Paul Fujishige has been on the job for 20 years — a landmark certainly worthy of celebration. But for Fujishige, it’s not the 20 years that’s important to him — it’s the thousands of people his organization has helped during that time.
The executive director of Transitions, the non-profit organization that supports people of all ages with developmental delays and disabilities, and their families, was honoured last Wednesday in a special ceremony to recognize his two decades of leadership.
“There’s never been a dull moment,” he stated, giving some reflection to his long career. “I’ve seen a lot of change with the organization and some of the directions we’ve gone. I think because we’ve always been looking forward, looking at doing a better job, it’s kept the work – for me – quite interesting.
“People have become much more independent and part of their community than they were at one point. Even things like not having to have staff at all hours, that they’re able to be independent for much of the day. That they have good jobs and are valued employees. That they have a good social life. When you see those things, it’s the ordinary lives that we all want to have that you are seeing folks being able to have. That’s the highlight for me.”
Client care has evolved lockstep with the organization. Before Fujishige came on board, Transitions was known as the St. Albert Association for the Handicapped. That was when it used to have its base in the business tower at Grandin Mall. It was a small space, he recalled.
“We were in pretty cramped quarters. I can remember having to walk through someone’s office to get to the lobby to my office.”
Two years ago, Transitions moved to its new facility at 365 Carleton Dr. The much-needed move allows the organization to better provide programs and services, with the added benefit of allowing room to grow.
The building is home to the office staff as well as many community caseworkers — totaling more than 200 staff. This large team is out in the community, providing care to approximately 250 clients every year.
“I think, over time, it’s evolving to the point of, how do we help people help themselves in the best way possible, and how do we assist them to take ownership of their own lives.”
He added a large part of this is helping the clients to develop a sense of citizenship.
“What goes along with that is the relationships with family and friends. One of the changes over the years that I’ve seen is there’s been more of a focus on developing those relationships.”
Fujishige himself doesn’t have to worry about building and maintaining friendships. He is well known for being an affable and generous leader. His many staffers consider him to be a fine example of why Transitions is such a stable and positive force in so many people’s lives.
Velvet Martin is one of the community services workers on staff, and has nothing but praise for Fujishige and for what Transitions does.
“Paul is fantastic! All of the staff at Transitions are phenomenal people. From my personal experience, they’re like a family to me.”
Transitions is one of the registered charities that will benefit from the Roy Financial Mayor’s Walk to be held on Saturday, June 16.
