Volunteers, supporters, staff, and residents of the Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD), a part of Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese of New Jersey, were honored for their outstanding efforts during the 56th Annual Murray House Dinner Dance. The DPD fundraiser was held at The Brownstone in Paterson, N.J., on Feb. 15.
Hosted by Catholic Charities and the Murray family, the dinner dance also celebrated the relocation of Murray House, a residence for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, in Clifton, N.J. The beautifully renovated facility ensures the residents can safely age in place, surrounded by dignity and love. Residents relocated there in late January.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, who was among the dignitaries to attend the popular yearly event, delivered the invocation. At the dinner dance, he congratulated DPD and the Murray House residents and staff.
“For decades, they have provided a loving home to so many and have lived the Gospel message in both word and deed. We are blessed as a Diocese by all they do for God’s people!” Bishop Sweeney wrote.
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Stephen Shulkowski and his son, Jackson, who volunteer at Walsh House in the Succasunna neighborhood of Roxbury Township, N.J., received the Marilyn Murray Keenan Inspiration Award for “giving of themselves freely and without expectations or judgment,” said Joanna Miller, DPD, executive director. Cristina Gomez, Walsh House associate director, was honored with the Employee of the Year Award for her “tremendous connection with the residents and her love of supporters and everyone,” Miller said.
The Murray House staff received the People of the Year Award for their “hard work with the relocation and their ongoing dedication to those they support.” Also, Murray House residents were honored with the William J. Pascrell, Jr. Memorial Award “in recognition of their new forever home and their achievements every day,” Miller said.
Three DPD residents were among those who received the Jim and Kit Murray Outstanding Achievement Awards for resident achievements. They were Carolyn Traina of Barnet House in Pompton Lakes, N.J.; Donald Guild of Wallace House in Sparta, N.J.; and Phyllis Bedani of Giuliano House in the Oak Ridge neighborhood of Jefferson Township, N.J.
The oldest group home in the state, Murray House opened its doors in Paterson, N.J., in 1971 to serve two residents. The facility is named after Jimmie Murray, a child with developmental disabilities from Paterson who died in 1969. Murray House moved to Allwood Place in Clifton in 1992. In November, Bishop Sweeney blessed the relocated facility.
Four generations of Murray family members have stayed involved with DPD to honor Jimmie’s legacy in various capacities. Jimmie’s memory is forever honored through the individuals who live at Murray House and through the good work of the Murray family.
Read the story about the Murray House rededication on BeaconNJ.org.
