GOOD INTENTIONS, TOO MANY MISTAKES
Rarely have so many good people had so many good intentions and then proceeded to make so many problems and mistakes. Such is the reality of the Charlottetown's Community Outreach Centre.
The latest version of the centre (edition no. 4) is an example of a social exercise gone wrong. The fundamental problem is the reality that the basic operational premise of the centre is significantly flawed. Those flaws have followed the centre throughout its ideations.
You don't put a centre like this in a high-profile, residential location without fully engaging the proximate neighbourhoods and getting their endorsement. To the best of my knowledge in other Atlantic cities where similar centres are in place; they are not located in residential neighbourhoods. They are also not positioned in locations where the clients put on show for drive-by gawkers.
The premise that you can take a population of individuals with multiple dysfunctional social, cultural, mental health and addictions challenges all together without a professional gold standard modelled remedial program to serve is a huge reason for failures. What you get when a one-size-fits all is used or thinking that everyone regardless of their challenges can mix together; is exactly the social mess we have.
Through its multiple ideations the facility has been overseen by a staff with little or no hands-on, direct professional experience. Saying (with the best of intentions) we are developing a program and training our staff, unfortunately leaves the clients as guinea pigs. These are human beings and deserve the best, not just ad hoc programs.
The departments of Health, Justice, Social Services, Mental Health and Addictions created this unfortunate situation. They can't simply throw money at the problem. People are being seriously hurt. The host neighbourhood is being hurt. The potential for a workable program is being wasted. For all concerned, the community centre should immediately pause all operations. A complete rethink needs to happen.
Scott Macisaac, Charlottetown, P.E.I.