Many of you have recently received the first newsletter from NILP since the new Executive Director was hired in the spring of 2008. The newsletter was sorely lacking in substance and the issues that are really important to us as people with disabilities were not addressed. It leaves me with the feeling that not much advocacy is taking place at this center. For example, what’s going on with MassHealth, and DME’s (durable medical equipment), whats really going on with the PCA program?, and so on and on. As Hank Phillippi Ryan says, what’s the Real Deal?
The Board of Directors of NILP hired a new executive director in 2008. This person was not qualified to hold the position and, as a result, in concert with the Board of Directors, plundered the agency’s financial reserves and reduced the number of direct service staff by nearly 50% over a two year period. Although, some staff feel that NILP is running at it’s full capacity without the missing experienced staff they are not being realistic and true to the independent living movement. So let’s re-cap, a friend of a deceased Board member was hired as the new ED and staff left in droves because of termination,harassment, and being forced out, because she would not be educated about the IL movement. The new management repeatedly harassed staff and continues to do so, lost contracts and funding due to inexperience and an overinflated ego. Yet, the salaries of the CEO and senior level managers, on the other hand, have increased by the same amount. The people who are paying the price are consumers who are either not being served or receiving partial services due to the lack of competent qualified staff who will never understand and practice the IL philosophy. This injustice cannot continue.
Figures received from the Statement of Functional Expenses for the year ending in 2009 states the salary range was $804.601and increased to $1,065.578 ending 6/30/2010. Ask yourself how can this be possible with less staff. These employees increases could have went towards the hiring of more staff and thus providing more of the much needed services for people with disabilities. Lack of experience for the CEO and the Board of Directors valuable funding and services are being stripped once again for the disabled community.
If left unchecked, NILP will be unable to provide basic IL services that we need to continue living in the community. We need a strong NILP to advocate for us and to provide cross disability independent living services that help people live within the community. WE must organize to bring NILP back to where it was for so many years; one of the best independent living centers in the country.
Let your voices be heard. Spread this story of the destruction of NILP. Chronicle the dismantling of positions and services. Speak of the harassment and oppressive working conditions brought on by the new management. Point out that time and time again the Board of Directors were made aware of the carnage only to look the other way. Through their negligence, they are perpetrating and supporting the slow death of this agency. The board did not exercise their fiduciary responsibility by taking swift corrective action when independent auditors hadn’t provided a qualified audit since the new management began. NILP is hemorrhaging money and destroying the quality of services for you the consumer.
To its supporters; NILP’s Board of Directors and management are unethical and have allowed the organization to become financially unstable. It follows no code of fair and honest behavior and only serves to give lip service to the community and line its own pockets with taxpayer’s money.
Some financial facts: When the previous executive director and chief financial officer left the agency they left behind an emergency reserve of well over $300, 000. The mortgage on the building was very low and the line of credit with the agency’s bank hadn’t been used in over 15 years.
Because the Board of Directors took a different approach with the succession plan left by the previous CEO and spent months wringing their hands in indecision and took no concrete action reaching out to hire a new qualified director and financial officer for close to a year, the existing staff didn’t have the skill or authority to bill the state for services provided to consumers, payroll, operating expenses, etc. Thus NILP plummeted into fiscal chaos. Finally, the board reached out to one of its member’s long time personal friends, the current CEO, and brought her in to run the agency.
She had no background in running a nonprofit agency, or any similar business, and she in turn brought in a friend to “manage the finances.” After all was said and done, NILP lost about $300,000 in unbilled contract funding. This is documented in the independent auditor’s report and the state’s Uniform Financial Report referenced below.
While this was going on, NILP’s board treasurer, Diane Porter, (Excel Home Care) was being indicted in federal court for wage violation in her own agency (see article from the Lowell sun below). When asked at the 2009 NILP annual meeting “where did the $300,000 emergency reserve fund go?” the reply was “it was moved to another fund.” She knowingly lied to the membership. The fact is, it was used to pay the bills that should have been covered by the lost contract money that the board and CEO obviously mishandled.
But that’s not all, as the new CEO and her friend the financial manager settled in, they continued to lose money. They continued to have no clean audits. In the opinion of the board of directors and CEO, the only thing left to do was to further erode the assets of the agency and refinance the building’s mortgage. The board authorized the refinance and poured an additional $300.000 into the operating fund of the agency. At the end of the day, approximately $600.000 was bled from the agency that was fiscally sound and had clean audits since its inception prior to the new administration.
This didn’t have to happen; it shouldn’t have, and without question is directly attributed to the Board of Directors and CEO of NILP.
Some personal facts:
When the previous administration left there were 28 employees. The executive director earned $64.000 per year, not $105.000 like the current CEO. The CFO earned approximately $52.000. Today, there are roughly (we are not sure how many because on the NILP web page the CEO finds it fit not to mention all of the valuable employees) (with a significant new contract from the Department of Mental Health that has been in the works but not awarded). The executive director earns over $105.000 per year and the financial management department earns approximately $80.000 annually. More contract money, significantly less staff, higher overhead for administrative pay; sounds like a top-heavy ineffective organization that probably isn’t truly meeting its contract requirements with the state and tries to fill some of the financial holes with private donor money to do “projects.
Why did Gary Hale step down from chairperson? Why did another board member resign after after asking what qualifications did the current Assistant Director have for that position? A lot of un-queswered are being avoided by the current CEO, BOD and staff. Overall NILP has brought us another step backwards.
Conclusion:
This isn’t about a group of “disgruntled employees” or cowards which is the excuse that the Board and CEO give for this blog. What it is about is a violation of the public trust and unethical and possibly illegal behavior on the part of the Board and CEO.
Taken from the Author: Lowell Sun
Date May 19,2010
By Lisa Redmond, Lowell Sun
Re: Excel Hoem Care
Woburn – Six months after Diane Porter was ordered by a federal judge to shut down her ailing home health care agency, the Attorney General’s Office has indicted the Tewksbury woman and Excel Home Care, Inc. for failing to pay over $470,000 in wages to nearly 100 employees. Porter, and Excel Home Care were each indicted by a grand jury and charged with 93 counts of failure to pay wages.
Start date of this blog
This blog was started long before the present ED when on her rampage. This blog is not and has not been started by disgruntled employees. This blog was started by a group of advocates when the Board of Directors hired a non- qualified, over paid individual to act as an E.D.
The advocates worked long and hard to prevent what is happening at this center today.
The advocates worked long and hard to prevent what is happening at this center today.
What does the E.D. really do for people with disabilities
This was picked up floating around and we are asking people's input to enlighten the Board of Directors how much time is involved to complete this work for her classes. Prep work, home work and anything else you can add would be greatly appreciated. If the E.D was not doing this at the expense of NILP and taking valuable services, funding and time from people with disabilities why then is she using NILP's e-mail address and telephone as her business address. Why does the BOD not request to see her e-mail and phone records.
Dear NILP Board Members,
As concerned taxpayers and advocates for people with disabilities we have a moral obligation to point out issues of concern about NILP.
We would like to bring to your attention the fact that the Executive Director of the Northeast Independent Living Program, inc. is using federal and state resources and funding for her own personal business as an adjunct professor, although, this may not be illegal it is highly unethical. As a board member each of you has a personal responsibility to ensure legal and ethical integrity. The board is ultimately responsible for adherence to legal standards and ethical norms. Do you know that the ED is using her NILP email and phone number as her contact information for her classes? If not, why do you not know and do you approve of the agency’s resources being used in this manner? This is a serious misuse of NILP’s staff, resources and funding and should be addressed immediately.
The Executive Director should be concentrating and performing the job duty’s she was hired to do and not using NILP resources, and funding for her own personal gain. We are asking that the Board of Directors address this issue as soon as possible and that the same be placed into her personal file.
There is an agency bus that has been sitting in the parking lot for many months sitting idle and not being used because the current van driver does not want to get his CDL license. We ask you then why is he still employed at NILP? This vehicle was purchased so that participants and the general public could have access to transportation. The Board of Director’s needs to be asking for accountability in matters that may potentially harm this organization! These vehicles are provided thanks to a grant from the Massachusetts Office of Transportation under the Mobility Assistance Program (MAP) under Chapter 33 of the Acts of 1991 and Section 5310 of the Federal Transit Act, as amended. Additionally, the Stevens Foundation, of North Andover generously provided them with the required 20% match. What would the Office of Transportation and the Stevens Foundation think about the bus sitting in a parking lot and not being used?
Program Eval & Assessment 6230 Graduate Lecturer: June Cowen
Program Evaluation and Assessment EDU 6230
Spring 2010 Syllabus
Course Schedule: Boston Campus
Start Date: Tuesday evenings from 5:50pm- 8:00pm
Beginning the week of April 12, 2010 – May 17, 2010
Six week Blended Learning Course
Location: Boston Campus
Instructor: June Cowen, B.S Ed, M.S. M.
Contact Info: jcowen@nilp.org
978-687-4288 ext.139
Required Text: Evaluating Training Programs: The Four Levels (3rd Edition, Donald Kirkpatrick
Course Description Program evaluation and assessment is critical to quality assurance and continuous improvement. In this course, students will learn how to establish goals based on measurable outcomes and how to set benchmarks for performance measurement. Mechanisms that demonstrate value added are also important to organizations that sponsor training and development efforts. Students will learn how to demonstrate the impact of a program on an organization's bottom line. In addition, issues related to accreditation and other academic program reviews will be examined.
Course Learning Objectives:
Upon Completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Define Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Evaluation.
2. Demonstrate how to write training and education goals based upon measurable outcomes.
3. Define performance management, Key performance Indicators (KPI) and ROI as it relates to
organizational learning outcomes.
4. Compare and Contrast benchmarks and benchmarking steps in organizational learning and
higher education environments.
5. Define the impact of sociolinguistic cultural differences into program evaluation efficacy.
6. Design a program evaluation tool for use in an organizational learning context or higher education environment.
7. Build and present a lesson or seminar that will serve as a capstone to integrate your own personal learning journey about assessment and program evaluation.
Teaching Strategies, Lectures, Student Presentations, Case Studies, Peer
Mentoring, Course Requirements, Assigned Readings, Current Events/articles- Abstracts & Presentations
FYI salaries for 2008 and 2009
I just got finished reading the minutes from the Massachusetts Statewide Independent Living Council meetings. I find it both ironic and hilarious that I.L. Centers say they are under funded.
Has anyone really been following this blog, does anyone think there is any false information on this blog. If any information on here is false I am sure that the lawyers would have pushed harder to get it removed or would have taken action. It is stated below that the NILP's budget in 16 short months went from $804.601 up to $1,009.699, someone please tell me where there is a shortage of money's.
I think that the wrong approach has been used here to explain the salary of the E.D. For those of you who lost your jobs, or on fixed incomes, have to survive on SSI or SSDI and are having a very difficult time making ends meet on $1,000 to $1,500 per month, give this some serious thought when you hear other people say ILC are under-funded, the ED at NILP makes approximately $8,500.00 per month, and has given what she calls her loyal staff some major increases in their salary.
Taken from the minutes of the SILC meetings.
Joe Castelani My name is Joe Castellani, Executive director of Ad lib, and I just wanted to say that we support the executive director input as presented by Mary Margaret. I look forward to that again and I think it adequately addresses the historical underfunding of the centers, takes into account the real probability that we're going to endorse some more cuts very quickly, and has a plan for us to cope with these cuts.
It is proven that ILC have been grossly under-funded for years but please do support those IL centers that are using their funding for you, using their funding to provide advocacy to help you as a person with a disability live a more independent life style.
The year ending in June 2009 the agency had less employees either terminated or left because of the hostile environment.
Figures received from the Statement of Functional Expenses for the year ending in 2009 the salaries range went from $804.601 in 2008 to $1,009.699 in 2009. Ask yourself how can this be with LESS staff.
If you are a Massachusetts Taxpayer or a person with a disability you need to take action to save NILP. If you continue to sit back and not take action then your tax dollars will continue to be wasted and people with disabilities - have been and will continue moving backwards, again.
People with Disabilities First
Should be People with Disabilities First
The Council is working with a broad coalition of human service providers to implore the Governor and Legislature to put People First! when considering any 9C cuts to the state budget. This campaign will continue through the FY 2011 budget deliberations. The People First! campaign will have many messages, but one banner to reflect the solidarity of our mission driven work. You will be hearing more about this campaign in the days to come.
Update: Please sign our petition asking Governor Deval Patrick, Senate President Therese Murray and Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo to put People First! when crafting the FY '11 budget!
For more information on our public policy efforts and this initiative, or to learn about other ways to get involved, please contact Michael Ripple.
Urge Governor Patrick to Save Programs that Strengthen our Communities
Clients, consumers, caregivers, and our communities are taking action on October 20th to call on Governor Deval Patrick and the legislature to put people first and find alternatives to cutting vital programs that support the most vulnerable in our communities.
Human services and the residents of the Commonwealth that we serve have shouldered the burden of this year’s budget cuts, with countless individuals losing services they depend on and countless caregivers losing jobs. And now, the Commonwealth faces another budget shortfall and the likelihood of further cuts.
This happened to be on the Independent Living of the North Shore's web page and just thought it should be shared with everyone on here. It was said from the start that an Independent Living Center should be run BY and FOR people with disabilities. It's a remorseful day when someone is promoted to interim assistant director who does not have the qualifications for the position and does not have the disability community in their best interest.
On June 26,2009 more than 200 activists jammed into and around Nurses Hall in the Massachusetts State House to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision. It was great to see most of the IL's Executive Directors in attendance.
A choice few from the New NILP office showed up for a quick appearance, but could not take the time to join in with other activists to deliver the position platform and to thank Governor Deval Patrick, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, and Senate President Therese Murray, but referred to those who chose to stay and participate as DERELICTS.
According to the statement on the blog at the Independent Living Center of the North Shore and Cape Ann it was posted that the interim assistant director stated that Charles Carr (MRC Commissioner), Bill Henning (Executive Director of the Boston Center for Independent Living), Mary Margaret Moore (Executive Director of ILCNS),Jean Mcguire (Assistant Secretary of Disability Policy) and Secretary Bigby (Executive Office of Health and Human Services) "all blew hot air, and it was a hugh waste of time".
Short Update's
This was taken for the Rumbo News paper dated August 1, 2009. "The salaries in the Human Service field are not especially high. Estimates from national data a few years ago suggested that earnings for beginning workers ranged from the low $20,000s to the low $30,000 range per year. So, individuals who pursue this field need to know that they are not going to get rich". Makes me wonder if NECCO ever looked into the salaries at NILP, and maybe the B.O.D should have done some research such as this before their decision over a year ago.
Some interesting news was posted on the blog site at the Independent Living Center of the North Shore and Cape Ann Center related to NILP's interim assistant directors take on a rally held at the State House. Sorry to say it has since been removed from that blog site, but stay tuned I have a feeling it will be showing up again.
As you all know some long time advocates and dedicated people for the Independent Living Movement have been terminated or had resigned for that agency. Keep up your good work and don't let the movement take any more steps backwards, enough damage has been done.
Thanks to all that have visited this site, and left comments or questions, further updates will follow in the near future.
Read First - Dear Friends - I need your help
Dear friend,
As you read this letter, you have probably been touched in one way or another by the Northeast Independent Living Program. Maybe they helped you find an affordable, accessible apartment or advocated with you for benefits. Perhaps you received support with eligibility and ongoing use of personal care assistance; employment assistance; access to interpreters; accessibility complaints, and the list goes on.
NILP has touched thousands of people like you and me for the past 30 years. Many of you weren’t even born when it started. What would you do if NILP slowly slipped away and then one day was gone? Think about it! Do not think too long because it’s happening as you read this.
The Northeast Independent Living Program was built on a strong foundation of consumer control. Since its inception, people with disabilities who live this life every day and personally understand why programs and services are so important to our lives have run it. Unfortunately, that has changed. The board of directors of NILP recently chose a non-disabled executive director to pick up where Charlie Carr left off after 27 years. He and his staff set the standard for Independent living in Massachusetts. Sadly, the Board of Directors had an opportunity and, quite honestly, a moral imperative to fill this position with a qualified person with a disability. Not only have they failed, but also they have opened the door to the slow death of the most important source of community living for people with all types of disabilities in the greater Merrimack Valley – NILP.
Based upon my experience and training at NILP as well as the federal standards and assurances that NILP must meet as a center for independent living my observation of the Board's choice for the new Executive Director of NILP leads me to question the Board's capability to fulfill the mandates of the articles of Organization and By-Laws of NILP.
The cost of your inaction and outrage will truly be a gradual loss of your independence. Most definitely, the executive director does not understand your needs, and will do what’s expedient to run a business. Quite often, business decisions compromise consumer control and don’t embrace choice. Only a leader with a disability who is in a position to make these business decisions will stop and find other ways to keep the Independent living philosophy intact as well as taking care of the bottom line.
I call on you to rise up and take a stand for independence. Stand up for consumer control and choice in NILP. This decision the Board of Directors made can be changed and must be changed! Only you can do it. You must join in with a growing number of voices calling for a reversal of the decision to install a non-disabled Executive Director. NILP must return to its rightful place with a qualified person with a disability as its leader; as its executive director.
Here’s how…
- We must demand that the executive director:
- Embraces and is knowledgeable of the Independent Living paradigm/movement
- Possesses extensive personal and professional experience and credibility with disability services and systems
- Has experience with the cross disability and cross-age services programs and services
- Has experience with consumer control as defined in Title VII and is knowledgeable with the federally defined standards and assurances for Independent Living Centers
- Has knowledge of requirements of the state service delivery system for persons with disabilities
- Has experience and knowledge of the state purchase of service rules and operations specifically for: cost reimbursement, unit rate costs, and Medicaid provider regulations
- Possesses knowledge about alternative methods of communication
- Is sensitive to cultural competency issues.
I ask that you please join me in requesting an emergency meeting of the Board of Director’s to address issues relating to what appears in my eyes to be the Board’s violation of the NILP's mission, placing in jeopardy NILP's commitment to the IL paradigm, and a breach of faith with NILP’s participants.
We must act now so whatever you can do to save NILP’s commitment to consumer control (writing a letter to the Board, attending a Board meeting to voice your concerns, etc.) please let me know.
I had requested under the Freedom of Information Act a list of NILP’s participant’s, and the contract between the Executive Director and the Northeast Independent Living Program, and was denied access to this information.
NILP is going through some drastic changes that will affect all of our lives. I need your help and cooperation to get this valuable information distributed.
I am pleading for anyone that knows of a participant of the Northeast Independent Living Program to have them e-mail me with their name and address so that I can send out this information regarding what impact the board’s decision is going to have on their life.
Become a Board Member - Get Involved
Each year at the Annual Meeting, NILP membership nominates and elects directors for the Board of Directors. Membership votes on a slate nominated by the Board Development Committee and approved by the Board of Directors at a regular meeting. Additionally, nominations for director made be made from the floor. These nominations are approved by majority vote of members present at the Annual Meeting. Those who are approved for nomination then begin a process to consider and be considered further as for a director position.
The process consists of:
- A two-way interview with the Board Development Committee
- Attendance at one or two Board meetings
- Recommendations by the Board Development Committee to the full Board of Directors to elect the individual to the Board
- Vote by the Board to elect the candidate who, if elected, has full responsibilities and privileges as a director
- Included on the nomination slate of the Board of Directors presented at the next following Annual Meeting
- The Board must maintain at least 51% director representation of individuals with disabilities.
- The Board makes every possible effort to maintain balanced constituent and demographic representation of the community served by NILP.
- The Board fills vacancies as needed with individuals with education and experience necessary to maintain a Board of Directors highly capable of effectively directing and supporting NILP.
Your participation at the Annual Meeting is very important. Nominations for the Board of Directors of members and others who can bring ideas, resources, energy, effort and/or leadership to NILP as a director are most welcome.
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