A local social service agency is raising the alarm about people not affiliated with their organization who are impersonating their staff in the Collingwood community.
Brad’s Place Addiction Treatment of Southern Georgian Bay put out a notice on Thursday that they had become aware that individuals had falsely claimed association with their services.
Melanie Lopes, who serves as the president of the organization’s board of directors, told Village Media the board had been informed of multiple instances.
“There have been incidents of people going to the crisis centre or the Busby Centre and stating that they are staff and are trying to do counselling sessions with their clients,” Lopes explained. “Unfortunately, these people aren’t presenting well, so it’s concerning.
"People trying to represent us are not giving Brad’s Place a good look within the community,” she added.
Brad’s Place Addiction Treatment of Southern Georgian Bay launched its outpatient services to the public in April 2023, aiming to bring addiction recovery treatment for teenagers, young adults and their families to the Collingwood area.
They offer in-person, online or telephone personal or group outpatient sessions from skilled counsellors in Simcoe County.
Lopes said Brad’s Place staff always have an ID badge with a QR code on the back which, when scanned, has the worker’s information and the Brad’s Place website. She also noted that Brad’s Place doesn’t go out seeking clients, instead offering a safe place for clients to reach out when they need help.
She said the board felt it was necessary to inform the public to prevent the situation from escalating.
“If we went to a business to ask for a donation, we will always have that ID. I’m concerned about people getting scammed,” said Lopes.
For more information or to reach out to inquire about services, visit the Brad’s Place website here.
