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Tom Mix's avatar

Thanks for this report. We have been constantly asked by OPHS to donate, we used to but then things started to get unexplainable so we imformed OPHS that we have withdrawn our support until they can demonstrate good management and care. This report reinforces our decision to not fund them.

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Mimi Smith-Dvorak's avatar

OPHS has had a long culture of sub-standard practices. I went to the "old building" on a few occasions --greeted by a cloud of cigarette smoke, and ignored by the "workers" who had no desire to actually work. Dirty and crowded cages were the norm. The new facility -- which should have been maintained, wasn't. It was BRAND NEW, yet always filthy, and smelly. Once Covid gave them an excuse to never allow anyone inside, I have no doubt it became worse. (And pictures that I have seen, confirm that.)

I have looked at all the 990N's on file, and asked many questions -- and the answers were all gaslight. I have long asked for the books to be opened to the public, and the meeting minutes. After all, it IS a non-profit (owned by no one, and supported by the people). The FACT that they have received public funds (our taxes) makes it rather suspicious that they refuse to open the books and claim they don't have to. However, honest charitable nonprofits know that financial transparency will help preserve the important trust community members and donors place in a nonprofit. Additionally, conduct that is accountable and transparent earns employees' trust and creates a positive workplace culture.

Various (past and present) board members have said they have no obligation to open their books to the public. But they have ALSO said that past 990Ns contain "errors" (which have not been corrected with a subsequent tax return). Just the massive increase in salary of the past executive director had a lot of muddied answers as to why. Many of the categories on the 990N are questionable -- and the answers I received when asked to clarify were very unclear. This lead me to surmise that this nonprofit engaged in misfeasance/malfeasance/nonfeasance.

If they really wanted the trust of the community they would have opened their books, their meeting minutes and give us some ability to understand where this large mess came from. They didn't. Instead they made a lot of happy talk, a flurry of activity, and engaged in gaslighting.

It's akin to your spouse having a long term affair, and then avoided any discussions, at all. "Just get over it."

It is abusive behavior to the community and the loyal donors. You deserve MORE. WE all deserve more.

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