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A new executive director has begun settling in at Huron House Boys’ Home in Bright’s Grove.
Brett Gatt began working this week with retiring executive director Don Adam at the live-in mental health center for adolescent boys that first opened in 1970.
“I’m leaving the agency with mixed feelings,” Adam said, “but, frankly, in the last few days some of my mixed feelings have been alleviated because I’m very comfortable with Brett taking over.”
Gatt was clinical director of Stratford Children’s Service for 10 years.
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“Brett brings a wealth of experience from the organizations he has worked with in the past, which will be a huge benefit to Huron House,” board president Bert Phills said in a news release.
Gatt was impressed by the boys’ home, as well as the support from the broader Sarnia community.
“I was blown away by the facility,” Gatt said about his initial impression. “I can say the only thing that blew me away more than the facility is the community support I’ve seen since I’ve been here. It’s quite overwhelming. ”
Adam has been at the boy’s home for more than eight years and is set to retire on Christmas Eve after a more than 43-year career working with youth.
“I think it’s essential for the youth in this county to have this service and, frankly, I think we do a wonderful job,” Adam said.
“When graduates come back to visit us I always ask, ‘Did we help you,’” he said, “and they always say ‘yes.’”
Adam added, “I have thoroughly enjoyed working here and I think we do very good work.”
The boys’ home has nine residents but is funded by government for only six, “so fundraising is important,” Adam said.
Upcoming fundraising events include Men Who Cook on March 5 at the Dante Club and the annual Run, Walk, Skate, Bike on Father’s Day, set for June 19 in Mike Weir Park.
“I cannot get over how much support the boys’ home gets from this community,” Adam said. “We’ve been here 50 years, and I believe it has been supported throughout that entire period.”
He said the community also benefits from good collaboration between social service agencies.
“I’ve got some big shoes to fill,” Gatt said, “but I’m looking forward to helping Huron House continue on with it legacy of excellence.”
In the news release, Phills thanked Adam for his years of service to the boys’ home.
“The youth, staff, and board members have benefited from his leadership and dedication,” Phills said.