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Marc was our first child and the first grandchild on both sides of the family. We were so elated when we found out we were pregnant with Marc. We thought wonderful happenings awaited our son. Once the realization came that he had a disability, we wanted and hoped Marc would realize his potential, whatever that might have been at the time. At the age of 3, he was enrolled in a church at Midland Park, in a fantastic Diocesan Program under the Diocese of Paterson, headed by a lovely woman, named Jane. She was a member of a Parish who sponsored a program based out of West Milford. We had asked her about a summer camp for Marc. Since summer was quickly approaching, I asked her for the contact information of the Director of the Program, Lillian Gallagher, and later was upset to hear that campers had to be toilet trained. We were dejected and asked her for some other suggestions and she told us that she would get back to us. Within minutes she called us back. If we, Marc’s parents, could provide all of the disposable briefs, he could attend Camp Alexander. He did so that summer and for many summers afterwards. That began our 50 year association with Joe Duffy, Father Wehrlen, Tom Barrett, Julie Tatti, Scott Milliken and all of the wonderful people at Catholic Charities who came into contact with Marc.
When a new group home (Columbus House) was built on the farm, Marc became one of the first full time residents. Under Cheryl and all of the leadership at Columbus House, Marc achieved unbelievable new heights. We couldn’t have asked for a better program. There was no better than Wiegand Farm. He was cared for as a member of the Wiegand, Gruenert, DPD and Catholic Charities Family until his passing. Every relative and friend who visited Columbus House could not believe how wonderful the program was.
Our description could never fully explain the uniqueness, lovingness and devotion given to all of the residents at DPD and Catholic Charities. It wowed all who visited or learned about the organization. It was a true oasis in the desert.
By huge coincidence, Marty moved his business to Paterson, right behind Murray House on Main Street. They needed assembly work and we were able to move a packaging machine into the basement of Gruenert Center. Low and behold this packaging work completed by the clients there ended up in Woolworth, Jamesway, Kmart and other department stores. It made us and everyone else very proud. The entire production was later moved to Wiegand Farm with continued success.
We are so proud to be part of this DPD, Catholic Charities community, which in over 50 years, has never disappointed us.