Siloam CEO orders staff to go ‘media silent’

Siloam Mission management has directed staff to be “media silent” and has blocked access to shelter events — including its annual Easter meal — amid internal tension over the appointment of its new CEO.

An email to staff from CEO Sonia Prevost-Derbecker said no media will be allowed at the 300 Princess St. facility unless it is approved by the board of directors or Prevost-Derbecker.

“Siloam has had some media attention recently that paints our organization less than positively,” said the email obtained by the Free Press. “Right now, media will be looking to build on that story which will continue to damage the reputation of the organization.”

“You are to be media silent with no communication sent out to any media release. All media presence at Siloam has been cancelled including the Easter meal. No media will be allowed on the premises without direct confirmation from the board or myself.”

Prevost-Derbecker, who is on holiday until April 7 — an arrangement made prior to her hiring in February, sources say — said the restriction is meant to avoid putting staff in situations where they are “put on the spot, uncomfortable, or feel unprepared for media inquiries.”

Employees allege Prevost-Derbecker, who was formally introduced in the role Feb. 20, made derogatory and demeaning remarks about Indigenous people, individuals struggling with substance use, and the neighbourhood where the mission is located. They raised concerns about her comments regarding personal spending authority and said her statements were “deeply inconsistent” with the organization’s values.

Days later, two senior staff members went on the record to warn that more departures could follow if the board did not reconsider her hiring. The board, however, has repeatedly defended its decision, citing a nationwide search that drew more than 1,100 applicants.

The move to cancel media access to the annual Easter meal, which has been attended by media members for decades, was made amid renewed internal concerns.

Sources say some donors have started to withdraw support and some volunteers have stepped back.

There is concern several members of Siloam’s leadership team plan to go on stress leave when Prevost-Derbecker returns from her vacation, citing a “hostile work environment.”

Sources also said Prevost-Derbecker recently told front-line staff in the drop-in unit that Siloam is facing a $2.5-million deficit and some programs will have to be cut.

“This has created widespread fear and uncertainty among staff, who are now unsure whether their roles or programs will continue to exist,” a source said.

Donations have fallen in recent years: older supporters have died and younger donors have scaled back as the cost of living has increased.

Siloam received $8.905 million in private donations in the fiscal year ending April 30, 2024, but that fell to $7.765 million one year later — a drop of more than $1 million. At the same time, its expenses rose by more than $2 million. This has led to Siloam tapping into more government funding to make up the decline in private donations.

Siloam receives nearly $8 million in government funding, as recorded in its most recent financial statement.

When concerns are raised, sources said Prevost-Derbecker has stated she will run the organization as she sees fit and does not require approval to make program cuts.

“These issues have been raised with (board chair Tracey Silagy), but the response has been that the CEO simply needs ‘coaching,’” the source said. “There is growing concern among staff that, if this continues, the long-term sustainability of the organization is at risk.”

Employees and select volunteers have been asked to weigh in on the mission’s workplace culture through a survey conducted by a third-party human resources consultant.

The 47-question “workplace culture assessment survey,” distributed Monday by Tipi Legacy HR+, asks participants to weigh in on the culture, practices and behaviour.

Sources say they’re concerned about the results of the report because they will be reported to Silagy.

“Given that she herself is part of the complaint, this raises serious questions about transparency and conflict of interest,” an employee said. “There is a fear that any recommendations, particularly those involving leadership changes, may not be handled objectively.

“More broadly, there is frustration that significant donor-funded resources are being spent on surveys and investigations that staff feel will not lead to meaningful change.”

Siloam did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca