Anonymous Research Into the MHMR-TC Relationship With BRAVO Health

On April 20 someone calling him or herself Anonymous made a very detailed comment which I intended to turn into its own blog post, but forgot about it til now.

Below is what Anonymous found out about BRAVO Health....

It has been alleged that MHMR has entered into a relationship with a for-profit company called BRAVO HEALTH in order to convert the Paradise Center and its' client base into a stream of revenue. If true, offer the following research for your consideration:

    (From Bloomberg BusinessWeek)

    COMPANY OVERVIEW

    "Bravo Health, Inc. provides managed care services. It offers Medicare advantage options to allow members to choose the right plan for them; and special needs plans for those who are receiving institutional care, who have chronic health conditions, or who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid benefits. The company also provides private fee-for-service plans, which provide members the freedom to determine from whom they receive their health care; and part D prescription plans for those who only need coverage for their medications. It offers its plans to members in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, D.C., California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia. Bravo Health, Inc. was formerly known as Elder Health, Inc. The company was founded in 1996 and is based in Baltimore, Maryland. As of November 30, 2010, Bravo Health Inc. operates as a subsidiary of HealthSpring Inc."

    (From the Bravohealth.com/news page)
    (May 18, 2010)

    Bravo Health Receives Notice of Contract Award for STAR+PLUS Program in Texas

    "A spokesperson from Mental Health Mental Retardation (MHMR) of Tarrant County said, "We congratulate Bravo Health on their selection as a provider of STAR+PLUS services in the Tarrant Service Delivery Area. Our discussions with Bravo Health have demonstrated to us their keen understanding of the full range of health care needs of Medicaid recipients..."
    ----------

    The CEO

    "The past few years have been exciting for us, as we have experienced continued growth and achieved milestones relating to the way we serve our members," said Jeff Folick, chairman and chief executive officer of Bravo Health."
    ---------

    (Found elsewhere online)

    BRAVO HEALTH ACQUIRED BY HEALTH SPRING for $545 MILLION (FOXBusiness.com Published August 27, 2010)

    “For the first six months of 2010, Bravo Health generated premium revenue of approximately $832.8 million”

    Wall Street Journal reports: “Bravo Health Inc. did something in 2009 that most venture-backed companies can only dream about: It had revenue of more than $1 billion. Yes, that’s right, billion”

    Mybravohealth.com/about states "Bravo Health is one of the nation’s fastest-growing Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug coverage providers." and "Bravo Health is 100% committed to Medicare Advantage." (One can only speculate what profits are to be had by supplying expensive drugs to a large population of clients).

    CEO COMPENSATION

    According to documents filed with the SEC on 12-2-2010, part of the Bravo/ Health Springs merger included a seat on the board of directors for Folick which includes “a $50,000 annual cash retainer for his service” plus $105,000 in stock in 2011 (to increase 5% per year thereafter). One assumes he’ll receive a handsome salary as CEO of BRAVO but that pales in comparison to his payday for selling out to Health Springs for which he received….

    >>>$31.7 million in cash<<<

    Jeffrey Folick is a long time 'high flier' in the managed health industry. As Executive Vice President, PacifiCare Health Systems, Inc. he was listed among “The 25 Highest Paid HMO Executives 1996 Annual Compensation.”

A Harris County Advocate Weighs In On The Removal of MHMR-TC CEO Jim McDermott

An incoming comment this morning made reference to the letter you see on the left. The commenter, Harris County Advocate, said, "That is a very interesting question that you asked at the end of your post, Mr. Durango."

The question being referenced was in a blog post titled Why is Melissa Gibbons No Longer the President of NAMI-TC?

With the question being, "What's next? The sudden removal of Jim McDermott as MHMRTC CEO in advance of incoming lawsuits?"

Below is the comment from Harris County Advocate in its entirety....

That is a very interesting question that you asked at the end of your post, Mr. Durango.

It appears that this PhD man Jim McDermott is also crafty, calculating, and cunning. He probably won't be caught with a major doozy, but a series of actions and decisions that show a pattern of unacceptable conduct will likely be his undoing. He was smart enough to use money to cover the important "bases", but arrogant enough to commit what he deemed little things that don't really count.

A friend from Tarrant County sent me a copy of the March 2011 newsletter. I found this small but rather damning little sentence, "Dr. McDermott and MHMR had sent a letter dated February 18, 2011 to reassure the participants of the Drop-in Center that follows:"

The problems with that sentence and the heading of the letter are (A) the consumers and other staff consistently report that no such letter was seen until several days later; (B) the term "Drop-in Center" was not used by him and MHMR until several days after 02/18/11 because they were still claiming to own everything that was Paradise Center, including the name until something forced them to change their ways; (C) the NAMI of Tarrant County Board did not meet to vote on their neutral position statement until the first week of March; (D) several people have reported that the actual letter letter was un-dated (unusual, esp. due to its time-sensitive nature) and addressed "To: Drop-in Center participants", NOT "Paradise Center members" as previously.

The word is that the man has been known to fudge and get away with such small, but often NOT insignificant representations when viewed in the larger context.

We also heard that he was actually forced to write the little letter ONLY after email appeals from the Paradise Board President Linda Groom that he sent some staff trained in counseling people after traumatic events to go and explain to the confused consumers what had happened to their director Ms. Davis and the community center that they've always knew belong to them and their organization.

Until we see the email proof it's just a believable RUMOR for now. Whatever the details, this raises the serious issue of the honesty of the CEO and the agency, especially in their representations of the factual details related to this scandalous matter. This is where journalists , or the dreaded lawyers, would be helpful in finding out the facts.

We still cannot believe that local leaders have not tried to resolve this ugly matter before it goes to the judicial realm, where it will mostly likely get uglier. But that's how Tarrant County usually deals with things.

You Can Now Visit The Paradise Center Website & Make a Donation

Many people have asked about the Paradise Center website. Many people have also asked how they can make a donation to help the Paradise Center.

Both questions can now be answered. The links in the above paragraph are the answer to those two questions.

Last week Paradise Center sent out an email to "Friends of Paradise Center, Inc." asking friends of Paradise Center to get in touch, via email.

Wednesday, Paradise Center sent out an email response to the folks who responded. Below is that email....

Mr. Jones,

Thanks for voicing your support of the mental health consumers who operate Paradise Center, Inc.

It has been a tough couple of months. Overnight, Paradise Center's status as a thriving, respected, funded organization was stripped away. Suddenly, we were homeless, and at times, it seemed friendless.

Although I group myself with the organization, it was very clear that MHMRTC intended it to be only a personnel decision. I was facing unemployment, character assassination, and what I call "professional leprosy".

But I didn't face it alone. The cohesive, unified group of mental health consumers gave me courage to go on, even when the days seemed bleak.

MHMRTC did not count on the absolute tenacity of the consumers who, within 3 business days, forced them to stop telling the public that Paradise Center still inhabits the building and that it was "business as usual".

They spoke out about the truth: MHMRTC had terminated our grant, without notice. They locked us out of the building that contained all of our possessions and had been our home for over 13 years.

They didn't just fire me; they ended the good relationship we enjoyed with them and other mental health organizations in the area.

So now, Paradise Center, Inc., has gone from a small non-profit with financial and public support of MHMR, NAMI, and Tarrant County Hospital District (TCHD) to, well, a small non-profit.

We had a budget of about $150,000, with 95% of that budget directly from MHMRTC and TCHD. Now, we have a budget supported 100% by individual supporters.

About 6 weeks ago, I sent emails to 6 family members and friends. They donated and pledged enough to lease a building and give Paradise Center a new home. Our coffers aren't full, but we have hope.

But we need your help now.

Although we'll have fundraisers and seek grants, 70% of our budget will be met with donations from individuals like you.

Anyone who knows me knows how uncomfortable I am asking for money. Can you remember the last time you received an email from Paradise Center asking for monetary donations? Yep, the answer is almost never.

But we need your help now.

Every donation will go 100% toward the daily programs of Paradise Center. At this time, I am an "unpaid full-time staff member". Although the goal of the Board of Directors is to eventually hire me as an employee, I am committed to helping Paradise Center raise enough money for operational expenses for 3 years.

The total amount is $100,000 for 3 years. After we reach that goal, then the Board will consider their personnel choices.

We have fundraisers in the works and some grants we're working on.

But we need your help now.

Here's how you can help:

1. Make a financial donation today. You can donate by calling our Center, sending us a check, or using PayPal or your credit card on our webpage, www.ParadiseCenterInc.org.
2. Tell your friends, co-workers, and family members about Paradise Center and ask them to consider supporting our organization. 
3. "Like" and "Friend" us on Facebook. I am amazed at the number of people just one person can tell about our organization through social media. 
4. Volunteer to help with a fundraiser. We are a 100% volunteer organization. There is plenty of room at the table for YOU. 
5. Check our "Wish List" on our webpage. If you can't make a financial donation, maybe you can make an in-kind donation. We update this list regularly, so check often to see how you can help.

Thank you for your support of mental health consumers of Paradise Center. Without the support of friends like you, our organization would not have hope for our future.

Please call to offer well wishes or to ask questions about the last two months. We really want to hear from our friends!

Teresa Davis
Paradise Center, Inc.
friends helping friends in mental health recovery
www.ParadiseCenterInc.org
office: 817-348-0911
address: 525 S. Henderson Street, Fort Worth, TX 76104

All donations to Paradise Center, Inc. are tax deductible and are acknowledged with a donation form acceptable for tax uses. Please indicate with your donation if your prefer to remain anonymous and/or if you prefer not to be listed on our webpage as a supporter.

As of April 19 the Most Recent 25 Comments to the Paradise Center Scandal Blog Postings

I previously indicated I would do a compilation of Paradise Center Scandal Comments every 3 days. But, that proved a bit too time consuming. That and 3 days of comments amounts to an awful lot of comments.

So, I decided that as long as the comments keep coming in, every once in awhile I'll compile the most recent 25 comments.

The most recent comments deal with the sudden removal of Melissa Gibbons as NAMI-TC President. A lot of comments are from MHMR cons making fun of the Paradise Center's belongings. I have already opined that not only is this mean-spirited, it is also illogical. Since MHMR-TC claims that Paradise Center was their operation, all these years, then why did MHMR-TC not supply new equipment to Paradise Center? Like furniture? It's like these idiots try to be on both sides of an argument with no awareness of their hypocritical contradiction.

And now the comments, starting with the most recent....

Actually you MHMR-TC gangsters, not very smart ones at that,need to give us citizens who pay your salaries and the new things you stupidly brag about over and over, by cutting out the immature attacks on the organization of people living with serious mental illness and your shifting version of basic facts. It's not only painful to see you continue down this dead end road, but it is downright embarrassing. We Cowtowners recognize b.s. when we see it. And you're full of it. Take your shameful act somewhere else. Hopefully far away from children, the elderly, and the disabled because you're toxic. Have you no shame or even some common decency?
By Suzette on Some Words From The Watchful Clinic Case Manager A... on 4/18/11
   
OMG!!! What other questionable actions on the part of people given the public trust are there? My fellow employees in the MR (idd) side are astounded by the abuse of scarce taxpayer funds in the hands of this ceo and his cronies. They are making the whole agency look bad. It will look even worse once lawyers get involved. How were these improper things allowed to go on unnoticed for so long? And why are the people responsible allowed to continue holding their positions of power? What's wrong with this community? ?
By mhMR staff on Why is Melissa Gibbons No Longer the President of ... on 4/18/11
   
hey tony the smile parente, that lynn chick aint that happy with you. she's just putting on a good face to keep the paycheck coming but she's been telling people what an arrogant **** and crazy person you are. so much for your spin about you two nuts being a great team, huh? plus her husband aint to much into your kind either. just like those male african-american clients; better watch how you talk to them. smile.
By Guess who on Comment Problems & A Tiny Pool Table at the Former... on 4/18/11
   
Word from hulen tower is that the execs involved in this scandal are starting to look for a quick exit, especially the chief of mental health sonja gaines who knows that as the only african-american exec she would be the first one that mcduh dude would throw under the bus. As in failing to have any kind of supervisory meeting or evaluation for theresa davis in almost a decade of work. it was a good thing that theresa was a self starter and ethical professional or else so many things could have gone wrongly with such bad managerial work from hulen tower big wigs.
By Sonja supporter on Fort Worth is Up A Creek Without a Paddle With the... on 4/18/11
   
Let me get this straight, BEFORE her unexplained abdication as president Melissa Gibbons and her husband held the two most important positions on the Board of NAMI-TC, president and treasurer. That's a major red flag right there. Some friends who are NAMI-tc members have also reported that the Gibbons and another officer were responsible for carrying out jim mcdermott's order to take this neutral position, which is really odd and not commonly practiced or even called for in this situation. It all comes back to these people feeling like they owe jim mcdermott their positions and stature, so they carried out his c.y.a. operation in spite of what it might do to their own and their organization's reputations. My guess is that they, like jim mcdermott and mhmr-tc,never in their wildest imagination conceived that the little consumer-run nonprofit would ever fight against mcdermott's bullying ways.
By Anonymous on Why is Melissa Gibbons No Longer the President of ... on 4/18/11
   
The MHMR gang under little jimmy mcDermott has slowly turned that community center facility into a clinic where people from three different clinics in the community are now crammed into one, with people waiting out in the elements after making long trips to keep their appointments for needed psychiatric care. The whole purpose for clinics dispersed throughout the community was for the convenience and easier access for the county residents, especially the poor and ethnic minorities. Many from our predominently African-American community have voiced concerns about having to make long trips into the current clinic which is located in the midst of 4-5 gay bars, something that is culturally foreign to them. JPS has a completely different approach to making healthcare accessible to all by placing clinics in different neighborhoods rathger than a centralized location, which adds to the stigma since people now know that the people who come to that location have some serious mental issues. See more...
By Stop-6 area taxpayer on NAMI Tarrant County is Very Interested in Supporti... on 4/18/11
   
I agree with the questions regarding the "disappearance" of Melissa Gibbons. However, I am even more perplexed by why little Jimmy and his girls are still allowed to remain in place and drawing big salaries after all the major screw ups and injuries they've inflicted on so many people and the community as a whole?? The cloud hanging over the agency gets darker and darker with each passing day of the McDermott regime. Does this guy and his gang have no shame?? Or any regard for the common good? Gutlessness, classless, and now shameless.
By J. Moore on Why is Melissa Gibbons No Longer the President of ... on 4/18/11
   
It looks like future blogging will focus on specific misconducts on the part of the MHMR-TC cons. Very likely coming out of lawsuits that show even more clearly that McDermottitus had infected much of the agency and anyone that came in contact with it. That's just the talk among certain professional circles.
By Guelma on The Paradise Center is Moving In to Its New Home a... on 4/18/11
   
Anonymous, let's discuss professional behavior by individuals in a secular setting such as Paradise Center or MHMR-TC. Regardless of Ms. Davis' matriculation at a Baptist school or her personal religious persuasion, it is inappropriate in those settings to discuss Jesus or "soul winning." If you are complaining that she doesn't do that, well, she's not supposed to do that. If you can "win souls" by living your convictions and modeling desirable behavior without such rhetoric in the professional setting, more power to you. I certainly hope that when you are typing up those hundreds of documents for your bosses at MHMR-TC that, 1) someone proofs you for typos, grammar and bombast, and 2) makes sure Bible verses are not being snuck in like fortunes in a cookie.
By CatsPaw on To the Friends of Paradise Center, Inc. on 4/18/11

These individuals and entities in Tarrant county are giving other individuals and entities with similar positions and duties a very bad name. Mental health care, services, and advocacy should be a respected and ethical part of modern society. But with the politicalization and abuse of public money and authority by jim mcdermott and his buddies, the loss of public trust and respect will take years to overcome. And possibly convictions or legal settlements. Besides the question about NAMI of tarrant county, the questions and scrutinity should focus primarily on jim mcdermott and the government agency under his stewardship. The questions also include why he and his team are exploiting the mentally ill people that they had placed in charge of the so called drop-in center. Those people would have a legal cause of action against mhmr and tarrant county for exploiting and abusing them, specifically in using them to be their mouthpieces to try and smear the Paradise people.
By public citizen on Righting Wrongs, Fighting Injustice & Ferreting Ou... on 4/18/11
   
Let's discuss Teresa Davis two degrees !! For having degrees for a Baptist School you sure don't take time to discuss God with your clients, or tell them that Jesus came, died on the cross, and rose again so that "all may have Eternal Life". What about soul winning. Is this not important for Baptist? or even Methodists?
By Anonymous on To the Friends of Paradise Center, Inc. on 4/18/11
   
Regretful Family and Baptists said... Cons take a stand for what we feel is RIGHT! Not everyone at the Paradise Center agreed with how they did things. Old Peers, were cranky at times, they kicked out "nice guy" Kevin" from off the board and being a peer. When Teresa Davis took a group to Hot Springs Arkansas her and Teresa Gable had a argument so she told Teresa Gable she "could not go in to Hot Springs with the group and she would have to wait in the house where they were staying." This was cruel on Teresa Davis part, because Teresa Gable had paid for the trip with her own money and didn't deserve such harsh treatment. There has been other times that different peer leaders or Teresa Davis has over reacted to things !!
By Anonymous on To the Friends of Paradise Center, Inc. on 4/18/11
   
Pros and Cons of the Paradise Center/New Drop In Center has generated alot of blogging !!! What's next???? or will everyone still be blogging in 2012 ????
By Anonymous on The Paradise Center is Moving In to Its New Home a... on 4/18/11
   
Let's hope JR doesn't send food.......at the opening of Randy Bees the food was good, now with new people doing it it's not very good food.
By Anonymous on The Paradise Center is Moving In to Its New Home a... on 4/18/11
   
Regarding Dale, moving plants out, etc. Let's not forget he may be on oxygen, but, he always has to take a "SMOKING" break. He might not be in the shape he is in if he "STOPPED SMOKING"!
By Anonymous on Paradise Center Press Release for Immediate Distri... on 4/18/11
Give us a break !!! No one wanted the dumpster type items that Paradise Center was using !! Even before Paradise Items was put in the Pod, Drop In Center was already order "brand new items to replace the Old" ! It was actually necessary to purchase the items because Paradise Center had not taken care of what "junk" they had and It was overly crowded with stuff everywhere. They cleared the stuff out as soon as they could!
By Anonymous on Some Words From The Watchful Clinic Case Manager A... on 4/18/11
   
Dear Concerned Sister.......It was not Anthony (AKA) Tony who wrote the anon's blog. Nor was it Tony who wrote about JR ! No one from the Drop In Center has any idea how JR got involved??!!! Whoever wrote the blogs is annonymous to the Pros and the Cons. Cons know very little about what is going on. They are getting the newest center up and running.
By Anonymous on URGENT: Please Help Find Fort Worth's Paradise Cen... on 4/18/11
   
It certainly is like peeling a rotten onion, with each layer comes another piece that contributes to the rottenness. MHMR and Jim McDermott or their Trustees need to explain what's going on because many people have been hurt by their decisions and actions, and now a reputable chapter associated with a powerful national organization. I do foresee even more revelations of misconduct, if not crimes, in legal proceedings.
By Wesleyan law student on Why is Melissa Gibbons No Longer the President of ... on 4/18/11
   
The lack of honesty and openness by NAMI-TC and MHMR-TC serve only to increase public distrust on both organizations and their leadership. Like I usually say to my kids when they were young, you don't hide and refuse disclosure if you don't have anything shameful you don't want others to know about. Both of these organizations are trying to hide some shameful things. And that's a crying shame.
By PR Pro on Why is Melissa Gibbons No Longer the President of ... on 4/18/11
   
I do see the Paradise group's game plan of taking progressively aggressive action to right the wrongs perpetrated on them by the MHMR-TC bullycrats. It looks like the group took its time in setting up operations knowing that MHMR-TC and Co. were forced t9 nervously await when the nonprofit would retrieve their property. Meanwhile many people had time to regain their senses and realize how the McDermott gang had deceived them. Now that they have their properties and facility, it seems obvious that Paradise Inc. is taking their fight to the court of law where lies could land the MHMR-TC liars in criminal hot waters. This little group and their supporters seem very resilient and capable of accomplishing their objectives, despite the odds stacked against them. Shills like Tony the smile guy Patented and other hateful anonymous comments seem to have no affect but to prove over and again that McDermott and his gang f******d up and are flailing away in desperation because they know See more...
By NOT Tarrant co. MHMR on Fort Worth is Up A Creek Without a Paddle With the... on 4/17/11
   
There appears to be a pattern from MHMR-TC of twisting just a tiny part of a truth to support a major lie. Time and time again. The latest example is with the Paradise group's properties. Even after they got called out for the robbery of the group's name and possessions, they still lied that all of them were inside the small POD, knowing full well half were stored nearby and using the other properties in their new Medicaid billing facility. Employees like me are embarrassed and fed up with all the dishonesty because we are the ones having to clean IP after the mess from the big shots are exposed. But at least we're not mentally ill like all those they've stuck in the drop-in program. The leadership of MHMR-TC is playing a risky game with people's lives.
By concerned MHMR-TC staff on Some Words From The Watchful Clinic Case Manager A... on 4/17/11

Well, is Melissa Gibbons still the president of the board of NAMI-TC? Can anyone confirm or disconfirm this alleged change in leadership that Pac-10 NAMI commenter reported?? I know there has communication from other NAMI groups with the Tarrant chapter as the result of this scandal revelations.
By nearby nami on A Message from Melissa Gibbons of NAMI-Tarrant Cou... on 4/17/11
   
The mhmr cons get credit for consistency. As in consistently nasty. Consistently showing little regard for the truth. If the not for profit group is to be believed, the MHMR-TC cons lied about how much and where the organization's properties are stored. Now it seems that these slanderous personal attacks on specific individuals and dishonest propaganda must have the full approval of the agency leadership...because the low level employees have little reason to spew such venom except to please mhmr executives whose egos have been seriously bruised by disclosure of their deceptive and exploitive ways. Unless he's naturally a hateful person, Tony Parente would have no reason to launch such disgusting verbiage. The three stoogettes are, well, stooges. Period. Despite Tony "smile" Parente's claim that he and the help name Lynn are a good team, Lynn apparently don't see it that way.
By mhmr talker on Paradise Center Press Release for Immediate Distri... on 4/16/11
   
It's remarkable that these pea-brained mhmr shills cannot even see the obvious ironies, such as a large government agency not knowing how to issue a press release but then tried to attack some professional looking work by the nonprofit group. Yes, Tony the smile Patented just has to shill for his mhmr masters. Even compulsively making corrections. Theresa and her group kicked your incompetent mhmr masters, despite almost two months of desperate schemes to stop them. Ironic. Oh yeah, little Jimmy would not be happy about you bringing up his cowardly ploy. You know, too scared to face Theresa alone and needing Susanna and a lame lawyer to hold his shaky bully body. You've no idea how badly shaken your boy is now, after getting humiliated at every turn. Plus the inevitable lawsuits. So instead of parroting obvious nonsensicle spin, you would be of more use if you go hold little Jimmy's hand or change his soiled panties. Smile ...or is it "smell".
By Hulen Tower staff on Fort Worth is Up A Creek Without a Paddle With the... on 4/16/11
   
The mhmr cons get credit for consistency. As in consistently nasty. Consistently showing little regard for the truth. If the not for profit group is to be believed, the MHMR-TC cons lied about how much and where the organization's properties are stored. Now it seems that these slanderous personal attacks on specific individuals and dishonest propaganda must have the full approval of the agency leadership...because the low level employees have little reason to spew such venom except to please mhmr executives whose egos have been seriously bruised by disclosure of their deceptive and exploitive ways. Unless he's naturally a hateful person, Tony Parente would have no reason to launch such disgusting verbiage. The three stoogettes are, well, stooges. Period. Despite Tony "smile" Parente's claim that he and the help name Lynn are a good team, Lynn apparently don't see it that way.
By mhmr talker on Paradise Center Press Release for Immediate Distri... on 4/16/11
   
It's remarkable that these pea-brained mhmr shills cannot even see the obvious ironies, such as a large government agency not knowing how to issue a press release but then tried to attack some professional looking work by the nonprofit group. Yes, Tony the smile Patented just has to shill for his mhmr masters. Even compulsively making corrections. Theresa and her group kicked your incompetent mhmr masters, despite almost two months of desperate schemes to stop them. Ironic. Oh yeah, little Jimmy would not be happy about you bringing up his cowardly ploy. You know, too scared to face Theresa alone and needing Susanna and a lame lawyer to hold his shaky bully body. You've no idea how badly shaken your boy is now, after getting humiliated at every turn. Plus the inevitable lawsuits. So instead of parroting obvious nonsensicle spin, you would be of more use if you go hold little Jimmy's hand or change his soiled panties. Smile ...or is it "smell".
By Hulen Tower staff on Fort Worth is Up A Creek Without a Paddle With the... on 4/16/11
   
Is this the obcessive-compulsive Tony or an MHMR-TC gang member still trying to spin the truth?? If the substantive aspects of this holds true, it's little Jimmy McDuhh and the gang who should be really worried. Anonymous MHMR-TC con, you or someone you know must also suffer from serious mental illness for you to speak so confidently about Teresa's husband. And what if he is? What's that got to do with anything? Why is little Jimmy and the girls hiding like guilty people and letting NAMI-TC and mentally ill people working under them take all the heat from their stupidity?? Smile?
By nami dad on Fort Worth is Up A Creek Without a Paddle With the... on 4/16/11

Why is Melissa Gibbons No Longer the President of NAMI-TC?

The above is a screencap from the NAMI TC March Newsletter. The president of the Tarrant County chapter of NAMI, Melissa Gibbons, is informing its consumers that NAMI Tarrant County needs to remove itself from the HR discussion about "Paradise Center."

Why did NAMI TC need to remove itself from the discussion about Paradise Center, one can not help but wonder? And then it gets curiouser.

On the left is a screen cap from the April NAMI Tarrant County newsletter.

Note that Melissa Gibbons is no longer the President, and that Carolyn Apodaca is now Acting President.

It was just a few months ago that the NAMI board was elected. What happened that caused the removal of Melissa Gibbons?

Did it have anything to do with the Paradise Center Scandal?

Were people associated with NAMI-TC appalled that Melissa Gibbons  removed NAMI Tarrant County from the HR discussion about "Paradise Center?"

Why is there no explanation in the April NAMI-TC newsletter why there is now an Acting President? Why is there no explanation as to why Melissa Gibbons is no longer the President?

I tell you, the Paradise Center Scandal just keeps getting curiouser and curiouser.

What's next? The sudden removal of Jim McDermott as MHMRTC CEO in advance of incoming lawsuits?

Some Words From The Watchful Clinic Case Manager About Paradise People Etcetera

Watchful Clinic Case Manager made a very good comment about Paradise People that I thought would be good to post as its own blogging.

But, before I do that, I saw this morning that the Blogger program put 3 of your comments into the "spam" folder. When I saw that, I hit the publish button. I will try and remember to check the "spam" folder whenever I log into the Google account.

And now the comment about Paradise People....

Watchful clinic case manager has left a new comment on your post "Paradise Center Press Release for Immediate Distribution":

I got a good view of the move on Monday. There was a stark contrast between the Paradise people and the bureaucrats. While one is acting like a real nonprofit consumer-run group who was working as a team with pride of ownership doing their best to help remove their possession from the new building that's supposedly a medical storage facility.

Then there's the bureaucrats who acted like typical unmotivated and uninvested people killing time standing around chitchatting waiting until they can leave work. There's D.who uses an oxygen breather moving plants that he's known for tending in memory of Paradise members who had passed on to a better place while two high salaried staff from Hulen tower sat there and watched him struggle. Ellen and Tony and Sandy shared gossip and jokes as two female Paradise leaders with obvious health problems did their best to help.

It was painful, yet inspiring to watch. I now see why Paradise Center was so successful and efficient with their very limited resources. That group's going to make it.

Oh, and Theresa was doing her usual thing of wearing several hats and multitasking while being friendly to all around her and interrupted by phone calls regarding case manager type things she was working on to help the clients ...which many of us case managers now can appreciate so much better because now we suddenly have many issues to deal with that were previously done by Paradise Center's consumer leaders, Board members, volunteers, and Theresa. MHMR-TC really screwed up in many different ways.

You're on the right track in asking questions about the secretive relationship between MHMR-TC and Bravo and NAMI-TC.

What should focus on next is the secrets behind how the building that's now overflowing clients from three different clinics was taken away from the consumers shortly after it was built. It was designed and p r e s e n t e d to voters as a community center for consumers that were members of Paradise Center. I believe that just like the JPS scandal from 4-5 years ago, reducing access to services and facilities for the intended recipients to make executives look good to the Trustees, who then reward them with fat salaries and bonuses, is what's driving all these unethical, if not illegal activities.

Speaking of which, I hope Theresa's lawyers clean their clocks for deliberately making clients and staff think she had done something horrible or even criminal. This finally clicked for me when my wise parents said if she was guilty of anything she'd be hiding or hightailing it out of town.

Instead it's the MHMR-TC leadership who's been hiding and trying to smear her as person--not a word about professional conduct...or misconduct. Not a word.

To the Friends of Paradise Center, Inc.

The Paradise Center took possession of their hijacked possessions on Monday. Upon the opening of the POD storage container it was quickly realized that much of the Paradise Center's possessions had not been put in the POD.

MHMR, for the first time since the February 17 coup d'etat, allowed Paradise Center personnel back in to their former building to recover what belonged to them.

What remained filled up the moving truck and 6 pickup loads.

It took 5 hours to move all the material. All was recovered except for $200 worth of cinder blocks that Paradise Center was going to use to build container gardens. MHMR says it will pay for the missing bricks.

It cost Paradise Center $540 to pay the movers, plus $350 for moving and storing the POD. No word yet whether MHMR will pay this expense, which was caused by MHMR.

It was a long tiring day for the Paradise Center people. A tiring day that had the Paradise Center people feeling excited and empowered to once again be back in control.

By the end of the day the Paradise Center sent out an email, a screencap of which is above.

The email said....

To the Friends of Paradise Center, Inc.

Knowing who your friends are is important ...especially when your organization is going through changes.
 
Our members, Board of Directors, and staff are excited about the future of Paradise Center.
 
If you are a friend of Paradise Center, Inc., please respond to this email. 
 
We want you to know about the latest updates as well as information on how to access the Paradise Center web page.
 
Your response to this email indicates your wish to receive further updates about our organization.  Your lack of response indicates otherwise.
 
We look forward to hearing from our many friends soon!

Paradise Center, Inc.
525 S. Henderson Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76104

NAMI Tarrant County is Very Interested in Supporting the Paradise Center

A few minutes ago I got another email from Melissa Gibbons of NAMI Tarrant County. Ms. Gibbons must not have received today's press release regarding the Paradise Center.

Melissa Gibbons' message....

I believe the NAMI board is very  interested in supporting consumer activites in Tarrant County. Please let us know when the new location is up and running.  We have supported consumer driven activites and will continue to do so.
Sincerely,
Melissa Gibbons
NAMI Tarrant County

The new Paradise Center location is up and running, so Melissa Gibbons and NAMI Tarrant County can start supporting it.

And by the way, the word "activities" has 3 'i's in it. Or maybe I am just unaware of what activites are. Maybe I should look that word up.

Paradise Center Press Release for Immediate Distribution

April 11, 2011
Fort Worth,
Tarrant County, Texas USA

Paradise Center, Inc. has endured almost 2 full months of forced exile from its home of almost 14 years.  Today, they'll begin a new phase of their journey.

This little mental health consumer-run non-profit organization will finally get to see what possessions the MHMR Tarrant County staff decided were worthy of being packed into a 16 ft.pod. 

February 17, 2011, they were locked out of the headquarters by MHMR Tarrant County,

They were also denied access to all of their possessions.  These were all items purchased with donations from supporters from the community or directly donated for use by Paradise Center, Inc.

Instead, MHMR Tarrant County decided to pack all of their items for them, into a 16 ft POD.  The Paradise Center, Inc. members and Board of Directors were denied the right to supervise or direct the process.

We just received confirmation that at noon today, Paradise Center, Inc., will finally able to claim its possessions.

The items inside the small POD that supposedly stores all of their property will be unlocked by 2 MHMR of Tarrant County executive staff.

Members and Board Members of Paradise Center, Inc. willl be present at the new location for Paradise Center, Inc., 525 S. Henderson Street in Fort Worth, to inventory the POD.
 
This is a watershed moment in this under reported major scandal that involves various prominent individuals and organizations from the local community.

Steve Doevung
Paradise Center, Inc.
friends helping friends in mental health recovery
817-793-7680

A Message from Melissa Gibbons of NAMI-Tarrant County About MHMR-TC & Bravo Health

If you read through this blog and the comments made by a lot of people, there is a lot of questioning as to why it is that NAMI-TC has not rallied behind the Paradise Center.

There has been speculation that due to the large amount of money donated to the Tarrant County Chapter of NAMI by MHMR-TC and Bravo Health that the local chapter has been effectively bought off. This is just one more aspect of the Paradise Center Scandal.

Below is a typical comment of the sort I am referencing....

It looks like the tarrant county NAMI is joining mhmr and its ceo in pleading the 5th because their statements could incriminate them.

Only wrongdoers would choose to do this.

I didn't realize that when NAMI lost their VOICE of advocacy, they really lost ALL of their voice.

Unless they choose to speak up, let's examine who the other conspirators or enablers are. Like the county judge, county executive, and commissioners who we heard are the bosses of MHMR-TC but had been very chummy with McDermott's 501/c/3 MHMR Visions--financially, socially, and politically.
_______________________________________

So, we asked Melissa Gibbons of NAMI-TC the following...

Dear Ms. Gibbons,

A group of my acquaintances have created a blog called The Paradise Center Scandal  in an attempt to shine a light on what we feel has been some shady operating by MHMR-TC, due to its too cozy relationship with BRAVO Health.

We have been told the reason the local chapter of NAMI has been silent regarding the Paradise Center issue, is due to the fact that the local chapter of NAMI's biggest money donors are MHMR and BRAVO, which is why NAMI had been so strongly pushing BRAVO as the preferred HMO.

So, could you tell me how much money MHMR and BRAVO donated to the local chapter of NAMI in the past couple years?

We have been told the figure last year was $30,000.

We have also been told that in your latest monthly NAMI-TC newsletter you have scheduled reps from both BRAVO and AMERIGROUP to give presentations, in a big contrast from previous months where BRAVO Health has been pushed hard as the service provider. What's changed that is causing other options to be presented?

Thank you in advance for your clarifications.

Durango Jones

To which Melissa Gibbons had two replies...

We accept donations from all entities that offer to sponsor us.  We are not swayed by the donations.  The reason we have scheduled both groups in April is because folks will have to chose in May. We want them to have the information to make a sound choice.
Sincerely,
Melissa Gibbons

There was never a bias for any company.  We have scheduled both groups because they are the service representatives for folks who will need to make a decision regarding there service provider.  I do not know who you are.  I am Melissa Gibbons a NAMI tarrant county member.  Last year Bravo did make a donation.  We did not do anything for them.  We now are asking both groups to come and represent themselves before our membership.
Melissa Gibbons

Make note that Ms. Gibbons did not reveal how much money MHMR and Bravo Health donated to the local NAMI chapter.

The NAMI-TC Conflicts of Interest In Its Relationship With MHMR & BRAVO Health Aspect of the Paradise Center Scandal

There are many aspects to the Paradise Center Scandal.

One aspect is MHMR-TC (Mental Health Mental Retardation agency of Tarrant County) and its relationship with Bravo Health and the local branch of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health).

MHMR got itself into conspiratorial cahoots with Bravo, promoting Bravo as the preferred HMO for mental health services over another provider known as AMERIGROUP Community Care.

MHMR had come up with a scheme to use its relationship with Bravo to monetize the Paradise Center operation. MHMR misrepresented to Bravo that the Paradise Center was a MHMR operation when Paradise Center was actually a non-profit independent operation.

The chart above, if you click to enlarge it, will show you what services the AMERIGROUP and Bravo plans provide. It would appear AMERIGROUP is the better deal.

It is telling to learn where does the local chapter of NAMI get its money.

NAMI's only fundraiser is the NAMI Walks for the Minds of America each fall. 

NAMI raised almost $100,000 last October.  Not from walkers, as everyone who puts on a "walk" knows, but from the sponsors.

Who were their biggest monetary sponsors??

BRAVO and MHMR.

And MHMR employees, who were strongly encouraged to form teams and raise money for NAMI. 

So, later on last fall, when it's time to enroll mental health clients in BRAVO, who are their mouthpieces to the community? 

NAMI and MHMR. 

There's a real conflict of interest here.  NAMI is supposed to advocate on behalf of clients, not profit from making recommendations about ANYTHING, such as medications from a pharmaceutical company, housing from a particular provider, OR FROM A MEDICAID HMO WHO NEEDS NEW CLIENTS.

WHO JUST HAPPENED TO GIVE A PURPORTED $30,000 TO THE NAMI NON-PROFIT.

(I am attempting to get the exact figure from NAMI-TC president, Melissa Gibbons)

See, it's a big deal, because NAMI is a non-profit that is supposed to educate, support, and advocate.  Not get into bed with mental health providers.

Now you can better understand why the local branch of NAMI has been silent about the Paradise Center Scandal, while at the state, and I think national level, concern has been expressed over what is serious wrong doing by various Tarrant county agencies, both governmental and private.

An interesting comment about NAMI-TC and the two Medicaid HMOs came to the Paradise Center Scandal blog this morning...

nami-tc family has left a new comment on your post "Righting Wrongs, Fighting Injustice & Ferreting Out Corruption Aren't the Fort Worth Way":

I just got my monthly nami-tc newsletter and very likely due to your expose of this scandal the leadership has scheduled reps from the two Medicaid HMOs to give presentations at this month's meeting, which quite a remarkable contrast from previous months when the board and other leaders were pushing Bravo Health as if it were the sole provider in our service area.

Keep up the good work because some good things are already coming out of it. The works not finished yet as long as the evil doers are not held accountable for the pain and suffering they've inflicted on Ms. Davis, her family, and her Paradise Center Family.

Paradise Center Scandal Blog Comment Compilation

It is time to do a summary of Paradise Center Scandal Blog Comments from the past 3 days, give or take a few hours.
The comments start with the most recent....

I just got my monthly nami-tc newsletter and very likely due to your expose of this scandal the leadership has scheduled reps from the two Medicaid HMOs to give presentations at this months meeting, which quite a remarkable contrast from previous months when the board and other leaders were pushing Bravo Health as if it were the sole provider in our service area. Keep up the good work because some good things are already coming out of it. The works not finished yet as long as the evil doers are not held accountable for the pain and suffering they've inflicted on Ms. Davis, her family, and her Paradise Center Family.
By nami-tc family on Righting Wrongs, Fighting Injustice & Ferreting Ou... at 8:44 AM

Man this thing is really like a soap opera, with betrayal, bullying,lies, treachery,manipulation, money, politics, vicious personal attacks and all. Who needs daytime soap when it's all right here.
By Anonymous on Comment Problems & A Tiny Pool Table at the Former... at 6:16 AM

About "No justice, but try...???" commenter, you are an mhmr shill still peddling the same worn out propaganda and wish: it's over, move on, blah, blah. You're just more subtle but you're still trying to prevent the truth and justice from prevailing. But prevailing they are, though. No matter how hard you wish they do not. The horses are already out of the barn, in a matter of saying.
By Anonymous on Fort Worth is Up A Creek Without a Paddle With the... at 6:10 AM

This is a good idea to have the three day comment summary. Thanks. The Bravo Medicaid thing does smell kind of fishy to me as well. I'm keeping my brother on Amerigroup, a pretty steady and dependable hmo. Bravo was put on a 5-month suspension by the state's Dept. of Health and Human Services until May. Fishy again.
By Anonymous on The Paradise Center Scandal 3 Day Blog Comment Col... at 6:03 AM

Thank you so much for all your kindness and consideration for people like my sister. Just a couple of quick questions: why is MHMR-TC only just doing these things now? And does this have anything to do with the recent push to get people like my sister to change from Medicaid provider Amerigroup HMO to Bravo Health? What I hear you saying now and in other comments is that these changes are strictly to help the clients and for that reason alone. If so, this is wonderful. But how is it paid for, all the spackling and painting, all the nice New furniture, cable TV, extra 3-5 full-time paid professional staff, and all the new furnishings and improvements outside, etc. Those must add up to close to half a million dollars or so. But we were told that the contract with consumer-run organization Paradise Center was due almost 100% to drastic loss in funding for the agency. I'm just a normal working stiff, but things don't add up or making sense in my average little mind. Maybe you could explain again in an easy to understand way that smart executives like you can.
By Concerned Sister on URGENT: Please Help Find Fort Worth's Paradise Cen... on 4/6/11

This chick wasn't absent so much due to her mental health issues. SHE WAS PLOTTING AND PLANNING WITH MHNMR EXECS to take down Theresa Davis AFTER the deputy CEO of Youtube fame failed in early Jan.2011 to force Theresa to agree to their lies about Paradise Center Inc. It wasn't a mental problem for her, it was a "heart" problem....you know the kind that no doctors can help with. Again, the incompetence of these mhmr execs shined through because they believed and put their trust in this woman who had worked so little and therefore knew so few of the members of paradise center and their operational system that she was the slamdunk that flopped once the coup took place. The girl knew only tidbits and even had made enemies of clients and clinic staff over her short time there to make her useless as the "replacement" for the so called personnel issue (big ass lie by the HR chief to FW Weekly and wfaa). The best this chick could offer was partial pieces of personal info about Theresa and her family, both the first and second ones, which were clumsily used to try and degrade and demoralize what some of us in mhmr-tc call the Resistance. That's the explanation for her many absences prior to the coup detat. And her hostile attitude and suspicious behavior that some consumers had noted in retrospect. She was a backstabbing witch..and still is trying now. Sad. We're glad she's being exposed for her wickedness and betrayal. The execs will toss her aside after her usefulness is over. Watch and see. These people operate this way for a very l-o-o-ong time. Too long, really.
By Hulen Tower girl on Comment Problems & A Tiny Pool Table at the Former... on 4/6/11

Something is really wrong with your city and county. We'll keep praying for you.
By Anonymous on The El Paso MHMR Scandal vs. the Fort Worth Paradi... on 4/6/11

As the de facto VOICE of advocacy FOR people with serious mental illness, please help us understand why MHMR's caseworkers have been pushing their clients to switch HMO providers from Amerigroup to Bravo?? Why now? And why Bravo over what appears to be an even better deal in staying with Amerigroup? Should the"local mental health AUTHORITY" be pushing such a one-sided choice of Medicaid Star+ providers? Is there no conflict of interest in this action?
By Anonymous on The Paradise Center Scandal De Facto VOICE of Tarr... on 4/6/11

Sorry, we gays get worked kinda fast. YEAH, Paradise Center...and this hunk of Washington manliness ;D p.s. we meant it @ the crappy exec. officer and the mhmr cons, though.
By Anonymous on The Paradise Center is Moving In to Its New Home a... on 4/6/11

i wanna know how much money in legal bill has been used in issues related to paradise center and this whole scandal. unless the mhmr lawyer works pro bono. if so, say so. if not, how much of our hard earned tax dollars have been spent on this not so sharp lawyer of theirs? that's money that could have been used to help the people that make up and lead the paradise center. damn cowards, hiding like common criminals. use your own damn money if you want to play your damn political games. people oughta storm that damn hulen tower and demand immediate answers. then the damn county judge and those damn commissioners next. damn, i'm tired..and mad as hell at these dang incompetent fools. the wife just walked in, so no colorful words. bye.
By damn old fogey on The 2011 Paradise Center Scandal Is Not Tarrant Co... on 4/6/11

How about just demanding public officials act honestly, openly, and ethically. No need for any undercover work or utility of one's, ahem, physical assets and such. Is that just too much to expect?? Especially after my buddies and I had put our lives on the line in defense of the American way of life. And yes unfortunately many of my brothers and sisters in arms are homeless, many suffering from mental illness and substance abuse. I see McDermott's nonprofit 501c3 called MHMR Visions made a big thing about Liberty House in the heart of the homeless area. What I don't get is why locate the facility in such a terrible environment , you know with depressing sights and temptations to backslider? And for all the donations Visions collected, they couldn't get some inexpensive NEW bed linens for these injured heroes and instead asked for used beddings?? That deal with Visions and Liberty House is too similar to how the people with chronic and serious mental illnesses and The Paradise nonprofit was treated by MHMR and McDermott. This dude and his cronies' actions are shady at best.
By Aggie Vet on Righting Wrongs, Fighting Injustice & Ferreting Ou... on 4/6/11

So, you're not volunteering to be the Erin Brockovich of FW? You could display your, uhm, assets, as she did in the movie, to find out information....or better yet. Why not sign up as an MHMR client yourself? Go undercover, sort of, like the S-T writer who plays homeless once every 5 years. I'm liking this idea, Durango! Who is with me? Durango, FW's answer to Erin Brockovich!!!
By Anonymous on Righting Wrongs, Fighting Injustice & Ferreting Ou... on 4/6/11

Is it just me? ALMOST TEN STRAIGHT YEARS OF ANY KIND OF SUPERVISION OR EVEN ANNUAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION? ? Holy smokes, SOMEONE (S) SHOULD BE FIRED and any license suspended or revoked for this GROSS MISMANAGEMENT and neglect of a VERY BASIC PRACTICE. Not Ms. Davis, who was likely denied merit pay and other benefits that come good job performance ...in her case it seems like exceptional accomplishment, year after year after year. Forget bullycrats, these are sorry excuses for plain old bureaucratic performance. THESE PEOPLE ARE STILL DRAWING PAYCHECKS??? AFTER THIS DISCLOSURE OF THE FACTS?? UNBELIEVABLE! !!!!!!!
By The Donald on The Tangled Web of The Paradise Center Scandal: No... on 4/6/11

Anonymous, third year law, officer, member of law review. I won't continue, that'd be considered boasting. Most legal issues arose from real life experiences of the people and thus not that difficult to grasp...even for someone like you, with your inappropriate laughter and all. Remember a person can be a lawyer without attending law school or passing the bar exam. I'll let you try to figure this fact out. One fact that's not hard to figure out: MHMR needs a competent lawyer, like a year ago. No worry about passing the bar, more concerned about what level judgeship to clerk for and to move some place where the American Way is still valued and practiced.
By Wesleyan law student on The Tangled Web of The Paradise Center Scandal: No... on 4/6/11

Anonymous, what a funny and gross mental picture you've left in my mind. True that!!
By Rainbow lounger on The Paradise Center Scandal De Facto VOICE of Tarr... on 4/6/11

This Lynne character sounds like a sociopath , maybe with borderline personality disorder that no meds' !available to treat at this time. She is very erratic, in work schedule and quality as wel/ as mental stability. You didn't know people at the main clinic building watch and talk about you?? Really. Get a clue and cut out all the BS. Rational people can see right through your facade, scab girl. We laugh at you three stoogettes bumbling around the Bravo area, especially funny when you try to find the missing money.Hilarious!!
By clinical staff on Comment Problems & A Tiny Pool Table at the Former... on 4/6/11


Nice try mhmr shill. You WISH the Paradise people (crew if description of Mcdummy and Co.) had moved along. But this has become a much bigger issue than that which affects the nonprofit victim. It is a major public interest issue that is growing in interest and consequence as each day of hiding passes by on the part of the perps and their conspirators. Keep on wishing, mhmr con.
By KNOW Justice, KNOW Peace on Fort Worth is Up A Creek Without a Paddle With the... on 4/6/11

Terry Moore was recruited away from this corrupt county and has been leading the charge inside the Dallas DA's office to free wrongfully convicted prisoners. Not quite the FW Way where scientists brought up compelling flaws on evidence used to pit a father of four on death row. After political game playing with government. Slick Rick, the man was murdered earlier Burnam the state earlier this year anyway, with full approval from the county and FW public officials in the killing of a likely innocent man.
By Anonymous on Cancel Your Plans to Attend Tonight's Meeting of t... on 4/6/11

Props to the County Commissioners Court of El Paso for having the cajones to whip their crooked mhmr center back into shape. The Tarrant county counterpart has been neutered by McDermott the sissy butcher. Sad. Especially for the County Judge who seemed respectable enough to be elected President of the National ass. Of county governments. If only his peers knew how McDuhh has got him by the you know what.
By Anonymous on The El Paso MHMR Scandal vs. the Fort Worth Paradi... on 4/6/11

Oh crap, now that you're in- it -to -win- it , so to speak, Mcdummy and his cons are in deep doo-doo. Just ask JD Granger and his mommy. You go, good ol' Washington boy.
By Anonymous on Righting Wrongs, Fighting Injustice & Ferreting Ou... on 4/6/11

I heard JR might send food from Randy Beez's to celebrate the grand reopening. Fingers crossed ...... BTW, the lame ass ceo and his mhmr cons can eat #$&*- and die!!!
By Anonymous on The Paradise Center is Moving In to Its New Home a... on 4/6/11

Dumb mhmr slave girl is still at it. I have asked Steve to pick up certain items left at my rent houses to donate yo Paradise thrift store or larger items that the many men members could fix up with glue or screws just so they feel productive. I'm an old man so I understand very well these men's need to do something with their hands besides playing pool or table games. This crazy hag doesn't know what she's talking. But yea keep lying and making up stuff because as my parents used to say you're showing your ass when you do stupid stuff like besmirching someone's good name and reputation. Why don't you say good things about yourself besides your awesome. You gotta have one or two redeeming traits. Don't ya, mhmr con?? And learn from your mhmr masters: after they get caught lying so many times these dummies at least have enough sense to hide their cowardly asses. Word of advice, if you don't know what you're talking about then keep your trap shut instead of lying and making up stuff because you only show your ass even more.
By Anonymous on Comment Problems & A Tiny Pool Table at the Former... on 4/6/11

AMEN. AND AMEN,Durangotexas. You keep on telling the truth and shining the light on these dirty deeds by dirty a****people in the shadows. A-m-e-n, brother. I likes what I hear and see.
By justice NOW on Righting Wrongs, Fighting Injustice & Ferreting Ou... on 4/6/11

Or that multi million dollar Hulen Tower where mcduffus and his gals have been reigning over this taxpayer funded government agency. The Criminal Executive Officer was barely settled in before he and his cronies moved from the humble office on Summit to this poshe high rise office fit for big banks or corporation.
By Anonymous on The 2011 Paradise Center Scandal Is Not Tarrant Co... on 4/6/11

ThisLynn person on one twisted soul. Sociopath without a conscience. Not too smart either to launch personal attacks against people by name and without any regard for their health or age. Glad I don't know you and no one from my family has to be around your nasty self. No wonder you 're stick working as a lowly mhmr slave girl. You couldn't cut at a fast food place with your lack of work ethics and penchant for acting out your borderline personality disorder traits. But you should fit in fine with the sociopaths running mhmr .....into the ground! ! Sorry for you....and anyone who has to be around you.
By nami mommy on Comment Problems & A Tiny Pool Table at the Former... on 4/6/11

God and everybody who knows you already know what a two-faced (2x the homeliness! !) backstabbing and lazy excuse for a person you are. You're pathetic, more so now without the patience and support from Teresa, the person your slandering now. You must not have been raised properly to be such a sad excuse for an adult. Have you seen what YOUR wussy ceo do when face to face with Steve or Teresa? Let's just say we only get to see his backside, you know the cold stanky place you've been hiding out the past several weeks. Pathetic.
By I heard bout U on Comment Problems & A Tiny Pool Table at the Former... on 4/5/11

well look who still has a need to take sladerous shots at teresa's family, the two-faced dark hearted and lazy incompetent b**** herself ms. awesome. you keep on slandering these people and they could clean out whatever money you and your mr. olympain husband have left. off your meds or r your new mhmr masters working your lazy tail too much. no more erratic schedule, claiming your mental illness is acting up, or sneaking off to spend hours checking your ugly facebook crap on your laptop, huh? paradise didn't move out, dumb mhmr bravo tech, you helped that sissy ceo and his incumpetant gals in the coup, remmember, what ru taking now to make your brain this mushy. steve has done more for paradise as a volunteer than all the hours you collected money from taxpayers by writing down you worked, you lazy a*** psycho. that sissy a*** McDummy would be scared to face off with Steve , he was too scared of just facing off with Teresa alone, had to have his weeny lawyer and submissive gals laying in wait. you just be careful with how you talk to those african american people and visitors before your face gets slapped uglier than it is. Zurie says hi. why ru so jealous and hateful of teresa who has saved your sorry a*** many many times over? is it because you couldn't fit in with her professional friends whos's education and experience would make your mhmr girly chiefs look like the tech ur. don't worry about teresa's home (or you should for slandering her)you jest worry about the clutter in your brain and the darkness in your dark heart. you need God in your miserable life because ur in sad shape to act like such a lowlife attacking a innocent child and even a sickly woman in the hospital. not sure God can even help you at this point, your soulless ho. just take your meds and watch your back and any cash because you're working with a hard core x-con, you probably dont even know it because you never around much or think ur too good to talk to people. better keep looking for that missing money. whatever conscennts you have left is probly keeping you up at night. pray and confes your sins instead of writing your hateful and slander against people BY NAME. how stupid can you get? ur awesome all right until those mhmr criminals fire your lazy a** or you crash. UR a pathetic excuse for a human being.
By The eyes of Texas r upon YOU on Comment Problems & A Tiny Pool Table at the Former... on 4/5/11

Sissy boy will be too busy talking to defense lawyers. .if he's still got his job and freedom. That wussycrat has to even hide inside Hulen Tower, he'd have to be under the influence of something to have the guts to show his cowardly face.
By Coward catcher on The Paradise Center is Moving In to Its New Home a... on 4/5/11

Hey mhmr lapdog, have you not been paying attention? Whenever there's a lull from the Paradise Pros, what usually followed? Think about ....just not too hard because your tiny little brain might blow up. Like Saddam and Gaddafi, the lull is a scary time, just like it feels for you cons right now. BOOM!!!!
By F-16 bomber on Fort Worth is Up A Creek Without a Paddle With the... on 4/5/11

Do you think that the CEO will be at the grand re-opening?
By Anonymous on The Paradise Center is Moving In to Its New Home a... on 4/5/11

If someone is asking questions about MHMR, then they should start with asking about things like: expense packages for higher ups, traveling to conferences (why to national NAMI convention every year??), unlimited use of blackberry for personal use, just to start. Lots of resentment from the rest of employees who have to complete daily SALS (service activity logs) for every 15 minutes of our time. Do they? Of course not. Do we get cell phones? We use our own. We also use our own vehicles to make house calls. When someone starts asking questions, they should ask why the largest mh clinic in tc has no offices for the rehab case managers. We were all told that OUR VEHICLES would be our offices. We carry confidential client information, as well as clients, in our cars all day long. We can get reimbursed for fuel, but that is such a headache. We already can't get to all of our clients in one week. Some of us have to work Saturdays and evenings. Do the upper managements? Sure, at some conference in Washington, D.C. With their blackberry and per diem for food!!!
By Anonymous on The 2011 Paradise Center Scandal Is Not Tarrant Co... on 4/5/11

Visions did alot to open Freedom House. But there may be something shady with that deal. Somebody might want to ask some questions about the funding, the repairs that were over-budget, and the number of people being served. Supposed to be a collaboration...
By Anonymous on The 2011 Paradise Center Scandal Is Not Tarrant Co... on 4/5/11

What does a community, or even a small group of individuals, do when they believe the public trust has been violated? To whom do we appeal for an investigation? What is the next step, Durango? A month or more of this blogging and still nothing? Seems the Paradise crew are moving on. Can't blame them, really. Gotta keep moving. Waiting for FW or TC to make things right seems fruitless.
By No justice, but try for some peace,,,??? on Fort Worth is Up A Creek Without a Paddle With the... on 4/5/11

Hey ElPasoans, we k ow you've been following this scandal in Cow BS Town. What do you think about getting your city's genuine newspaper to report on this stinking scandal since FW doesn't have one any more??
By Anonymous on The El Paso MHMR Scandal vs. the Fort Worth Paradi... on 4/5/11

The sissycrat and the dumb chick need to keep on running and leave because they're hurting the image and true essence of the agency. And I speak for many rank and file employees of MHMR-TC. Those worthless Trustees need to go, too. They're all disgraces. And yeah, check on how McSissy managed to get onto that multimillion dollar office tower at right about the same time the Paradise Center group got pushed out of the spacious new community center that the siisy and his crew crammed clinics and other offices in. Maybe that's how they've been able to pay for their fancy Hulen Tower.
By PO'd MHMR employee on The Paradise Center Protest on Video with Bullying... on 4/5/11

Somebody does need to look very, very, very closely at this mhmr+bravo partnership because it sure seems shifty and whenever a government agency gets into bed with a private business there's usually some hanky-panky going on. Of course the lies and shenanigens by this shady ceo and his cronies reminds me of the saying about where there's smoke theres fire. I sure smell something burning, don't you??
By smoke-n-fire on The Paradise Center Scandal 3 Day Blog Comment Col... on 4/5/11

A friend who works inside Hulen Tower has given Hard confirmation that taxpayer-funded MHMR is involved in an intimate business relationship with profit-driven HMO Bravo Health. Will scan the doc and forward it to the Paradise folks. MHMR and their stool pigeons have been caught in a MAJOR LIE. And yes, MHMR is desperately trying to manipulate their current clients to switch from Amerigroup to Bravo before the 05/01/11 reinstatement of Bravo to do business (i.e. bill Medicaid and generate profit)by the State's Dept. Of Health Services. What's wrong with this picture, folks??
By Anonymous on The Paradise Center is Moving In to Its New Home a... on 4/5/11

"I read the blog...have not seen where the county comm. or mhmr board have explained the decision"= that's the whole damn point, bud. It's a major public interest story because of THIS VERY FACT---public officials with the duty to explain such a serious matter have chosen to hide and obfuscate rather than EXPLAIN the what's and why's of this scandal. How hard is that for you to understand, buddy? Maybe if the McDummy gang comes in and takes over what remains of the Startlegram and tosses your big behind out into the street then you would get it???
By Psych Prof. on Fort Worth is Up A Creek Without a Paddle With the... on 4/5/11

And by the way, your handsome (and likely charming) ceo exhibits many traits of a sociopath. Effective and "successful" sociopaths hide their criminal minds behind such outward suficialities. Isn't that right, the senior citizens and gullible members of NAMI-Tarrant County? We know each other. Pretty well.
By Psych. Professor on The Paradise Center Scandal Cliff Notes on 4/5/11

Thanks for laughs MHMR con-menter at 04/05 @1:18 PM. Yes, I'm familiar with that infamous psychiatrist, as most people who even pay cursory attention to the news on a regular basis. Now, back to the education of your little mind. You obviously need to learn the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist first before we can proceed. Take as much time as your sweet little brain can handle then come back and we'll talk. Took a while but your ego damage apparently has healed enough for you to try again, even using information my 6th grade child could provide about current event. That's progress, nevertheless. I see you also wanted to "scream" in your comment, but held it in long enough. Again, progress for sociopaths or borderlines.
By Psych Prof. on The Paradise Center Scandal Cliff Notes on 4/5/11


The Star-Telegram Dud is only interested if there's free food around to stuff his face with. So this fuddy duddy's opinion matters very little regarding hard news stories, unless the "hard" part has something to do with the texture of food!! What's sad is that the editors and editorialists like Bob Ray Sanders, who writes frequently about the ongoing injustices in our community, have been shut up during this whole scandal. Give McDirtyMHMRCEO credit for having his bases covered for such a scandal like this. Of course, this bullycrat had not counted on your tenacious blogs or the courageous Paradise Center people and Theresa Davis. The Startlegram, FW Weekly, and other so called journalistic sources are looking as foolish as these crooked bullycrats. Too bad for them.
By News reader on Fort Worth is Up A Creek Without a Paddle With the... on 4/5/11

Fort Worth should be embarrassed because the El Paso Times is kicking the lame ass Startlegram. The Times sure acted like a real newspaper while the local one acts like a small town rag running mostly fluff pieces but afraid to tackle serious public interest stories. We should be scared as well since the silenced free press is a sign of an unhealthy society. FW is a sickly town.
By sick in FW on The El Paso MHMR Scandal vs. the Fort Worth Paradi... on 4/5/11

One friend is on the MHMR Visions board and is expressing some serious questions about Jim McDermott's so called 501c3nonprofit, which appears to mostly serve PR and political purposes for the ceo. It's directly under McDermott's control, has two people working full time to solicit private donations, and is used by McDermott to control the County Judge and Commissioners Court by giving them phony honors and creating conflicting interests to shut them up. Something smells about that so called public charity of his.
By Anonymous on The 2011 Paradise Center Scandal Is Not Tarrant Co... on 4/5/11

Psych Professor comments from March 23,2011 4:23pm and March 23,2011 at 4:28 pm. Does the name Major Nidal Hasan, Army Psychiatrist ring a bell to you ? He is being held in Fort Hood on 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted murder. Let's see now and you are a Psych Professor.....You and your colleagues are no longer respected ! You are bashing people in your comments........ Yet, I wonder how many other Psycho Professors are out there !!!! Including........you! Go get tested ! We want proof that you are not a nutty professor !!
By Anonymous on The Paradise Center Scandal Cliff Notes on 4/5/11

Wesleyan law student........You need to remember you are a STUDENT and not a lawyer yet! Leave the lawsuit ideas to the "Men or Women" who are actually lawyers ! LOL Let's see if you can pass the Bar first !!
By Anonymous on The Tangled Web of The Paradise Center Scandal: No... on 4/5/11


Well, regarding what was carried in my Steve, Teresa Davis's husband. Alot of "dumpster digging items he brought in to the old Paradise Center, and he would get out tape, etc to try and use it. A few days before Paradise Center moved out, Steve was busy cleaning out Teresa's office. It looked like a "pig pen" in there! Also, alot of stuff was brought out of the back room that peers went through "claiming as their own!" One thing I noticed Teresa let her "select group" get the best out before anyone had a chance to see it. After they went through stuff it was carried out to take to someplace like Union Gospel. They were definitely organized when they moved out. Too bad Jim McDermont didn't see Teresa's office and other areas before they decided to clean. Only God knows what Teresa and Steve's home looks like. At the new Drop In Center clients are treated like Men and Women and not referred to as Disabled Adult Children as was posted on Durango blog at this beginning of this.
By Anonymous on Comment Problems & A Tiny Pool Table at the Former... on 4/5/11

Concerned Sister......Just wanted to let you know that the "sterile atmosphere" was due to having everything removed from walls, spackling, and a new coat of fresh paint. The old "Paradise Center" building maintenance was not a high priority so new management is doing alot of repairs and updates. In time, I feel your Sister will adapt. Change is necessary in day to day living. It's now been over 5 weeks since the change of management. There is laughter and people have fun still at the New Drop In Center. The new pool table is a Brunswick Professional Pool Table. And contrary to what people have previously stated it is used from opening to almost closing time. We now have a new "craft room" in the back of our building. Some women sit around and made a list of what craft projects would be fun for our group to do. New outdoor furniture has been ordered. Some benches will be where the ceiling fans are in the shaded area. Also, tables with umbrellas will be a new feature for the smoking section. The back of the building concrete will be poured for a new non smoking section. Also, with tables with umbrellas. Tony, is our new "Manager" and Lynn is his assistant. They make a good Team. Everyone is adapting. I personally feel change is good and people are learning to be self sufficent and not dependent on any one person. The activities schedule has alot of new changes on it. So hopefully, clients will not feel like they are in a rut. Please allow your to Sister to "grow" in her own person. She will "smile" again and also laugh !
By Anonymous on URGENT: Please Help Find Fort Worth's Paradise Cen... on 4/5/11

That's great news because my brother, who's an active member of Paradise Center, has been getting agitated from feeling mistreated by the new MHMR-TC and Bravo Health people completely running the so called drop in place. I wish for once these MHMR people would speak honestly and act openly instead of their trademark deception and evasion: THE NEWLY PAINTED AND FURNISHED PLACE IS A CLINIC TYPE OFFICE BRAVO HEALTH TO BILL MEDICAID FOR THE PEOPLE WHO SHOW UP THERE, MOST OUT OF HABIT LIKE MY BROTHER. AT least not my brother since Paradise is now reopened. Praise the Lord!!
By Anonymous on The Paradise Center is Moving In to Its New Home a... on 4/5/11

I smell ay least two lawsuits coming from this scandal. That's probably when the shallow media pays attention. And the time for sweeping out the garbage in MHMR.
By Wesleyan law student on The Tangled Web of The Paradise Center Scandal: No... on 4/5/11


I hope it is true. Please let us know how we can help. Pretty exciting to kick that wussycrat Mcdummy's a***. Again!!!
By MHMR employee on Is an Angel Donor Bringing a Happy New Beginning f... on 4/5/11

Where can we see footage of Stuttering Jim? You know, the big grey haired dufus in this clip. What a coward, hiding behind this dumb chick, then running off because he couldn't handle "the truth, the truth, the truth.." probably had to go change his nasty panties
By stuttering dufus watcher on The Paradise Center Protest on Video with Bullying... on 4/4/11

The MHMR Trustees are hand picked by mcduffus and are supposed to representat the Commissioners Court. I wouldn't necessarily count them as upstanding or honorable members of the community though. Some of them have questionable histories. Birds of a feather flock together.
By MHMR employee on The 2011 Paradise Center Scandal Is Not Tarrant Co... on 4/4/11

NAMI of Tarrant County, your moral compass was found near the dumpster of the Rainbow Lounge. Want it back? It's pretty messed up and smells like McDuhh'$ a****.
By Anonymous on The Paradise Center Scandal De Facto VOICE of Tarr... on 4/4/11

Congrats on the place....someone shot JR in the you know where!!! Smiles!!
By Anonymous on Is an Angel Donor Bringing a Happy New Beginning f... on 4/4/11

Not Mich chance of investigation by the state since this smart criminal managed the Legs. to pass "local control" for MHMR. As for local investigation, not when County Judge Glen Whitley and Commissioners Court are in his pocket. He's a smooth criminal, alright.
By guelma on The 2011 Paradise Center Scandal Is Not Tarrant Co... on 4/4/11

Somenodu oughta check into the Bravo-mhmr business connection. It just seems real shady. MHMR caseworkers have been pressuring clients like my tenant to switch from Amerigroup to Bravo. That don't seem right to me.
By Anonymous on The Paradise Center Scandal 3 Day Blog Comment Col... on 4/4/11

Those three ain't nothing but cold calculating politicians. Mentally ill people don't have the money or voting block like the glbt group. Especially after betrayal by nami and mha. A bunch cowards, all of them.
By voter on Is an Angel Donor Bringing a Happy New Beginning f... on 4/4/11

There is a distinct sense of superiority, and even racism, from these low life MHMR employees and their incompetent bosses. Is it just me being overly sensitive? "Trash", "ghetto", "classy","right kind of people",etc. ??? Kkk has a chapter inside MHMR-TC or something? ??
By McDermott Klan?? on Comment Problems & A Tiny Pool Table at the Former... on 4/4/11

You whining losers keep on asking your same questions over and over but you're wasting your time because the all powerful Dr. McDermott OWNS the county government, which includes the county judge, the commissioners court, and the DA's office. Knowledge may be power, but it ain't as powerful as M.O.N.E.Y. And the good doctor has plenty of money, especially with that piggybank called MHMR Visions. Go ahead and waste your time reading this puny ass blog and asking your puny ass questions if you want ...and since you don't have a life. Dr. McDermott and friends are in the clear now, only three weeks left before Bravo starts billing Medicaid,and are laughing their way to the b.a.n.k. Later, losers.
By Anonymous on The Paradise Center Scandal De Facto VOICE of Tarr... on 4/4/11

McDermott the wussycrat got the county judge and commissioners to be his lapdogs, even made a fool of the FW weekly's better reporters. Commissioner Roy Brooks was bragging about how easy it was to fool that old hippie weekly writer.
By County employee on The Paradise Center Scandal 3 Day Blog Comment Col... on 4/4/11

Better not let McDermott and his goons find or they will use their political connection to "neutralize" another good Samaritan in this godforsaken county and Cow crap town. McDermott is a crook in trouble and he's desperate enough to do whatever it takes to save his sissy a***. Good luck, but be extremely careful.
By hulen tower staff on Is an Angel Donor Bringing a Happy New Beginning f... on 4/4/11

Righting Wrongs, Fighting Injustice & Ferreting Out Corruption Aren't The Fort Worth Way

No Justice, but try for some peace...??? made an interesting comment to yesterday's Fort Worth is Up A Creek Without a Paddle With the Paradise Center Scandal blogging.

No justice, but try for some peace...??? said...

What does a community, or even a small group of individuals, do when they believe the public trust has been violated? To whom do we appeal for an investigation? What is the next step, Durango? A month or more of this blogging and still nothing? Seems the Paradise crew are moving on. Can't blame them, really. Gotta keep moving. Waiting for FW (Fort Worth) or TC (Tarrant County) to make things right seems fruitless.

Well.

The break-in of the Democrat National Headquarters at the Watergate occurred on June 17, 1972. Richard Nixon did not resign as president until August 9, 1974.

The Watergate Scandal had real newspapers, like the Washington Post, doing investigative journalism regarding what was behind the Watergate break-in. Even so, few paid attention. The majority believed the White House denials. Richard Nixon was re-elected in one of history's biggest landslides 5 months after the Watergate break-in.

It was not until after Nixon's second inauguration and the conviction in Judge Sirica's court of those who did the break-in, followed by the Senate televised hearings into the Watergate Scandal, that the majority of Americans began to pay attention and grow very disgusted at what ended up being the biggest political scandal in American history.

The Paradise Center Scandal is a small matter compared to Watergate. However, only those who perpetrated the crimes and coverup were hurt in Watergate. The Paradise Center Scandal has had real victims, real people hurt by the perpetrators of the Paradise Center Scandal.

I don't know if any legit journalist will ever look into the Paradise Center Scandal. I don't know what might be the next step in trying to bring to justice those who committed this very bad wrongdoing.

What I do know is that pretty much every day the Paradise Center Scandal blog has more visitors than it did the day before.

I also know, by looking at my Google stats, that this blog is being seen by people outside of Fort Worth and Tarrant County.

I also know that I am not going to shut up about this. When I feel like I've got some new info to share, I'll share it.

Because I truly totally believe there is something dire wrong with how the local government operates with no transparency, no accountability and, to me, no adults with common sense in charge. And no legitimate newspaper acting as the Fourth Estate, looking out for the welfare of The People, righting wrongs, fighting injustice and ferreting out corruption.

Sadly, righting wrongs, fighting injustice and ferreting out corruption just aren't the Fort Worth Way.