Discussion with Terry Dennis

Update - I contacted Terry Dennis to express my concerns of the future of the agency, if the reasoning is about a lack of staffing. I also explained that I have created this petition with the goal of educating people on the current state of the agency.

Terry informed me that the Ministry as well as the premier is aware of this and that they now involved. He also disclosed that the Ministry has confirmed that the reasoning is not due to funding - that money can and will be allocated to keep the group home open. He also stard they are currently trying to figure out who is on the board. I wasn't able to provide this information - aside from 2 member, as again this was not information that staff had access to. 

He also stared there would be a media announcement within 24-48 hrs announcing the group home is not closing. I did have a personal request - that the participants are notified immediately. Again I realize he has zero control over that - I guess I just needed to say with the slight possibility he could make that happen. 

I do see that the group home will remain open. This makes my heart happy. I do hope the participants are told about the many people that care about them - that this happened because people care and want them to stay in out community. Any staff reading this - please convey this message to them. Tell them about the protest, tell them you want them to stay. Finally, tell them this is their home and what happened was not right. They have a choice, their opinions matter, there voices matter. 

I will be forwarding this petion to the ministry, Terry Dennis and any staff I can get email address for.

To mackenzie staff - I know you all have witnessed what I have explained. I know some of you have been targeted. I get the fear in speaking up. Know now that people know what's happening inside those walls. You're safe to tell your story or to sign the petition. Ask yourself a question - are you ok with how the agency is managed? Are you ok with how the participants are treated by management? Are you ok with how you as staff are treated? Are you ok with the conditions of the group homes? And Finally- if you had a family member with mackenzie would you trust management to ensure that they are safe and empowered to make choices and that their health and safety is number 1? If you answered no to any questions - you kniwvin your heart what the right thing to do is. You all are key to change within the agency. You are the heart and souls of the agency. This is in no way a reflection of you as a staff - this is a reflection on management and of the abuse of power. Please please speak up. Sign this petition. Confidentiality only includes anything participants related. The inner structure of an agency can be disclosed and needs to be. Be a part of the change - let's keep all participants in our group homes.