St. John's Villa President
Richard (Ric) A. Brown, M.P.A.
Although St. John’s Villa originally was founded as an orphanage in Carrollton,
Ohio in 1948; by the mid-sixties the Villa was licensed by the Ohio Department
of Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities to serve persons who are
mentally challenged. As in similar organizations of the era, the need for these
services became obvious as this population lacked the educational and support
services needed to provide a quality of life. In 1991, incorporation became
imperative with a Lay Board of Trustees placed in charge under the general
leadership of the diocese of Steubenville, to provide guidance, reassurance, and
direction where needed.
Through our ministry the Villa provides Christian loving care and guidance to 55
adult residents, plus 10 persons from the community, diagnosed with mental
retardation/developmental disabilities. The mission of the 100 part and full
time employees is:
St. John's Villa is committed
to living out
the healing ministry
of Jesus by providing
exceptional and compassionate service
that promotes dignity and well-being
for the people we service,
particularly those who are
developmentally disabled.
The Villa provides beautiful home settings for 55 residents in our care and,
additionally, day services approved by the Ohio Department of Mental
Retardation/Developmental Disabilities of Skills Development and Supports for
persons with MRDD through work programs engendering a sense of dignity through
productive work and salaries that boost a sense of dignity. Most of the Villa
residents are involved in these programs, but some choose to participate in the
local County Board of MRDD day services at Carroll Hills Workshop.
Each of the residents is involved annually in the planning of his/her goals. As
such some of the residents choose to become involved in community employment.
Conscientious and caring staff assists each to reach their goals.
In addition to the services provided to the mentally challenged residents of St.
John’s Villa, the Villa has a lot to offer the people of Carroll County and the
surrounding areas:
· intergenerational programs of child care and adult day services;
· Supported Living and Individual Options Services to challenged persons living
in surrounding counties.
These programs ensure contacts with the community while providing an entire
community of people for the family of St. John's Villa.
With the new facilities (homes) completed in the Fall of 2001, and the Harry and
Jeannette Weinberg Administration Building in 2002 on property behind Wendy's on
Crest Street, the whole organization took on a new face!
With the completion of phase one of the campaign, strenuous fund raising efforts
began to raise the $2.6 million for the construction of the 33,500 sq. ft. Harry
and Jeanette Weinberg Multi-Purpose Center to house the programs and
administration offices of the Villa.
God has blessed us with many, many heart-felt gifts from family members, friends
and several foundations from here and abroad, and I am happy to say we have
reached our goal for phase two. Relocation of the restaurant, woodshop,
vocational sites, child and adult day services, and the administration offices
was completed and moved into by November 15, 2002!
Through the care provided to our residents St. John's Villa can reach out to
persons with disabilities not only meeting their needs, but supporting their
families as well. Each person served at St. John’s has been created by God to
bring His love and caring to one another and to society. Our commitment at the
Villa is to make each day of their lives the best for them and their families
and friends.
The programs being carried out will provide at least 95 percent of the ongoing
costs of administering St. John’s Villa. The remainder will need to continue to
be subsidized through ongoing fundraising. If you would like to learn more about
us and how you might be able to become involved in our ministry, please see
Upcoming Events and/or To Make a Donation/Memorials or contact us at:
St. John’s Villa
Susan Williamson
701 Crest Street
Carrollton, Ohio 44615
330.627.9789
St. John’s Villa is a 501 (c) 3 not for profit Organization.
As St. John’s Villa heads into a brighter tomorrow, we must expand our reach to
others for assistance with operational support, which will be the future of St.
John’s and the special individuals we serve. A gift from the heart is always
greatly appreciated.
