Sean's Apartment in Butler, NJ
at DPD's Kelleher Apartments

Department for Persons with Disabilities

Sean Quilan is known as the perfect gentleman. He prefers wearing a button up shirt and tie than a t-shirt and he always opens doors for ladies.

For three years, this charming man has been a resident at Kelleher Supervised Apartments in Butler, a group home of Catholic Charities Department for Persons with Disabilities. The youngest of four children, Sean lives a faith-filled life – he attends Mass every Sunday and he is godfather to three of his nieces and nephews. He even has a sister who is a religious sister in Kentucky.

At 41 years old and with Down Syndrome, the decision to move to Kelleher was greatly Sean’s decision following his parents’ passing and he couldn’t be happier with his decision.


Sean said, “I have been here a couple of years and I like it. I love my apartment and my roommates. We are a family.”

Some of the activities Sean enjoys doing are the Friday morning mediation through Zoom video conferences and the TGIF social hour. On his own, he especially enjoys taking pictures. Sean said, “I love photography. That’s my hobby. I like taking pictures of people, of my family. I like taking pictures during holidays.”

Sean also enjoys WWE and watching wrestling on television. He is a huge Elvis Presley fan and if you ask him to sing one of Elvis’ songs, he will belt out, “Love Me Tender.”

During the coronavirus pandemic, the DPD has continued to provide help to its service recipients during this challenging time. Since March 16, all individuals DPD supports in its residential programs have been sheltering in place due to their vulnerabilities and compromised immune systems. They are at higher risk of complications from COVID-19.

Joanna Miller, executive director of DPD, said, “Our dedicated staff have been there every day throughout this public health emergency to support those with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the same high quality care and in the spirit of Jesus.  While community outings and home visits have not been an option in the typical way for those we serve at DPD, we have adapted to ensure everyone stays connected to their loved ones and that they are engaged in meaningful activities of their choice.” 

Since March, DPD has been using Zoom for many daily activities such as chair yoga, meditation, sing-a-longs and our Catholic Adult religious Education (CARE) program.  More recently, its Gruenert Center staff have been offering a wide variety of virtual programming for those in DPD’s day habilitation program. These include such things as American Sign Language classes, book club, geography, historical inventions, health and wellness topics, as well as staff visiting local zoos and other attractions with the participants watching live via Zoom.  Setting all of this up requires dedication from the staff as well as the technology to make it all work.        
To those who support the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, Sean is very grateful and on several occasions he has spoken at churches on behalf of the Appeal to inspire parishioners to donate.

Sean said, “I am thankful to those who give money to the Appeal they allow me to have a nice place to live and know so many caring people.” 

Joanna said, “The financial cost of the pandemic has been great for DPD. We have had to invest in a significant amount of PPE and environmental modifications to ensure everyone’s safety. The costs related to this are not covered through our Medicaid fee for service dollars or other reimbursements from the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities. We are grateful to the generous financial support of all the parishioners in the Diocese of Paterson. Your continued support through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal goes directly to services and supports for those in need at DPD and beyond.  We are truly blessed with God’s grace every day.”


 Sean speaking at St. Anthony Church