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
Have you gotten your flu shot?! Doing our best to keep the vulnerable individuals safe and healthy.
3 days ago
I recognize that face behind the mask! Sweet guy💜
This week’s #FrontLineFriday is Dorothy walker who has been with SJCS for just about 2 years. She works in our Oasis program with youth who are experiencing homelessness.
“She is truly a people person and is really at home working with our guys in the field. Even though she has only been with the OASIS Program for a short period, she has begun building healthy relationships with our 3 participants. The guys in our program really enjoy her so much, because she is straightforward and truly shows them she cares and they can feel that love. Dorothy really makes my job a lot easier and I can relax a little because I know she really cares.”- John Jackson, Program Director
And when asked why she loves what she does Dorothy shared, “because of the feeling I get from seeing the people I support reach the next level in their life, even though it may be something you or I may take for granted, it’s a big thing to them. Seeing them excited about getting their own place or learning to fill out money orders, gives them that sense of being a part of life and finally getting to a place where they are being understood. I am a humanitarian and I believe that everyone should have and live a life they want regardless of what labels society put on you. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to make someone's life better” and that Ms. Walker is why you are amazing and we are lucky to have you!!! Thank you!
6 days ago
Thanks Dorothy for all you do!!
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.