A group of frontline workers and residents at Divine Providence Village (DPV), part of The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence (DGDP) and the Intellectual Disabilities Division of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday afternoon.

In total, 20 individuals including six nurses, five Direct Support Professionals, and three adult women residents were among the first on campus at DPV to receive the vaccination. Six other direct care staff were also vaccinated for COVID-19.

Mr. James Amato, Secretary for Catholic Human Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia said, “The Advent and Christmas season always brings rise to hope in the New Year. The vaccinations now being available to our most vulnerable residents and their caregivers fortifies that. It rests on our faith commitment that though prayer, staff mission commitment, and excellent partnerships with government that we are truly turning the corner in these challenging times”

DGDP has qualified and trained medical personnel on staff to administer the vaccine according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. All direct care staff, residents, as well as administrative and management teams across CSS’ Intellectual Disabilities Division will have the opportunity and are encouraged to be vaccinated.

Ms. Jean Calvarese-Donovan, administrator at Divine Providence Village said, “It was an amazing day. There were tears of joy and prayers of thanks.  Everyone involved received training required by the CDC for on-site administration of the vaccine.  We developed a system to coordinate intake, administration of the vaccine and post vaccine observation for each person.  Our first few staff and residents were thrilled to receive the vaccine and we didn’t see any side effects or health concerns for anyone after they received it. This vaccine is a hopeful light after ten months of darkness.”

As one of the largest providers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, The Communities of DGDP provide a wide variety of services to men and women living with intellectual disabilities throughout a broad continuum of care.

# # #

Attached is a photograph of the first vaccine administered at Divine Providence Village for publication purposes with credit to Divine Providence Village.