Eight residents at Baldy Hughes Addictions Treatment Centre were presented with B.C. Secondary School Equivalency Certificates on Monday.
A release marking the event said it was the largest graduation ever at Baldy Hughes. The statement also claimed the centre has successfully treated 296 men since it was founded in 2007.
"This ... is a major milestone in the recovery process for these men and their return to positive citizenship," said Megan Kennedy, the centre's interim manager and program director.
Although The Citizen has always had a standing invitation to celebrate the resident' achievements with coverage in the past, this time, Baldy Hughes board member Darcy Ulmer escorted Citizen staff off the property.
Ulmer said The Citizen did not adhere to protocol that requires all guests to phone in advance and be pre-approved to visit the facility.
"This is a therapeutic community, we can't have people coming and going as they please," Ulmer said. "It's disruptive to the clients."
However the invitation was made to call and make arrangements for a visit on another day.
The occurrence happened in the midst of reported internal strife under the new direction of a controversial changing board of directors, and the sudden departure of former Baldy Hughes executive director Marshall Smith.
Former board member Selen Alpay and an anonymous inside source have told The Citizen that conflict between the Vancouver-based board of directors, local directors and staff has caused a crisis at the facility.
And indeed, despite the impending celebration, the mood at the facility appeared downcast Monday afternoon.
Ulmer said board chairman Kevin England was in Prince George to attend the graduation, however numerous requests to speak with him have been ignored.
However, in a press release issued late Monday, England said it was "gratifying" to be part of the ceremonies.
"Today was a wonderful day for Baldy Hughes," said England. "[It] shows me that the program works - these guys are on their way back to being responsible and productive members of the community,"
The press release also addresses "recent highly publicized management changes."
"[T]here as been speculation in the community that the program and its future are in question," the release reads. "But the board and the staff are excited by the new opportunities this change will bring and they recognize the support of the community will continue to be part of the community's long-term success."
Theo Warkentin, the only Prince George-based director on the board, also reiterated his support of the centre.
"I am really enjoying my experience on the BC New Hope board and look forward to the future and supporting the good work that is being done here as the program continues to evolve."
