About The Fort Foundation

Welcome to The Fort Foundation Community Justice Hub, a grassroots initiative powered by the passion and dedication of our community. We believe that meaningful change starts from the ground up. To date, our organization has been proudly funded by our founder and supported by the countless volunteer hours contributed by our amazing team. 

The Fort Foundation Community Justice Hub, a registered not-for-profit organization, is committed to providing community-based legal and justice programs to Albertans facing challenging circumstances. 

Many families and individuals in Fort Saskatchewan and nearby rural communities struggle to navigate the legal system when they need it most. Our main goal is to ensure that support and information are available and affordable.

Our Story

Our journey began in July 2022 when Sarah Spence founded the ‘Just Be Cause Foundation’ to support families and individuals facing homelessness. Driven by the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home, Sarah had a dream of building a transitional housing facility to provide a stepping stone for those grappling with housing insecurity and seeking justice. She collaborated with Heartland Community Commons to help unite the community and serve people more efficiently.

In January 2023, ‘The Fort Foundation’ was born, still under the umbrella of ‘Just Be Cause Foundation’ sharing the same principles, Sarah envisioned a welcoming space where community members could feel at home, enjoy a coffee, let their children play, and access vital information and resources. 

The name 'Fort Foundation' was chosen to symbolize strength, protection, and a solid foundation for families, individuals, and communities. Like a fort, our organization provides safety and support. The term 'foundation' underscores our commitment to creating enduring solutions that address the root causes of social issues and lay a strong foundation for a better future.

Sarah’s personal journey of moving to Canada, facing domestic issues, losing her home, and struggling to support her three children alone after a layoff, highlighted the gaps in societal support systems.

Sarah’s difficulties in securing legal aid, navigating immigration challenges, and starting over without familial support underscored the urgent need for comprehensive community resources. 

In November 2023, the Fort Foundation Community Justice Hub opened its doors. The overwhelming response from the community confirmed the significant need for such services.

As of May 2024, we have the generous support of the Alberta Ministry of Justice, which will significantly increase our ability to build capacity and enhance our operations. Recognizing our impact in providing access to justice for all, Alberta Justice has generously offered their support, further empowering us to achieve our mission.

Despite the challenges faced, the Fort Foundation continues to grow, providing a safe and empowering space for those seeking justice and support.

The Power of Volunteers

Our strength lies in the dedication of our volunteers. Our team proudly contributes their time, energy, and skills, making our projects and initiatives possible. Their unwavering commitment allows us to operate effectively and stay connected to the community we serve.

Join Our Movement

We invite you to become part of our mission. Whether through volunteering your time or supporting us with a donation, your involvement is crucial to our success. Together, we can create lasting change.

Get Involved

If you're inspired by our story and want to make a difference, visit our Get Involved page. Learn how you can contribute your time, expertise, or resources to help us achieve our goals.

Thank you for believing in the power of grassroots action and for supporting our commitment to justice for all.​

We're committed to working closely with our community partners to offer comprehensive support, address larger social issues, and combat poverty. Access to justice, legal assistance, health, affordable housing, education, and social support should be universal rights accessible to all Albertans, regardless of their circumstances.