By Hanne Fair

Outside my window the dogwoods and the big chestnut trees are in bloom and I am taking a moment to watch the flow of people walking in and out of the building, going to various appointments, heading up to the lab, finding a good mystery book to read over the upcoming long weekend, or stopping in to use the public computer. This will be my last Beacon column, as I will be retiring at the end of June after more than 20 years of employment at James Bay Community Project. I think it is natural at such times of transition to reflect back on one’s experiences, and certainly I know I will be doing some of that in my last few weeks in this role.

When I first joined the JBCP team in 1989 as part of a new team of family support workers, JBCP was not yet located at 547 Michigan Street. Our offices were in James Bay Square, approximately where the Thrifty Foods produce department is now. Home support offices, doctors’ offices, the community library were all located in separate locations in the Mall. When the old credit union building at 547 Michigan was purchased by the JBCP, some of the services began to move over. The vision of locating all of JBCP’s services “under one roof” was still only that - a vision. The board and staff of the day believed that locating services in the same facility would further the goal of JBCP to offer a uniquely integrated blend of health and community services, and that the notion of a “one-stop” community health centre would greatly benefit the clients, patients, and volunteers who used the services. Over time funds were raised, and the building was renovated and expanded to accommodate all.

After all these years I still believe whole-heartedly in that vision of integrated health and community services. JBCP has experienced many changes over the years, and has had to be innovative and resilient in order to adapt to shifts in political winds, funding losses and gains, comings and goings of staff, Boards, and volunteers. And of course, the neighbourhood has seen many other changes, and community needs change too.

What has been constant, though, is the unusual degree to which the community of James Bay has remained an actively engaged community. There is an enormous amount of interest, participation, volunteerism and generosity of spirit in this community that I think is unique – and very precious. The value of belonging to community – however one defines community - is something that I have learned here, and it has affected my own life deeply. My family often jokes that wherever I go around town I seem to bump into someone I know. What a great feeling that is.

I am excited at the prospect of more time to pursue other interests that have been put on hold, and at the same time I know I will miss many things about working at JBCP. I leave with a great sense of gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this organization and this community. In particular, it has been an honour to be in a leadership role here for the last six years, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks and admiration to all the staff, board, and volunteers who have made that task such a privilege.