After seven years of working to assist the most vulnerable population of Greater Victoria, Our Place Society CEO Don Evans is stepping down.
“In my own life’s journey, I have learned that it’s important to know when to start and when to stop as there will always be more to do in this field of work,” Evans wrote in his resignation letter. “It’s time for me to take a break to recharge my batteries, and then see how I can contribute to the community in a new way.”
Under Evans direction, the organization has seen expansion in shelters, employment advocacy, transitional homes and addiction treatment to help those who have mental health issues and addictions and those living in poverty.
The organization has opened up an overdose prevention site and developed a new therapeutic recovery community, a place that provides housing and treatment for people who are stuck in the cycle between homelessness and incarceration. This amount of expansion in such a short time is something the organization hadn’t seen before, said Grant McKenzie, director of communications at Our Place Society.
“It’s sad that Don Evans is resigning as our CEO but the good news is that he’s leaving the organization on such solid financial footing and such a strong leadership team to continue that legacy,” said McKenzie.
“Don will go and get a rest and revitalize himself but I think also the organization will revitalize itself too. I think it’s time for us to really focus on what we do and make sure it’s the best that we can do.”
The organization will continue operations while they look for Evans’ replacement. McKenzie said this is an opportunity for the organization to grow in a different way – by taking a step back and improving existing programs.
“Don was big [in] building so I think the next CEO is … someone we want to balance things,” he explained. “We probably want to look at… making sure everything we do is the best it can be, make sure we’re solid as an organization.”
McKenzie expects to have the role filled within the next three to six months.
Jasmine Bala
