or pledge, please fill out the form on the back of this letter and return it in the enclosed envelope. Alternatively, you can explore giving opportunities by visiting www.ccpaterson.org/DSP. Your compassion and willingness to help will be genuinely appreciated by all of us at DPD as we continue to provide a high level of support to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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 8-14, 2024.

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] to support.  

We thank our DSPs for all they do! May God bless them during this special month and throughout the year!