Washington Winter Show 2012

28 In 1868, the Ladies Guild of St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, founded St. John’s Com- munity Services to assist people in the aftermath of the Civil War. This group of women was the predecessor of today's Founders Board of St. John’s Community Services (SJCS). Today, the Founders Board carries on the tradition of the Ladies Guild by advancing the SJCS mission to support adults and children with disabilities. As a nonprofit, non-denominational agency, SJCS enables individuals and their families to make choices about the communities and type of housing in which they live; to participate in community activities and build life skills and lasting relationships; and to gain competitive work resulting in greater self-sufficiency and self-regard. Children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 22 enjoy the benefits of an education with their non-disabled peers in classrooms within the District of Columbia Public Schools. The Founders Board is the single largest donor to St. John's Community Services. The funds raised through the Washington Winter Show greatly contribute to their overall fundraising effort. Some of the specific ways that the funds will be used in the coming year include: • Providing inclusive and integrated educational and clinical services to students with autism and other developmental disabilities • Purchasing materials and equipment for Creative Play Centers and Sensory Stations in the classrooms. • Expanding available technology for classroom use, such as purchasing computers and software. • Providing household renovations for apartments that enable the residents to live in surroundings they can take great pride in. St. John's Community Services is a non-profit, non-denominational agency dedicated to advancing community support and opportunities for people living with disabilities . SJCS provides residential, employ- ment, adult day and education services to over 450 children and adults in Washington, DC, Virginia, Tennessee and Pennsylvania. For more information, please call 1-800-3869-3393 or visit our website www.sjcs.org. The Founders Board of St. John’s Community Services This page is sponsored by Mrs. James J. Ferguson, Jr.