For nearly six decades, St. John of God Community Services has been serving individuals with special needs, with the objective of improving lives by creating a welcoming, hospitable space of dignity and respect.
Whether it is through day services and job training, therapeutic recreation, pastoral care services or a range of other programs, the team there provides a holistic range of services to clients, as well as their families. The latest addition to the Westville nonprofit organization, the St. John of God Clinic, has expanded that impact even further.
“The St. John of God Clinic was born out of the need and desire to provide services to the most vulnerable populations within our community,” said Alyssa Russell, director of clinical operations. “Each program or service addresses physical, emotional and developmental concerns, with the goal of making an impact and continuing the mission of St. John of God.”
Currently, the clinic provides day habilitation services to clients, as well as Support Coordination – a case management program for adults 21 and older with special needs.
“Most of our clients in the day habilitation program have higher medical needs,” said Russell, “and through the clinic we not only provide a safe and engaging environment where they can thrive and grow – while working toward their goals – but we will also be able to provide them with the option to have speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy while on campus or at home.”
As part of the case management program, the St. John of God team works with each individual and family to design a service plan that incorporates goals and dreams while helping to find other programs that can help meet their needs. Those could include a job coach to assist with an employment search, or in-home services that can help increase or foster independence.
“Whatever the person’s level of interest or care needs are, our Support Coordinators are tasked with working to find resources tailored to fit the needs of the individual,” said Russell, who herself has worked in the support coordination field since 2017. “It is also our goal to provide a space on campus for the elderly population to socialize and engage with their peers. The aim is to address the increases in loneliness and social isolation – highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic – specifically within that population. In addition, skilled nursing, palliative care, speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy can be provided to the frail and elderly population.”
As the clinic is still a relatively new venture, Russell’s responsibilities include building the program and expanding on the other services that St. John of God already provides. Those include adult job training and day services, with vocational training and daily activities to support skill development and independence, as well as therapeutic recreation that promotes fun and overall well-being. The organization also provides pastoral care services to support the spiritual needs of clients, and offers assistance to those experiencing food insecurity.
Another core program is Holy Grounds Coffee Ltd., which was launched in May 2021 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and provides employment opportunities for adults with special needs. Clients who are part of the program roast, weigh and grind all of the coffee that is sold.
The nonprofit’s administration say their work is rooted in the legacy of compassionate hospitality left by its founder, St. John of God. The saint was the founder of the Hospitaller Order, a nursing order of religious brothers. He is also the patron of hospitals and the sick.
As the nonprofit approaches its 60th anniversary in 2025, staff credited those throughout the Diocese of Camden who have helped the organization to grow. “This milestone has been made possible because of the courage of those who dared to support our mission. Their belief in our commitment to total service, modeled after the Gospel of love, has been instrumental in our journey. Their support has enabled us to continue our mission, spreading love and compassion to those in need.”
Russell credits the members of the St. John of God team for the work they do each day to support their clients.
“The impact of St. John of God is felt daily within the amazing work being done by our coworkers here on campus and in the community,” she said. “Each day presents new challenges and opportunities to continue St. John of God’s mission by providing quality care and compassionate hospitality to all. With the addition of new services, it is our hope that the mission continues, and is expanded not only by word of mouth, but by action through our coworkers.”
To learn more about St. John of God Community Services and to get involved, visit sjogcs.org. For more on Holy Grounds Coffee, visit holygroundscoffeeltd.org.
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