Abbass resigns from Talbot House
‘It was like seeing a new birth every day’
FRENCHVALE — Fr. Paul Abbass is leaving Talbot House on June 15 after serving 17 years as executive director.
“Without question what I will miss most are the residents — their stories and life experiences, their honesty and sincerity in wanting to get well,” said Abbass.
“Even though the residents are dealing with significant issues, it’s always been a spirited place. I’m convinced to a great degree that being here, both for me as the executive director and our staff, it’s what keeps us young because you are always dealing with wonderful, generous personalities — really good people.”
Talbot House, which is the only Cape Breton residential treatment centre for men living with addictions, abruptly closed in March 2012 after a Nova Scotia Department of Community Services review raised questions about the operation. That review was challenged
“When I went back, I told the board that I didn’t see myself staying for a long time. I wanted to be a part of getting it restarted,” he said. “For the past few months it’s become clearer to me that it’s time for someone new to take the lead.”
Abbass said because he loves his work, it was a difficult decision.
“But this isn’t about me, it’s about Talbot House and its future. I felt after 17 years, I’m looking forward to seeing Talbot House evolve over the next few years.”
He said the greatest challenge facing staff and board on a daily basis is adapting to new ways without losing the primary focus, which from his perspective is creating an environment where people can become well.
Abbass said it was uplifting to see residents who could barely get over their guilt and shame begin making plans for their future with all kinds of hope.
“It was like seeing a new birth every day,” he said. “While I wasn’t a parish priest to them, a pastor is somebody who tries to be a mentor and be there when people need you to be there. I will still serve my seven parishes — I have lots to do.”
In a release Monday, board chair Jim Gogan said that for the past 17 years, Abbass has been completely dedicated to the evolution of Talbot House.
“He has expanded programming, enlisted the support of facilitators and community agencies, overseen improvements in the physical surroundings for residents, created a caring and safe home-like environment for residents from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada, established community education programs, and at all times advocated on behalf of residents.”
Gogan said the board is grateful to Abbass for his years of commitment.
“We were pleased to see Father Paul return to Talbot House in April 2013, reopen its doors and re-establish its presence in the provincial addictions recovery landscape.”
The board will begin the process of seeking a new executive director in the near future.
“I would like to thank the residents, community, staff and the board, because I didn’t do any of this by myself — we did it collectively,” said Abbass. “I’ve been humbled over the years by the support I’ve received, and that Talbot House has received. It’s been about doing our best and the local community has been a big part of that over the years for which I am grateful.”