Journal Staff
The Deker Bauer Suicide Prevention Resource Centre has temporarily halted service and cofounder and CEO Teresa Ingles has been relieved of her position, the agency said Thursday.
“Despite generous support from the community, grants and fundraising efforts, sustainable funding has not yet been secured to pay staff and management,” board president Lindsay Peterson said in a statement.
The Deker Bauer Foundation became the first registered charity for suicide prevention with an operating space when the centre opened at 385 London Rd. last October.
Strategically located near Bluewater Health, the home provided emotional support and features consultation rooms, a resource room and kitchen.
Peterson said the board of directors is working on a plan to contact a fundraising specialist to secure grants and hire a chief operating officer to oversee its daily operations.
Until now, support services have been provided solely by dedicated volunteers, contributing to high turnover, supervisory changes and the potential for burnout, she said.
“The temporary halt in service is necessary to review areas for growth as a team before moving forward.”
Ingles lost her 17-year-old son Deker Bauer to suicide in 2014 and started the Foundation shortly after.
“Her passion, dedication and resilience has been instrumental and inspirational in the development and progress of the Deker Bauer Foundation,” Peterson said.
Anyone in crisis can call the Sarnia Lambton Distress Line at 1-888-347-8737 or the Lambton Mental Health Crisis Service at 1-800-307-4319.
Suicide awareness resources are available at www.dekerbauerfoundation.com.
