FSJACL discusses upcoming 65th-anniversary celebration on ‘This Week in the Peace’

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — On the January 17th episode of This Week in the Peace, Dub and Steve were joined by Jared Braun and Evelyn Laing of the Fort St. John Association for Community Living (FSJACL).

In a special episode where both hosts interviewed the guests on a single topic, they discussed the FSJACL’s upcoming anniversary party, the Terus Community Centre project, the association’s future, and more. 

The FSJACL is Fort St. John’s oldest non-profit organization, opening in 1960.

Braun and Laing explained how, since the organization opened, it has provided services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

According to Braun, who serves as stewardship manager, the organization grew out of the needs of people with disabilities who faced challenges from a lack of services. 

Laing started working at the FSJACL in 2018 and now serves as its Supported Individual Living Supervisor.

According to Laing, she helps in a local program that enables adults with disabilities and complex needs to live independently in the community. 

“To be able to find a place to live and a place that meets your needs is the biggest part of what independent living looks like,” said Laing.

She says it has gotten easier to help people get into assisted living facilities with their management and administration teams growing. 

During the episode, Braun discussed the story of Doug Orr, who had lived in an institution on the Lower Mainland since he was 14, before finding better options for his life. 

“His sister recognized that for him to really thrive and experience all life had to offer, he should be in communities close to family, which was here in Fort St. John,” said Braun. 

In 1987, Orr was able to move to the city and into a new home with his friend Jack. The place where the pair lived is still used as part of the association’s housing program today, named “DJ’s” in honour of Doug and Jack.

The episode later focused on the FSJACL’s Capital Campaign for its new Terus Community Centre. 

He says Terus received the naming rights to the facility because the company has supported the FSJACL’s fundraising efforts over the years. 

Braun explained the capital fundraiser and its goal to renovate its previous operation and program building at 10257 100th Avenue due to its inadequate ability to meet the needs of the people in its programs.

“When it is done, it’s going to look like a whole new building,” said Braun. 

Braun also shared that people will be able to donate between $100 and $10,000 to have their name on a life-size butterfly art piece that will be placed in the building.

“If you believe in the work that we are doing, and make a contribution, we want to honour you with having your name on a building that will be serving the community for the next 65 years,” said Braun. 

The center will also feature a cafe open to the community and provide people with disabilities with an opportunity to learn skills that will help them obtain future employment.

In November last year, FSJACL moved its administrative offices to a new building on 100th Street to meet the needs of its office workers and the people in the programs.  

“[We] were almost stacking people on top of each other,” said Braun.

The Fort St. John Professional Fire Fighters Association was recently honoured by the FSJACL by naming its new creative room after them. 

To celebrate its 65th anniversary, the FSJACL will hold a party at its new administrative office from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on January 23rd, 2025.