St. John of God Community Services in Westville Grove, New Jersey, is celebrating a remarkable milestone this year—60 years of making a positive difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.
The organization, which began as a humble initiative in 1965, has grown from a small school for children with developmental disabilities into a comprehensive service provider for people of all ages with special needs.
Over the decades, this organization has become a beacon of support, helping individuals thrive and lead fulfilling lives, no matter their challenges.
It all began back in the mid-60s when five members of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God arrived in Deptford, New Jersey, from Ireland.
Their mission was clear: to create a safe, nurturing space for children with developmental disabilities.
They started with a school, providing tailored education and care for young people who often found themselves excluded from traditional educational settings.
As the need for services grew, so did their offerings.
Over the years, they expanded their programs to serve adults as well, ensuring that individuals with disabilities had access to lifelong support, training, and opportunities to engage meaningfully in their communities.
Today, St. John of God Community Services provides various programs for individuals aged 21 and older.
Zachary Cooper, the Senior Executive of Mission Advancement at the organization, has seen the transformation firsthand.
Cooper, who began volunteering at the age of 10, has spent his entire professional life with St. John of God, witnessing the organization’s impact on countless lives.
One of those individuals is Buddy, who has been attending St. John of God Community Services since he was 10 years old.
Now 70, Buddy is still active in the community, participating in the organization’s vocational and adult day programs.
Buddy’s connection to the organization is a beautiful example of the lasting relationships built through St. John of God.
Inside the organization’s fulfillment center, Buddy and other participants are busy rolling T-shirts—a task that contributes to the production of shirts launched from T-shirt cannons at Philadelphia Sixers games.
This is just one example of how St. John of God provides meaningful, hands-on work experience that helps individuals with disabilities develop skills, build confidence, and contribute to the wider community.
Looking ahead, St. John of God Community Services is preparing to mark its 60th anniversary with a special event.
The “Hope With Hospitality Gala” will take place on March 6, 2025, at 6 p.m., and it promises to be a celebration of the organization’s accomplishments and the people who have made it all possible.
This year, Buddy will be recognized as one of the first students to join the program, a fitting tribute to the long history of care and commitment shaping St. John of God.
With 60 years of experience behind them, the organization looks forward to many more years of making a difference in the lives of those with disabilities.
