The longtime executive director of Community Living Sarnia-Lambton has retired after 34 years of dedicated service.
John Hagens' last day was on Friday, December 8.
The 77-year-old Calgary native first joined the organization in 1989 after stops in Renfrew County and Pembroke.
Community Living Sarnia-Lambton President Lorna Cooper said Hagens will be missed.
"Over the past 34 years, John has not only advocated for, and achieved, greater accessibility for people with disabilities as part of his role at CLSL, but has consistently gone above and beyond on his own time, reaching out to folks with challenges throughout our community with acts of kindness, enabling them to enjoy happier and more fulfilling lives," said Cooper.
Cooper said under Hagens' leadership, the organization has been able to significantly increase housing, day activities, recreational opportunities, and employment assistance to the people it supports.
"The jobPath and Employment Transitions part of Community Living Sarnia-Lambton was created under John's leadership. The association has become "greener" by moving to the use of more hybrid accessible vehicles," she said.
Hagens was recently presented with the Trailblazer Award at the 11th annual Sarnia Accessibility Awards.
The award celebrates the lifelong passion, commitment, and creativity of individuals who have advocated for and impacted the lives of people with disabilities in Sarnia.
The new executive director, Corry Thomas, took over the role as of Monday, December 11.
Community Living Sarnia-Lambton has grown to support more than 400 children and adults with developmental and intellectual challenges.
