During this time of uncertainty, we are doing our best to help the individuals we support to maintain a sense of normalcy and continue living their best quality life while keeping their health and this pandemic in the forefront of our minds.
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Advocates for All
SJCS strongly believes that regardless of an individual’s circumstance, whether that be economic status, race, religion, age, mental or physical disability, sex, sexual orientation or identity—the people we serve, our employees and those we encounter in the communities we serve, deserve the right and opportunity to live their best lives. Our video series Advocates for All, are compilations of candid, personal and in-depth interviews with individuals sharing their experiences, ideas, and thoughts on what it means to be an advocate, an ally, and a member of our incredibly diverse community.
We are St. John’s Community Services and we are Advocates for All!
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“I’ve just felt that I’ve been able to have a positive impact on so many lives.” Eddie Allen, an…Read More
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“That’s just plain heroic” – Alan Thornton, President & CEO said of Belinda Kimble’s work…Read More
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“Just disregard the disability, they want to do the same things that we want to do…Read More
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“I’ve tried to create an environment where, firstly, if we try something that doesn’t work…Read More
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It was love at first sight. Not many people know their true life’s passion when they are 12 years…Read More
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Most of us have been on the receiving end of that message, and it seems like a small, easy act…Read More
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“We take individual goals and mash it up with some passion,” Precious Myers-Brown, Chief…Read More
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SMYAL is a 35-year-old organization that was founded in DC to stop the institutionalization of…Read More
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Did you know that 40% of homeless youth identify as LGTBQ, and in many cases…Read More
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Alex explains as a Trans person how choosing a place to work was based on more than just…Read More
"When I was assigned the SHIFT training through Disability Cocoon a Technology Movement, I thought it would just be a simple course that I would complete and move on. The SJCS Martin location already has individuals that are supported by Enabling Technology, so I did not think that I had anything to learn. Boy, was I wrong! I have not been a supporter of Enabling Technology. I have been a supporter of “taking care of folks.” This statement is hard for me to admit, but it is the truth.
The “SHIFT” training opened my eyes of all the possibilities for the individuals we serve. They don’t need my care, they need my support. I have been in the field for almost 30 years and my mind set was always “ the individuals need care.” The individuals need opportunities to grow, make choices and be independent. They need opportunities to try and if they fail, the Enabling Technology will be in place to keep them safe. I sat down and reviewed a list of those individuals on my caseload. Many folks can grow, even excel with technology.
I've recently been enjoying some “alone time” after raising children for 23 yrs. Now, I pick the TV station or turn off the TV altogether and listen to music. I select my bedtime, and am not on another person’s schedule. I complete my chores, or leave them for the morning. Those are all my choices! The individuals we serve only experience alone time during sleep hours, and sometimes that is interrupted with bed checks for sleep aid equipment or implementing toileting schedules. Those interruptions are similar to nurses checks at a hospital. We all know that there is no rest at a hospital. These interruptions are every day! No wonder they nap in the day. Our schedule has affected every aspect of their lives, even sleep. The individuals we serve need to make their own choices! Enabling Technology will enable them to do just that.
This old dog has learned a new trick." -Wendy Bratton, SJCS Program Coordinator in Martin/Paris TN.
#TechTuesday
21 hours ago
Awesome young lady. Always there for whoever, whenever and whatever needs to be done. Down to earth and can calm somebody's nerves over any situation. Whenever she says, ok listen, this is what we are gonna do....., then you know she has remedied your situation!! Simply the best. Better than all the rest.
You're so amazing Wendy Johnson Bratton!!! They are so blessed to have you supporting them. You are able to touch people with your kindness and compassion. Thank you for everything you do. 🥰
Well said
Go Wendy!!
Go Wendy Bratton!!! 💖💖
Way to go Wendy!
Wendy Johnson Bratton is simply one of the best for the above and hundreds of other reasons!!!! ❤️❤️
Absolutely true and Wendy you are beautiful inside and out!!
Yessssss Wendy Johnson Bratton !!!❤️🙌
Advancing Community During a Time of Crisis
We are all experiencing the effects of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic and realizing how very important personal connections are especially in a time of uncertainty. At SJCS our Mission is to advance inclusive communities, however, the new norm of social distancing we are having to re-imagine what that means. On a daily basis we are leveraging technology to connect the people we support with their loved ones and vital services and therapies. If there is one thing this world health crisis is teaching us, it is how very important a sense of community is, even if we have to rethink and change the way we connect with each other while apart.
COVID-19 Resource Center
- Plain Language COVID-19 Information by and for People with IDD
- Center for Biocide Chemistries: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fighting Products
- The Importance of Flattening the Coronavirus Curve
- CDC: Interim Guidance for Homeless Service Providers
- Avoid Cyber Attacks During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- COVID-19 Screening and Testing at Congregate Shelters
- Managing Emotions around COVID-19: The 7-Step Model for Resiliency
- Self-Care Strategies
Additional resources will continue to populate over time, and outdated materials will be archived. Please check back often for the most up-to-date information.
DC
- DC Interagency Council on Homelessness Day Center/Meal Site Information
- Home Office (901 D Street) Re-entry Protocols
- COVID-19 Homeless Services for Individuals
- The State Department of Health Local Website: DC
TN
- COVID-19 Essential Employee Child Care
- DIDD COVID-19 Response and Guidance
- Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Response
- The State Department of Health Local Website: TN
VA
- Virginia DMAS Receives CMS Approval of 1135 Waiver
- Virginia Deptartment of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services COVID-19 FAQs
- Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services FAQs
- The State Department of Health Local Website: VA
NY
- The Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County COVID-19 Resources
- Tompkins County Health Department: The Importance of Community Social Distancing
- Tompkins Mutual Aid Response Team Community Resources Folder
- COVID-19 Guidance for Homeless Shelters and Supportive Housing
- NYS on Pause Functions Extended Through April 15th
- NYS COVID-19 Updates 03.23.20
- Ithaca Shelter COVID-19 Policies
- The State Department of Health Local Website: NY
- Health Insurance During COVID-19
- Free Child Care for Essential Workers
MD
DE
- Deleware Health & Social Services COVID-19 Response
- The State Department of Health Local Website: DE
Additional resources will continue to populate over time, and outdated materials will be archived. Please check back often for the most up-to-date information.
- Congress Passes Third COVID-19 Bill with Key Provisions for Disability Supports
- The Anatomy of the $2 Trillion COVID-19 Stimulus Bill
- What’s Inside The Senate’s $2 Trillion Coronavirus Aid Package
- Key CARES Act Provisions
Additional resources will continue to populate over time, and outdated materials will be archived. Please check back often for the most up-to-date information.
- CDC.gov: Main Page
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- National Institutes of Health
- 211.org
- Johns Hopkins University
- COVID-19 Tracking Map
- IRS.gov
- American Association of Health & Disability
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- Administration for Community Living
Additional resources will continue to populate over time, and outdated materials will be archived. Please check back often for the most up-to-date information.