Paul DeVito
Verland
Executive Director- Community Living Arrangement Programs
Paul’s career supporting individuals with intellectual
disabilities began unexpectedly in 1978, while he was still in high school in
Louisville, Kentucky. After a friendly push from his father, he took a summer
job at a camp for people with disabilities. As Paul often says, “I lost an
argument with my father and gained not only a career, but a life’s work.”
Upon his family’s move to Philadelphia in 1980, Paul
continued his dedication, securing a role as a Direct Support Professional at
UCP Philadelphia by 1981. A highlight of his early career was his involvement
in the mid-eighties, helping to move individuals from Pennhurst State Center
and Embreeville into community living. He found immense satisfaction in helping
people achieve a level of dignity and independence previously thought
impossible.
As he transitioned into management, Paul became a leader in
adapting to significant system changes, guiding teams through the adoption of
Person-Centered Planning and Everyday Lives philosophies in Pennsylvania. He
actively supported early advocacy groups in Philadelphia, such as
“Speaking for Ourselves,” empowering individuals and families to find
their voice.
Since joining JEVS Human Services in 2002, Paul has
continued to make a substantial impact. He played a key role in bringing the
agency’s license into good standing and fostered partnerships to support
individuals with complex needs. In 2017, he notably facilitated the growth of
his division by integrating 10 homes and 29 people into the JEVS residential
team after another agency closed. Paul has become the recognized face of
residential services at JEVS, adept at collaborating with various partners to
support high-level individuals with behavioral, medical, and forensic
backgrounds.
Paul is a seasoned leader with extensive expertise in risk
management, regulatory compliance, program expansion, leadership development,
and policy development, all driven by his lifelong commitment to enhancing the
lives of those he serves.
Support Our Mission
Verland was established through the love and compassion of its three founders and the generosity of one individual who was inspired to share her good fortune with others by donating the land on which Verland’s Ohio Township campus was built. Today, your support is needed to continue building community homes, expand the capacity of all facilities, and support our 230 individuals with loving care.
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