‘We haven’t even seen what is best to come’: Fort St. John Association for Community Living celebrates 65th anniversary

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Dedicated staff and supporters who assist those with special needs celebrated a milestone anniversary for Fort St. John’s longest-serving non-profit. 

The Fort St. John Association for Community Living (FSJACL) celebrated its 65th anniversary on Thursday, January 23rd, at its administrative headquarters at 9940 100th Street and 104th Avenue. 

The event brought together several community members, including from the City of Fort St. John Council. 

Attendees saw designs for FSJACL’s upcoming projects, received snacks and cake, and could enjoy a photo gallery about the association.

FSJACL is getting ready to renovate its previous operation and program building at 10257 100th Avenue because it is inadequate in meeting the needs of the people in its programs.

The building will be transformed into the Terus Community Centre.

“It’s a building that gives everybody who’s in this community an opportunity to feel like this is home, where they belong, and the dreams, the goals that they have, big or small, they’re able to accomplish,” said Jared Braun, FSJACL’s stewardship manager.

Construction on the project is expected to start in the spring and be finished before 2026.

The gallery featured time posters, photo collages, and stories outlining the association’s treasured memories and milestones.

Founded in 1960, FSJACL provides support and services for adults with developmental disabilities.

FSJACL was co-founded by Jean Mensink, a local teacher inspired to help advocate for those with special needs, including her granddaughter. 

FSJACL chief executive officer Jordan Soggie, finance and human resources clerk Trina Sperling, and acting mayor of Fort St. John Trevor Bolin gave grateful speeches to those in attendance. 

In her speech, Sperling expressed her gratitude to the crowd and reflected on the remarkable changes the organization has seen since she started 24 years ago. 

“When I first joined, the size of our organization was much smaller, but today, I’m proud to say that we’ve grown to serve more than six times the number of people we did back in 2001,” says Sperling.

Sperling also mentions how hard FSJACL has worked to make affordable housing possible for the people it supports.

“Not only have we built new homes, but we’ve also renovated existing buildings to make them better suited for the people we serve,” said Sperling.

Bolin, who spoke on behalf of Mayor Lilia Hansen, expressed the excitement he and the council feel for the association’s future, saying the partnership between the institutions was “paramount”.

“After 65 years of amazing work, we haven’t even seen what is best to come,” said Bolin. 

Soggie spoke about the staff’s dedication and beliefs about the organization, which have remained unchanged since its beginning. 

“This organization was formed by people who believe something about the human spirit,” said Soggie. 

“Today the people who work at the association are here for the same reason it was founded, we believe all people have worth greater than others may see, and that all people are born equal in dignity and rights.” 

Staff at the event described their work as important and fulfilling, and they hope to continue to provide services for a long time. 

The FSJACL hopes to continue being a trailblazer for the next 65 years by promoting rights, empowering individuals and fostering community connections. 

“The invitation will be there for them to become a part of our work,” says Braun.

“That it’s not just one group in a couple of buildings that does it, but it’s Fort St. John, including all members of Fort St. John into opportunities to work and contribute and recreate and build relationships here.”

“That’s our big goal for the next 65, to make that a reality.”

More on the FSJACL can be found on its website.