The Fort St. John Association for Community Living’s purpose is to support adults with developmental disabilities to experience true inclusion; to be a valued part of their community.

The FSJ Players, a drama group supported by the Fort St. John Association for Community Living (FSJACL) and led by Cynthia Livingstone, has been performing for over 10 years. This community based drama group consists mostly of actors with developmental disabilities. They presented their presentation of ‘The Melancholy Minstrel’ written and directed by Cynthia Livingstone at Theatre BC’s Zone Festival on May 6 and won two awards.

The decorations for the zone festival were created by individuals supported by the FSJACL under the leadership of Artist Amy Gothard. Many festival attendees were wowed by the decorations, demonstrating that adults with developmental disabilities, like anyone else, have the ability to create art.

Another project currently underway at the FSJACL is a drumming group. Drumming has a large number of mental and physical health benefits but it also has the ability to unite people and create a true sense of community. The drumming group is open to all adults in our community, whether you are a drummer or not. Drumming is an activity where people can truly focus on their abilities and not their disabilities. The group meets every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 1pm at the FSJACL office (10251 - 100 Avenue) and occasionally on Sunday afternoons as well.

The FSJACL has been active in Fort St. John for 50 years, and to commemorate this milestone, will be holding a community celebration, open to all on June 5, 2010 at the North Peace Cultural Centre. This event will include various booths and mini-workshops in the afternoon, dinner, a guest speaker, and a theatre production in the evening. Please call the FSJACL at (250) 787-9262 for further details.