Who we are......

The Fort St. John Association for Community Living was incorporated on January 23, 1960. We are a non-profit organization that has contracts with Community Living BC to provide services to adults with developmental disabilities. We provide services in the Fort and District area. St. John

The Fort St. John Association for Community Living (FSJACL) is an organization dedicated to making sure that people with developmental disabilities are able to lead active and productive lives in their communities. With appropriate home and community-based supports, people who have developmental disabilities can become valuable members of society.

In the past, individuals with developmental disabilities were often labeled "mentally retarded" or "mentally handicapped." Many were placed in institutions, segregated schools or workplaces with little or no pay. The BC Association for Community Living (BCACL) was founded by parents who dreamed of a better life for their sons and daughters. They wanted their children to learn in school, have friends, and be welcome in their communities.

In 1981, a very emotional provincial movement began to close institutions where many people with developmental disabilities had resided most of their lives. They were brought back to their communities, hence the name “Community Living”.

As a member of the BCACL, The Fort St. John Association for Community Living has been supporting adults with developmental disabilities for over 46 years. We are a non-profit society that is governed by a volunteer board of directors.

The Fort St. John Association for Community Living (FSJACL) is an organization dedicated to making sure that people with developmental disabilities are able to lead active and productive lives in their communities. With appropriate home and community-based supports, people who have developmental disabilities can become valuable members of society.

As we are a non-profit organization, guidance and direction is set by a volunteer board of directors that consists of 8 people, including one self advocate. The executive director of our organization follows the direction given by the board of directors and is responsible for the day to day operations of the Association. There is an organizational chart included in this package for your information.

“Working with individuals, families and the community, we educate, advocate and provide quality services for those with developmental disabilities to ensure opportunity in all areas of their lives.”

This means that we believe that all individuals with a developmental disability have the same rights and responsibilities as everyone else in your community. We work to assist people to be as independent as possible and to help them exercise their rights and fulfill their responsibilities in every respect.

We will assist people to understand what is involved in exercising their rights and help them to do this. These rights include the right to not be discriminated against, the right to vote, the right to freedom from abuse and neglect, the right to privacy, the right to communicate, the right to be informed and to give consent, the right to healthcare, nutrition, dignity, safety, shelter and freedom of choice, comfort, inclusion and emotional nurturance, only to name a few.

Our agency welcomes support and involvement from parents, family members, professionals and friends. Parents and/or guardians have the right to expect open, honest and tactful communication and to be informed of any concerns in a timely fashion.

Some of the beliefs and values of our Association are:

• Each person has the rights and responsibilities of every other citizen
• Each person has the right to support services as determined by individual needs
• Each person will share in the community in which they live and shall have the opportunity to participate in the community
• Each person has the right to take risks in life
• Each person has the right to self determination
• Each person shall be treated with respect, courtesy and consideration at all times