Dressed in poodle skirts and leather jackets, individuals from The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence Village (DGDP) danced the night away at their Spring Formal last month. Held on June 13th at The Drexelbrook, these Pink Ladies and T-birds were treated to a Grease-themed evening of rock and roll, food, and fun.
The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence, part of the Intellectual Disabilities Division of Catholic Social Services (CSS), is part of our Marple Community. The Communities provide a continuum of support for 400 individuals and their families, offering a wide range of programming options including Community and Campus-Based Living Arrangements, Life Sharing Through Family Living, Respite Care, and Day Programs.
This is the first Spring Formal to be held in three years. Fran Swiacki, Executive Director of The Communities said they have emerged from the pandemic stronger and more resilient than ever. “Returning to in-person events like the Spring Formal and our Family Christmas party in 2022 brought so much joy to our staff and the families who rely on our services. But most importantly to the individuals whom we serve,” said Fran. This annual event provides men and women living with intellectual disabilities a special opportunity to socialize and reconnect.
The Communities have been able to transform the lives of people with intellectual and physical disabilities for over 60 years within our Marple Community. Founded by St. Luigi Guanella, the Servants of Charity, an Italian order of priests, were authorized by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to open Don Guanella School for boys with intellectual disabilities in 1960. The school program later closed and the now men live in community homes or the “mini-campus” in Springfield depending on their needs. The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence provide a range of services that promote individuality, empower personal choice, advance dignity, and respect, nourish spirituality, and foster a sense of family. “Our mission is to embrace those individuals with intellectual disability/Autism through our core values (Charity-Dignity-Compassion-Justice-Excellence) and most importantly love, by providing home environments meeting the level of care needed to support each person’s potential and aspirations,” said Patricia Menszak, Administrator for Don Guanella Village.
In 1881, Saint Luigi Guanella founded the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence, whose primary mission is to minister to persons with intellectual disabilities. In 1913, the Sisters came to the United States and in 1948 to Elverson, PA. There they started a home for girls and young women with intellectual disabilities on the old Potts estate. The residents moved to the beautiful campus of Divine Providence Village (DPV) in September 1984, which always resides in Marple Township. More than 70 women who live at DPV have a person-centered plan that not only includes 24-hour nursing care, but plenty of social and recreational activities and spiritual enrichment. The Communities are very blessed to have a beautiful chapel at DPV where Sunday Liturgy is held throughout the year, as well as other religious events. Angela Babcock, RN Administrator for Divine Providence Village said that services can be provided for all age groups throughout their lifespan. “We provide the needed support for each individual so they can live their life to the fullest each day. We are forever grateful for our deepened partnership with Marple Township first responders throughout the pandemic.”
Special events like the Spring Formal are also a long-standing tradition for The Communities. What started as a date night for some of the residents twenty years ago evolved into a formal for all. Dawn O’Neill, Advancement Director for The Communities and a longtime resident of our Marple Community, said: “There is a new theme each year. There are also plenty of volunteers on hand to assist the ladies with makeup and hair. The leadership team and direct care support professionals work endlessly preparing for a wonderful dinner and night of dancing.”
After the success of this year’s long-awaited Spring Formal, no doubt The Communities will be ready to start planning for next year. “Everyone as they age always remembers their proms,” said Dawn. “Our individuals love this event as they see friends from their past. It’s always a fun reunion for all.” For more information about The Communities visit DGDPCommunities.org.