Fort St. John charity to celebrate 65th anniversary with public event

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The public is invited to Centennial Park to celebrate 65 years of achievements of one of Fort St. John’s charities.  

The Fort St. John Association for Community Living (FSJACL) will host its 65th anniversary for free at Centennial Park on July 25th from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. 

It was co-founded in 1960 by local teacher Jean Mensink, who was inspired to help advocate for those with special needs, including her granddaughter.

FSJACL provides support and services for adults with developmental disabilities.

According to FSJACL’s Facebook page, the celebration will include live music, games, activities, food trucks and prizes for all ages.

FSJACL chief executive officer Jordan Soggie said the celebration will showcase its achievements in helping those with disabilities. 

“It’s been true to its mission over the last 65 years and has been supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and complex needs and supporting families that live in Fort St. John so that their loved ones can have access to the supports that they need to live full and meaningful lives,” said Soggie. 

Soggie said he will be speaking at the celebration about its upcoming projects and future of the organization, including the Terus Community Centre project, an update on its fundraising efforts and its housing development project.

“We’re constantly working to improve that and improve the resources available and give people more choice,” said Soggie. 

In January this year, the FSJACL held a party at its new administrative office for its dedicated staff and supporters. 

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.

FSJACL recently named a new creative room after the Fort St. John Professional Fire Fighters Association.

More on the FSJACL can be found on its website.