St. John’s Community Services (SJCS), a nonprofit pioneer in advancing community support and opportunities for people of all abilities, is moving its headquarters from Georgetown to 901 D. St., SW, across from L’Enfant Plaza. The move coincides with the organization celebrating 150 years of service.
“With over 900 dedicated, experienced staff, we advocate tirelessly, fiercely and unapologetically to change the world for those marginalized by it,” said Alan Thornton, president and CEO of St. John’s Community Services. “The proximity, accessibility and vibrancy of our new headquarters will help us build upon our organizational culture and recruit top talent in the years to come.”
As one of the oldest nonprofit organizations founded in the District of Columbia, SJCS is committed to supporting and advocating for people of all abilities. The organization works to build stronger communities and to ensure that all people have a meaningful quality of life. SJCS helps people live life on their terms through pre-employment transition services for teens and expansive services for adults to live, work and fully participate as members of their communities. Services for adults include community living, employment support, community participation, an arts-infused day program, and expanding in-home services.
“We take pride in elevating the communities we call home,” said Thornton. “People often know St. John’s Community Services by our staff members who help change someone’s world every day, and by the people we serve who are making an impact in their communities and in the lives of others.”
The new headquarters will feature an open concept, natural light, and an egalitarian and accessible design. Team members will have access to the building’s fitness center, locker rooms and bike storage.
SJCS started as a hospital in 1868 to care for neglected children and others after the Civil War. The hospital was converted to an orphanage as war, disease and brutal work left many children with single or no parents. The orphanage was later closed and St. John’s Child Development Center was opened in the 1950s to meet new societal demands. The center was known for its innovative educational programs and became an early advocate for community inclusion programming.
In 1992, the transition to St. John’s Community Services became official, and a few years later it began providing special education services in public schools in the District of Columbia. Services were expanded to people of all ages, and included programs for employment, community participation and housing, ultimately starting a shift to exclusively providing community-based services. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, SJCS expanded its programming, and now provides services in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Delaware, and New York. For more information, visit www.sjcs.org.
By Southwester Staff