After years of operating at full capacity, the Fort St. John Association for Community Living is set to unveil a new community center to address the increasing demand for services for individuals with developmental disabilities. This marks a significant upgrade for the organization, which has been based in the same downtown building for over 65 years.
Executive director Jordan Soggie expressed the organization’s need to keep pace with the growing population and demands by expanding their facilities. The newly renovated center will offer a variety of programs, including counseling, health services, arts programs, a computer lab, and a fully-equipped commercial kitchen under one roof.
The center aims to provide more breathing space for the organization and enhance its ability to support individuals seeking resources in the community. Founded in January 1960, the Fort St. John Association for Community Living currently assists over 120 individuals, with the new center featuring a social enterprise café to provide practical job training opportunities.
The center’s enhancements will enable better collaboration with local employers and offer tailored support to individuals entering the workforce, addressing their specific needs and challenges before employment. Despite its long-standing presence, many people remain unaware of the association’s mission and target audience, hence the importance of the new center in increasing visibility and community engagement.
The $1.6 million renovation project is funded through a combination of grants and community sponsorships, with construction expected to conclude by winter and a formal opening ceremony planned for spring. In addition to the center, the association is working on developing accessible housing and expanding mental health programs to address the existing barriers faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing essential services locally.
According to Soggie, achieving a truly inclusive community requires involvement across various sectors, including housing, mental health, and healthcare, to advocate effectively for the needs of individuals with disabilities. The organization aims to be a proactive voice in promoting quality of life improvements for this community.
The broader expansion project includes plans for accessible housing and mental health-care initiatives, aiming to create a more inclusive community environment. The association emphasizes the need to address the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing essential services and advocates for their needs across various sectors.
The ongoing efforts highlight the organization’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in the community.
