District of Columbia
St. John’s Community Services (SJCS) has served the Washington, DC community since 1868. From that time to the present, SJCS has changed and adapted to meet evolving community needs. In the 1980s, SJCS diversified its services, changing from a focus on children only to include adults as well. At the same time the agency began a shift away from buildings based services to providing services only in community settings. Today, SJCS is “advancing community support and opportunities” for children and adults with disabilities living in the District of Columbia.
Services for Adults
COMMUNITY LIVING SERVICES
Adults with disabilities in the District of Columbia live in homes and apartments throughout the community. Some of these individuals are former residents of institutions; others come to SJCS directly from their family homes. The residences are chosen by the residents based on the neighborhoods they prefer. They are personally furnished and foster a sense of pride and pleasure for the residents. Community resources are available, including public transportation, recreation facilities, personal needs facilities, public facilities, and employment opportunities.
SJCS staff are highly trained and available on a 24-hour to a drop-in basis, to make sure that each individual is supported as they move toward greater independence. The amount of staff support provided is determined by individual assessment and in consultation with the individual, his or her family members and other members of the individual’s support team. Staff assists the residents to achieve personal goals and strongly support their self direction. Naturally occurring activities in each residence provide opportunities for individuals to acquire daily life skills, such as housekeeping, clothing care, menu planning, meal preparation, shopping, personal care, money management, functional academics, medication administration and social skills.
Residents in Community Living Services gain a sense of pride in their homes, while becoming good neighbors and housemates. Residents may also participate in Community Participation and/or Supported Employment Services (see below). The ultimate goal is for people with disabilities to live, participate and work in the least restrictive environment and to gain skills to further their level of independence.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION SERVICES
SJCS-DC Community Participation Program, Life Options, was established in 1981. Unlike many more traditional day support programs, Community Participation Services is a “program without walls.” This unique service provides opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, aged 18 and above, to develop life and work skills that can lead to employment and build community relationships. Person Centered Planning, emphasizing individual wants, needs, and desires, guides the services developed for each individual. We provide a safe and nurturing, “facility free” environment that fosters cognitive, social, vocational and psychological growth, with maximum opportunities for inclusion with peers without disabilities.
Life Options participants also gain self-esteem through helping others. Over 25 non-profit agencies have collaborated with Life Options as volunteer sites. Participants may choose to volunteer at hospitals, churches and nursing homes, among others. The program also serves seniors with disabilities, often within existing programs designed to support typically aging adults. Individuals further develop their skills through community-based activities such as banking, eating out in restaurants and accessing public transportation.
As a unique aspect of Life Options, SJCS-DC provides home based services for medically fragile and behaviorally challenged individuals. The service is based on the changing needs of an individual throughout their lifetime. Due to lack of mobility, medical concerns or behavioral issues, an individual may require support at home. Highly trained clinical and support staff offer the individualized services required.
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT
Working in the community is an important part of any individual’s life. With the help of the local community, SJCS-DC creates opportunities for individuals with disabilities who want to explore the world of work. Employment Specialsts work directly with individuals and their families, as appropriate, and with employers to assist with sound matching and positive work experiences.
As individuals explore their job interests and express preferences, staff work with them to determine the support needed for the person to do the job successfully. Once an employment goal is established by the individual, the Employment Specialist assists the person to attain the job; provides on-the-job training for the individual, his or her employer and co-workers; and gives on-going support as needed, as well as career development. Individuals supported by SJCS-DC have had successful work experiences in day care centers and such businesses as DetailZ Fine Cars, which have led to increased self-esteem and financial independence.
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