This fall, Sparrows Apartment celebrated its “10+1” year anniversary. Sparrows Apartment is an intentional community in Smithers, B.C., for up to six people with diverse abilities who want an independent life, with a little extra support. The people who live in the units have full lives, working, and staying in relationship with family and friends, while pursuing interests and hobbies.
Although far in distance from most of Bethesda’s services, Sparrows Apartment has close connections to Bethesda.
Our connection in the northwest region from Vanderhoof to Terrace goes back to Bethesda’s early years when we had one staffed residential home in Abbotsford. The Mt. Lehman home, as it was called, was home to adults with intellectual disabilities. A few families in the north were looking for safe and caring Christian support for their adult children. At the time, there were few local options, so they arranged for their children to move to Abbotsford.
Eventually, other families in the northern communities began to explore ways to support their children closer to home.
People in the northern communities approached Bethesda about building a home in their region for their grown children with diverse abilities. A partnership was formed between Bethesda and Sparrows Christian Housing Society, a local non-profit housing society formed to carry out this vision. Bethesda provided experience and knowledge of the community living sector while Sparrows Christian Housing Society put the project in motion. Funds were raised locally and community members came forward to donate their expertise, labour and materials.
After much prayer and years of planning, Sparrows Apartment was opened in Smithers in 2011, making it possible for six adults to live independently with support and to remain close to their families. The story of how it came about, tells of people making a dream come true through commitment and generosity.
These 11 years later, what makes Sparrows so successful, is the strong circle of support within their communities. Each resident has their family, friends, their employers and co-workers, neighbours, and their church family that walk alongside them. The inclusion and belonging they receive empowers them to thrive and give back as valued members of their community.
In September, Jody Siebert, CEO, Rachel Ludwig, board president, and Rodney Wiebe, director of family support and community development, attended the anniversary celebration of Sparrows Apartment in Smithers. Joyce Vander Hoek, Bethesda’s former director of family support, was also present. She was an important part of Sparrows’ journey until her retirement in 2021. The gathering was attended by the Sparrows residents, their families and friends, Sparrows board members, volunteers and present and former staff. They were all there to share their joy with how it turned out. They shared memories, told stories, gave thanks and enjoyed a barbeque meal together.
Rodney said, “We were honoured and blessed to share in this celebration with the Smithers community. It was moving to hear the heart-warming stories of the community coming together time after time to support this small, inclusive community. And to hear of their future dreams and plans for growing their inclusive community.”
One of Sparrows’ strengths is people who move in are supported by a strong Circle of Support within their community. The tenants live in true community, surrounded and supported by family, friends, employers, neighbours, support workers, co-workers and church members.
