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.
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 the Philadelphia area). 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. SJCS-DC now also supports young artists in an arts-infused day program, ART Options. In addition, DC and VA provide In-Home services to enable people to remain in their home environments for as long as possible. 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 accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) in VA, PA and TN; DC's will be attained by the spring 2011. SJCS-VA has been the leader in this effort, receiving four three-year CARF accreditations. SJCS-TN has been ranked in the state Quality Tier for eight consecutive years; SJCS-DC has retained its high rating in Standards Authorization set by the DC Department of Disability Services; and SJCS-PA has maintained its position as a premier provider for people with disabilities in Philadelphia. In addition, SJCS applies its own rigorous internal review system to each of its locations and services.
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 participates in a continuing education process. Training includes program and individual orientations, state mandated training on various topics associated with service delivery, online training in areas of expertise and Therap's computer-based record-keeping system. 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, Departments of Human Services and Disabilities and Vocational Rehabilitation Services. 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. 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 Meredith Ritchie, Director of Marketing and Communications, at mritchie@sjcs.org or 202-274-3450.
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