Frequently Asked Questions
This section is intended to answer some of the basic questions about SJCS. For more detailed information, visit sections on the website devoted to our organization.
1. What makes St. John’s Community Services the provider of choice?
SJCS believes strongly that our job is more than providing services. We are an activist agency that promotes the civil rights of children and adults with disabilities through advocacy, services and support. Embodied in the mission of SJCS—advancing community support and opportunities for people living with disabilities—is the continuing search to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to live, work and participate fully within communities of their choosing. SJCS is dedicated to working with people with disabilities and their families to provide them with choices and opportunities, and with communities to create greater awareness and full inclusion so that all people can fulfill their greatest potential.
2. Where does SJCS deliver services? What are the services provided?
SJCS is located in the city of its founding, Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia, West Tennessee and Pennsylvania (primarily Philadelphia). SJCS provides comprehensive services for adults in DC, VA and TN, including Community Living (residential), Community Participation (adult day) and Employment, while PA offers Community Participation and Employment services. In addition, DC and VA provide In-Home Supports, and TN offers Case Management to assist seniors and people with physical disabilities remain in their home environments. Children and young adults are supported in DC’s Education Services located within the DC Public Schools.
3. Is SJCS an accredited provider?
SJCS is not required to have accreditation by any of the regulatory bodies in the states in which the agency provides services. Despite that, SJCS has chosen to seek accreditation in all of the states in which we provide services by the end of 2011. SJCS-VA, the leader in this effort, received its third full three-year CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accreditation in FY07 and internal team reviews are currently underway to prepare each SJCS location for the CARF accreditation process in FY2010. SJCS-TN has been ranked in the Quality Tier for six consecutive years; SJCS-DC has retained its high rating in Basic Assurances Standards Authorization; and SJCS-PA maintained its position as a premier provider for people with disabilities in Philadelphia.
4. What steps does SJCS take to ensure the quality of its staff?
Without the highest quality staff at every level of the organization, SJCS could not retain its stellar reputation. SJCS staff is expected to participate in a continuing education process including program and individual orientations, state mandated training on a variety of topics associated with service delivery, and online training in their areas of expertise. Educational stipends and scholarship opportunities are available through SJCS to support staff with their vocational or higher education goals. In addition, SJCS adheres to CARF and other accreditation body requirements for staff.
5. What are the sources of funding?
Funding for SJCS services is primarily from federal, state and county government, including Medicaid and Departments of Human Services and Disabilities. Private pay options exist as well. SJCS is also fortunate to receive funds from business and community partners, foundations and individuals. These private contributions support essential services, such as therapists in education services and adaptive technology supports. Approximately 88 cents of every dollar contributed to SJCS is spent on direct services to support people with disabilities.
6. How can I support SJCS? Whom do I contact?
We are grateful for the financial and volunteer support we receive from businesses, foundations, community organizations and individuals. We invite you to review Support Us to see the types of financial, in-kind, and community support you can give to SJCS. For further information, please contact your State Director, or at the Home Office, contact Mark Tannenbaum, Director of Marketing, at mtannenbaum@sjcs.org or 202-274-3409.
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