In July of 2012, Rosaria completed the acquisition and renovation of St. John’s House; a project sponsored by St. John the Evangelist Parish, a Catholic community located Silver Spring, MD. Situated in a parish neighborhood, the three-bedroom property has become home to three men with intellectual disabilities.
Their live-in care provider resides in an apartment incorporated into the split-level structure’s lower level. Our residents have become involved in the life of the parish community through interaction with an extraordinary group of parishioners. These good people interact with the men at Sunday Mass; and through a number of parish events; neighborhood gatherings and other activities specific to St. John’s House. As good neighbors, parishioners also perform landscape maintenance and other chores necessary to upkeep.
Purchase and renovation financing for the home resulted from a generous private donation and a loan arranged by Montgomery County Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Jubilee Association of MD selected and provides excellent care for the residents; and regularly interacts with the parish ministry. Potomac Community Resources, Inc. guides parishioners in working with the residents effectively. The State of Maryland provides funding for care and housing.
Rosaria – which owns the home – conceptualized the opportunity; and identified, engaged and coordinated the various resources to make St. John’s House a reality.