The director of an Etobicoke home for teens with autism says she is disappointed that Councillor Doug Ford thinks the treatment program has ruined the community.
Speaking last week at a meeting between residents and staff from the Griffin Centre, Ford backed neighbours who are concerned about mental health treatment at a home in their midst, according to a report in the Etobicoke Guardian.
My heart goes out to kids with autism. But no one told me theyd be leaving the house, Ford was quoted as saying.
If it comes down to it, Ill buy the house myself and resell it.
Ford did not respond to requests for comment from the Star on Saturday.
The Ward 2 councillor was the target of ire on social media, with many taking to Twitter to express their opposition to Fords reported comments. Some also said they would donate to the Griffin Centre, a mental health agency with five residential treatment programs in the GTA for youth and adults with autism and developmental disabilities.
Former MP and Ontario premier Bob Rae was among those to slam Ford on Saturday.
This is the opposite of leadership on mental health, he wrote on Twitter. Doug Ford should be ashamed of himself hurting not helping.
Deanna Dannell, the Griffin Centres director of youth and family support services, said she attended last weeks community meeting to explain how the residential treatment program works and meet people in the neighbourhood. She said she was caught off guard by the heated opposition to the homes presence in the area north of Kipling Ave. and Rexdale Blvd.
We certainly didnt anticipate it, she said.
See the original post:
Autism home director 'disappointed' by Doug Fords opposition