The Fort St. John Association for Community Living celebrated their 65th anniversary on Thursday, January 23rd.
For more than six decades, FSJACL has been delivering services to the Fort St. John, BC area and its surrounding communities. On Thursday, January 23rd they celebrated with an open house which was attended by many supporters, community partners, staff and supported individuals.
Their mission is to empower individuals with developmental disabilities and complex needs to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives within the community according to their website.
“We are here today because we believe regardless of a person's abilities, they should not be deprived of opportunities to shine,” said Jordan Soggie, CEO of FSJACL.
“We empower people to engage in opportunities, we want to see people try and try again and be empowered to live a life of choices. We want to see people see the opportunities of life ahead of them. Because with opportunities, advocacy and the support of our teams to empower individuals and each other, we get to see people shine. We are here to build opportunities, empower people, and watch them shine.”
The FSJACL philosophy includes believing that everyone receiving services deserves the same opportunities as neurotypical and able-bodied individuals to live in a way that aligns with their unique needs, abilities, and aspirations.
“We thank you for joining us in celebrating 65 years of creating opportunities, empowering people, and watching them shine. and we can't wait for what the next 65 has in store.” Said Soggie.
This open house included a walk through memory lane in the form of a 65 year timeline which featured articles and pictures that highlighted the impact the FSJACL has had in our community over the last six decades.
“It’s truly an honor to stand before you today and reflect on the incredible journey I’ve had here over the last 24 years. I’ve seen firsthand the remarkable changes that have shaped our organization into what it is today, and I couldn’t be more proud of the work we’ve done together,” said Trina Sperling, an employee who has worked for FSJACL for more than two decades.
“Looking back, one thing stands out to me—our community support has grown exponentially. We’ve gone from one annual fundraiser to multiple opportunities throughout the year, thanks to the incredible generosity and support of our community partners.”
There are various ways you can donate to the FSJACL including their website, stopping by their office at 9940 104th Avenue, Fort St. John or by E-transfer.
In recent years, fundraising efforts have supported the development of programs like Art of Inclusion and Growing Connections, as well as the purchase of a wheelchair-accessible van.
Currently The City of Fort St. John and the Fort St. John Association for Community Living are collaborating on a potential housing project located in the downtown core, on the remaining land of the old Fort St. John Hospital site.
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