Alleged Neglectful spending of Federal Dollars, who really pays? You decide!

We received information today from a Alleged source within Human Services, Inc. that has allegedly shown how the company has been spending money heavily since 2003 in one particular area.

Computers; this company may get grants or did to buy some of the computers, but were told they have been allegedly using federal dollars received from the Energy Assistance Program every year for the past 6+ years to allegedly buy new equipment throughout the company instead of just the one program.

The alleged purchases mainly range in January and October of every year except 2011 they started in May just after EAP ended and right before the EAP program started in August. 

After checking online the Energy Assistance Program starts in October and ends in May. This past year, 2011, instead of computers, which they purchased 5, they allegedly bought iPads for Head Start, and the managers along with the Executive Director, Debbie Bunch and including a new Smart Board.

All these items were allegedly bought while program cuts have been reported and downsizing is occurring. 

In the paperwork we received it allegedly shows Human Services bought 82 laptop computers in 2010 at an estimated value $1500ea with possible accessories; wireless keyboards, monitors, docking stations etc.

In addition to those the company allegedly purchased a $28,000 server, $20,000 Smart Board, this company only has about 140 employees. Why would they need a 28K server? Not to mention all the setup fees, and support involved with maintaining it.

Breakdown of alleged Computers purchased... 

2003 - 20

2004 - 6

2005 - 46

2006 - 8

2007 - 20

2008 - 17, wasn't this the Flood year?

2009 - 23

2010 - 83 including $28,000 server

2011 - 5, not counting the iPads (Head Start has some too), or the $20,000 Smart Board, Camera System, etc... How many computers does a company need to have.

We're told they have;

3 staff in 2 offices (6 pc),

40 staff (if that) in Columbus office (40 pc),

4 staff in 2 offices (16 pc).

This isn't counting all the schools they have, but we're told it is about max 20 teachers, managers. The offices do have computer labs for those wanting to look for work, that is 2 per office so 10 total computers. The math isn't there... Can't hide where the money came from!

Recently Human Services, Inc. lost the Child Care Program, the TEFAP food program, cut backs in Weatherization all 3 programs received federal dollars to operate. We're told Energy Assitance could be the next program to go, this last review wasn't a good one. If EAP goes Head Start will be the only thing left to keep the company open outside of the money in property the company has.

It was also reported to us today Human Services, Inc. has allegedly been manufacturing or forging documents to place in files to avoid being caught for wrong doing during State Monitoring. If the State found any discrepancies in the files it could cause a refund to the State for overpayments from HSI.  

It was also reported the company has allegedly been forging signatures of families who received services but didn’t sign all the documents or amendments for HSI to be in compliance.

Programs affected by the alleged forging – Energy Assistance, Weatherization, Child Care, Food Pantry, Section 8. We also received documents today confirming the alleged forging and manufacturing of documents, but we think they should stay private (for now).

Several employees who have been allegedly terminated from the company and current employees over the years have admitted they were told to do unethical things including allegedly hiding paperwork and allegedly signing documents etc.. If they didn't they could lose their jobs.

Paperwork that could cause a family to not be qualified to allegedly get them qualified or if the family has already been finished on the program and it was discovered during an internal review they didn’t qualify allegedly remove paperwork to make them qualify.

Charging time from one program to another program, allegedly moving equipment off of inventory the State bought for it to disappear.

An alleged investigation has been ongoing with a partnering agency out of Indianapolis. We believe they are in charge of ensuring compliance and training for the Weatherization program. We have been told this company allegedly contacted a former employee because their auditors number used to audit homes was being used again.

Staff asked if this employee was working for HSI again, the employee said no. HSI was allegedly using the auditors name and number so another employee could audit homes and keep the company in compliance with the State.

With all the alleged money being spent in computers we estimate based on the report amount exceeds $550,000 in an 8 year time span for 285 computers (this includes the extra monitors, keyboards etc.).

With many of those alleged computers from 2010 being stored or stock until needed.

Why was federal dollars used to buy these items?

If a program is coming to an end any money left over will need to be refunded back to the State. If money is returned back; then the State will issue less money the following year. Use it or lose it thinking!

To avoid this, spend out the money before the program ends or in other words buy new equipment and keep it. Buy the most expensive now because they may not have money in future to buy it again.

Why don’t they spend the money on more people in Columbus? This company helps more than one city; they work in 5 counties around Columbus. We know there is more to the story and we hope it comes out...

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