By: Jacia Foote

My journey of living with autism and ADHD has never been simple, but it has always been mine, and I am proud of where I am today. For a long time, I worried that my differences would keep me from achieving success. Instead, they taught me resilience, patience, and how to build a life that truly works for me.

Everything began to change when I connected with supported employment through MNP. They didn’t just help me find a job, they helped me understand my strengths.
With their guidance, I built confidence, learned new skills, and found work that fits who I am and how I thrive.

Life brought new challenges when my PWD benefits were reduced after becoming common-law. Losing that financial stability was overwhelming, and I wasn’t sure how I would manage.

However, I wasn’t facing it alone. My employer was flexible and understanding, giving me the space I needed to balance my mental health with my responsibilities. My community also stepped up with encouragement and support. With their help, I learned how to adapt, budget, and stay steady even when things felt uncertain.

During this time, I achieved something I once thought impossible. I earned my driver’s license. Buying my own car afterward became a powerful symbol of independence. It proved that I could reach goals that once felt out of reach.

My world has continued to grow. I now serve on the Board of Directors for the Fort St. John Association of Community Living. I use my lived experience to help others. I volunteer, stay involved, and feel connected to my community. I’ve also built friendships that bring joy into my life and support me in meaningful ways.

My path hasn’t been easy, but it has been full of growth, support, and pride. I’m building a life that feels truly my own, one step at a time.