Good News About Elizabeth's Successful Heart Procedure

Message, with good news, from Elizabeth's mom, Teresa.....

Mr. Durango,

This is Teresa, Elizabeth's mom. Her surgery had been scheduled tentatively since January. We have had a firm date since early April.

I want to make sure that everyone remembers that this hubub about her heart condition started because she responded to something someone said on the blog.

She wrote (with our permission) about Mr. D., one of the members who has known her since her birth, who let me know that he plays the lottery when the prizes are really large so he can win and help pay for Elizabeth's surgery. I discouraged him from this many times. It was his way of saying that he wanted to do something to help us, as we have helped him.

When he was homeless for 2 years, carrying his possessions in a black garbage bag, with no money or food, we were there for him. And I think that coming to Paradise Center, being "normal" and interacting with my baby daugher, helped give him hope for his own future. (I can't wait for the comments about how awful I am to let a HOMELESS MAN around my infant.)

Regarding her surgery, she insists we call it "a procedure". Less scary for her, but actually more accurate. The evening of the "procedure", she was up, playing charades with visiting friends, and even tap dancing. Everything went smoothly, the doctor and all of the staff at Children's Medical were amazing, and we are all so happy to have that hurdle behind us. She doesn't even have one stitch on her body. Amazing!

Thank you for your concern and well wishes,

Teresa Davis
Paradise Center, Inc.
friends helping friends in mental health recovery
www.ParadiseCenterInc.org

The Anonymous Explanation of the Paradise Center Scandal

I have been asked many times to explain the Paradise Center Scandal.

This is not easy to do.

Not easy, because the Paradise Center Scandal has many facets. It took me awhile to understand how bad this scandal is, and how despicable the behavior was of those who perpetrated the scandal.

That despicable behavior has been scandalously on display, on this blog, in the form of comments coming from MHMR proponents.

Yesterday a very good blog comment came in that does a good job of explaining many aspects of the Paradise Center Scandal.

I thought this particular blog comment warranted being turned into a Paradise Center Scandal blog post........

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "The Most Recent 25 Paradise Center Scandal Comments...":

These could simply be coincidences, but MHMRTC signed the formal business contract with Bravo Health around September 2010--when MHMRTC execs started to intrude into the internal operations of the consumer operated nonprofit organization (Paradise Center) that MHMRTC had an ongoing contractual relationship with for several straight years.

In October, Bravo started buying ads around town, giving large donations to advocacy groups, like NAMI, and began hyping their company as the better choice for Medicaid Star+.

Jim McDermott was pressured into writing the letter to the Paradise Center Board leader using the pretext of Paradise being "over budget the last fiscal year" (by $20K+) to begin supervising their employee, Ms. Davis, who had intellectually knocked out several MHMRTC executives in several meetings intended to force her to join the scheme.

With many MHMRTC clients and NAMI family members already enrolled with Bravo at enrollment parties, but still unable to get Ms. Davis to cave in to the obvious wrongdoing, the Deputy CEO tried to force Ms. Davis into another meeting with this Deputy CEO and other execs on December 27, less than two days after Christmas. Apparently, the Paradise Center Board had outsmarted the MHMRTC team and the meeting was delayed until after the new year.

The very next day, December 28, the State Department of Health & Human Services issued the very surprising public statement that Bravo Health had been placed on a five month suspension.

February 1, 2011, Amerigroup hit the jackpot by landing all the Medicaid STAR+ people by being the default HMO provider. On February 4, 2011, McDermott, attorney, and execs met with Trustees in special "executive session to discuss Paradise Center".

Three days later McDermott sent his invitation to the Paradise Board president Linda Groom to meet on February 17 to "discuss Paradise Center" and to "bring Teresa Davis along". Apparently smelling a trap, the Paradise Board sent a strongly worded letter on February 17 defending its sovereignty, so to speak.

In an act of desperation, McDermott, the MHMRTC attorney, and his executive team decided to take the risk of terminating Ms. Davis that afternoon.

A few days later the State Department of Health & Human Services sent out letters notifying people that Bravo could start enrollment on March 17 -- exactly one month after the termination and coup.

The public protests by the Paradise group, and the start of this blog, caused MHMRTC to bleed public money -- in trying to replicate the work of Ms. Davis and Paradise Center AND to decimate their existence -- and to lose public trust, both of which are well chronicled on this blog and elsewhere.

The robbery of the disabled group's properties was spotlighted by the POD's presence for several weeks, right next to the group's former home, essentially destroying the grand scheme that MHMRTC had planned for and with Bravo.

Many questions have now come to the front regarding the conduct of the McDermott regime over the years.

_______________________________________________

As the Paradise Center Scandal moves into the justice system method of righting wrongs and punishing wrongdoers. I don't think I'd be sleeping all that well, if I were Jim McDermott.

A Message from Paradise Center's Teresa Davis

Last night a message arrived from Teresa Davis in which we get updated on what's been happening with Paradise Center, comments on some blog comments and learn the Paradise Center Scandal is now under the care of lawyers.

Below is the message from Teresa Davis...

Mr. Durango,

Sorry it's taken so long for me to update you.

It has been a huge undertaking to set up our Center.  Exhilirating, complex, fulfilling.

Although we aren't really "open" yet, members keep showing up.  They complain about the "old place," the MHMR drop-in center.  Just today, one fellow came for the first time.  He said the other place "wasn't paying me" for work that he says he did.  He's young and wants to stay busy but doesn't feel like they folks over there appreciate him.  Even though we're not really open, I'm proud they have the option to come here.

I admit I've stayed away from the scandal blog.  I'm focusing my energy on getting the Center set up and making it available to our members as soon as possible.  We're letting the lawyers handle everything, which is a huge relief.  Hopefully all of the rigamarole with MHMR will be settled soon. 

Most of our guys don't really understand what all happened still.  They seem scared to ask me about it.  One guy today told me he heard I was in the hospital for a stroke.  Another said he heard I stole something, but he's not sure what.   Another said no one ever told him anything, he just noticed all the changes and that it was really different.  He said he didn't really feel welcome there since he's not an MHMR client. 

You know, I think it says alot that, even though they think I may be impaired from a stroke or even a thief, they feel more comfortable here with me than over there. 

I said I don't read the blog, but a relative of one of the guys forwarded me a link to someone's comment about her brother.  Yes, it's true, I helped and am helping him get into a safe, secure place to live.  He is frustrating, though, I'll tell you that.   All the things that they said are true:  he smells bad, he talks alot and doesn't make much sense, and he can't manage his money.  But these things are true about him too:  he's a gifted artist whose prints were widely distributed in Pier 1 "back in the day".  He's a graduate of UT, has a wicked sense of humor, and even when you think he's not listening, he is.  He just may not like what we're saying. 

He can argue about the silliest, or not so silliest, thing and make sense.  You just have to be willing to listen.

And yes, it's true, that his sister was told by his MHMR caseworker that if he is not taking his medications, then he would not get his trust fund check.  This is very illegal. 

MHMR is the "trustee" for many patients who are determined by a physician unable to manage their disability income.  If they have no one locally who is able or willing to be their financial payee, MHMR will be the payee. 

And the way these clients get their money is by keeping their appointments with their caseworkers, nurse, doctors, etc.  Even though it's a practice, I have never heard of a professional telling a family member that they will withhold money from the client if they don't show up for appointments or don't take medications.  Not only is this illegal, and a violation of his patient rights, it is also very brazen.  If this caseworker is willing to tell a family member this, wonder what she's been saying to the client? 

Well, this fellow is going to be okay.  His family is involved and are making great efforts to make sure he is safe and that his rights are not violated.

And for him, Paradise Center is once again what it always for him:  a place where everyone knows his name, where he is safe, and where, if he needs it, we will help him to help himself.

His sister has told me via telephone how grateful she is for Paradise Center and for our efforts on her brother's behalf.  I can tell that she wonders why I do what I do at Paradise Center.  She mentioned, sheepishly, that she had read your blog, as had her other sister.  She wasn't sure if  she should mention it to me or not, indicating that she still wasn't sure about why or how everything happened with MHMR. 

I assured her that Paradise Center is still the same non-profit that we were in the other building.  We're just more independent now, without MHMR's grant.  And a little poorer, too!  But you can't put a price on freedom, that's what our guys here are saying.  They've never been happier than they are now. 

And truthfully, I'm pretty happy, too. 

I'll tell you more about what motivates me personally another time.  But these guys, showing up everyday and knowing they are welcomed, safe, and among friends, with opportunities to help themselves and contribute to our organization, is a big part of why I get out of bed every morning.

Thanks, Durango, for your blogs.

The Paradise Center Scandal Cliff Notes

On March 20 Jessie Girl made the following comment to a blogging about the Paradise Center Scandal, which said in part....

"Just one quick question: What is the scandal? I'm confused. Come on, Durango, break it down for us. As a long-time reader, I expect a certain directness from you. Lay it on us."

I shall try to cut through to the heart of The Paradise Center Scandal.

The Paradise Center is a private, non-profit organization which was located at 505 S. Jennings Avenue in Fort Worth.

The Paradise Center was a successful consumer run program. Overseeing the Paradise Center is a Board of Directors. Employees of the Paradise Center, such as Manager Teresa Davis, are overseen by the board.

The Paradise Center received no state or federal money. The Paradise Center was funded via various sources, including getting some help from a Tarrant County Agency, MHMR, run by a guy named Jim McDermott.

Read the following widely circulated email written by Jim McDermott in response to a query about operating a non-traditional day treatment drop-in center...

Our consumers' operate a drop in center called Paradise Center. It is controlled by a Board that is 100% consumers. There are about 280 members at any one time. They employee two full-time staff that are interviewed,hired,and supervised by the Paradise Board. The employees are on our payroll primarily for benefits purposes. There is an advisory committee to the Paradise Center Board which primarily act as a fund raising and public education committee.

The State or Feds. provide no funding for the Center. Our MHMR Board values the drop in center and recognizes it reintegration and independence development value to M.H. consumer's so have contributed some financial support from our local funds each year(around $30,00). Tarrant County provides around $40,000 a year and the remainder of their budget is generated by the members and the advisory committee. I do not know their total budget. Below is the name and e-mail address of the lead staff person at Paradise Center as well as the name of their President who heads the Paradise Center Board. I am sure they can provide you with more detail. This is a great program. When State and Federal government decided these programs were not a funding priority any longer our consumer's and the community decided to find a way to keep it going. There is simply no program that has done a better job of promoting independence,self-direction,and confidence in the severely mentally ill consumer than this program.

When the above email was written, McDermott is clearly saying that the Paradise Center is controlled by a Board that is 100% consumers. With 2 full-time staff (one of whom was Teresa Davis) who are supervised by the Paradise Center board. With the employees on the MHMR payroll for benefits purposes.

MHMR provided some funds to the Paradise Center. MHMR provided the building that the Paradise Center operated in. MHMR provided some materials, such as toilet paper, for the center.

Let me repeat one section of McDermott's email...

This is a great program. When State and Federal government decided these programs were not a funding priority any longer our consumer's and the community decided to find a way to keep it going. There is simply no program that has done a better job of promoting independence,self-direction,and confidence in the severely mentally ill consumer than this program.

The Paradise Center was never a MHMR program.

So, what happened?

MHMR came up with a scheme whereby they would use the people making use of the Paradise Center's services to bill Medic-Aid. To make this scheme work MHMR and Jim McDermott needed the cooperation of Teresa Davis and the Paradise Center Board.

Teresa Davis and the Paradise Center Board resisted the pressure from MHMR.

So, the MHMR Bullycrats increased the pressure.

At one point the MHMR Bullycrats went to the bizarre measure of removing the toilet paper which they had supplied the center.

MHMR created the illusion that the Paradise Center was a program of MHMR, including having a page about the Paradise Center on the MHMR website. MHMR's misrepresentation of its relationship created fund raising problems for the Paradise Center due to the center appearing to be a government agency to those who give grants to private non-profits.

And then on February 17, 2011 MHMR took the bullying one step too far. Claiming that Teresa Davis committed an act of insubordination by not attending a MHMR meeting, MHMR terminated their contract with the Paradise Center, effectively firing Teresa Davis.

Basically when MHMR CEO Jim McDermott failed to sway the Board of Directors of Paradise Center, Inc. to agree that the center is a program of MHMR and not a legally separate non-profit organization he took the action of terminating Teresa Davis.

The Paradise Center was then locked out of the center, by MHMR.

The Paradise Center people were not allowed back in the building to get their possessions.

Consumers of the Paradise Center's services showed up and were naturally upset to see their world had been turned upside down.

Teresa Davis was told to make a list of the Paradise Center possessions in the building. Remembering as best she could, a list was made. Those possessions were then put into a POD storage container, with the Paradise Center told they had til the end of the month to take care of the materials in the POD.

MHMR then re-opened the building, calling it a "Drop-In Center," as part of their continuing scheme to monetize the former Paradise Center operation.

MHMR has conducted a smear campaign against Teresa Davis. Some of that has appeared on the blog you are reading right now. And on others.

MHMR, an agency supposedly supposed to operate in the service of the needs of those with Mental Health problems, acted like thugs, disrupting and destroying a smoothly operating center that was performing a vital public service, as noted by the very guy who instigated the destruction of the program he characterized as "great."

I believe MHMR is now under investigation from various fronts.

The way the Paradise Center was taken over may be a criminal act.

Example. If you are a renter, and if your landlord has reason to want you gone, the landlord has to follow certain steps. The landlord can not arbitrarily lock you out and take control of your possessions.

There is way more to this than I have the energy to try and describe. I hope I've made it a  bit clearer why what was done to the Paradise Center is a scandal.

A scandal in which people were hurt. And continue to be hurt.

Teresa Davis Wants You to Know the Truth About Her Daughter Elizabeth & the Paradise Center

In the picture you are looking at Elizabeth holding an award she got from her school.

Elizabeth's mom is Teresa Davis.

I was appalled when I got some blog comments that brought Elizabeth into the discussion, in what I thought was some really bad underhandedness.

I debated with myself whether or not to hit the publish button. When I realized that these comments were indicative of the petty, bullying mindset of those who brought on the Paradise Center Scandal, I hit the publish button.

Those comments about Elizabeth, and more comments that followed, motivated Elizabeth's mom to respond, and so she did, in a very touching tribute to her daughter and to what Elizabeth has meant to the people at the Paradise Center.....

Mr. Durango,

When Steve told me you were setting up a separate blog, it made me wonder if you regretted ever posting about this.  It seems to have turned ugly pretty quickly.  Most of the guys who come to Paradise Center don't even know how to use a computer, much less find a blog.  So I know then that most of the ugly things are from professionals I've worked with and respected over the years.  It seems the respect wasn't mutual.

I want to address the comments about Elizabeth, my daughter.

When I first brought Elizabeth around Paradise Center, she was about 6 weeks old.  My relatives and best friends in the world found ways to say, in one way or another, "ARE YOU CRAZY?"

Now, they all know she won't catch schizophrenia from them.  But people with chronic, severe mental illnesses often have challenges with maintaining acceptable hygiene.  So, they were all worried about germs, diseases, etc.

Our pediatrician said that after she begins her first round of shots, she is good to go.  Exposing her to the public helps to build her immunity.

So we made the best choices we could, given the situation.  My husband has always helped with events at Paradise Center.  So, where we go, she goes.

I had a mother of one of these guys call me the other day.  She was fuming mad over what she'd read on your blog.

She remembers clearly one of our members, I'll call her Nelly, holding Elizabeth when we were at the NAMI conference in Austin.  Elizabeth was about 7 weeks old.  Nelly told us that she had NEVER been able to hold a baby because her family didn't want her touching their children.  Isn't that outrageous.  Lizzy fell asleep on her shoulder and, well, slept like a baby. Nelly sang and crooned to her.  It was so sweet for all of us to see.

And then there's another one, we'll call him Plaid.  He had NEVER held a baby, either.  He was afraid he would drop her and she'd die, since he held a puppy once and it jumped out of its arms and yelped.  So, sitting securely in a chair, Plaid held the first, and only, baby of his 50 years.  He cried.  It was so sweet.  Elizabeth didn't know a thing.

I remember going to the monthly NAMI meetings and the parents of people with mental illnesses lining up, almost, to hold her and carry her around.  I have a wonderful picture of a lady, who has passed now, named Jane.  She always wanted to hold Elizabeth.  It made her whole face light up.

So, she has been around lots of different people since her birth.  She went to a church preschool, Montessori elementary, took ballet, tap, jazz.  Has played soccer since she was 3.  T-ball.  Gymnastics.  Zoo school.  Museum school.  Camp Carter every summer.  College for Kids at TCCC.  Softball.  She has collected food for the Humane Society 3 different times.

She has only ever made A's.  She was in the school spelling bee and on her school's "Battle of the Books" team.   She was just voted by her class for the 6 weeks CORE Values award for exemplifying "Kindness, being sympathetic, caring.  Gentleness, loving."  She is in the gifted and talented program.

So, I don't usually brag on my kid, but she's pretty great.  She is able to adapt and be resilient because of her life experiences, good and bad.

So can we please focus on what this is really about?

The local Mental Health Authority, which is supposed to be the provider of last-resort, decided that THEY could run a more efficient, authentic CONSUMER-RUN organization than Paradise Center, Inc.  They took over because it is their building.  But then they are telling EVERYONE, including NAMI, MHA, and the public when they call MHMR, that it is "business as usual".

So, feel free to post this.  And the cute picture of my kid.  I'm sure that'll set off even more people.

The Paradise Center Scandal Has Me Mad As Hell At Fort Worth

This "Mad As Hell At Fort Worth" blogging is from February 23, 2011 on the Durango Texas Blog. This blogging generated dozens of comments which are copied below. Feel free to keep on commenting on The Paradise Center Scandal Blog.

The troubled sky over the stunning skyline of beautiful downtown Fort Worth is a good metaphor for my foul mood.

I thought a late afternoon hike at the Tandy Hills Natural Sanatorium might break me out of this I'm mad as hell and I don't wanna take it anymore Howard Beale mood I've been in.

I think it may be the bizarre Fort Worth Paradise Center Scandal that has pushed me near the edge.

I've have had it happen to me, having something taken away with no warning. Unfairly and wrongly.

I've often been troubled, during my Texas Exile, as to what in the world is wrong with Fort Worth. Is there an Empathy Deficit in this town?

I'm not much of a religious person. Well, actually, I'm not a religious person. But I sure get some of what Jesus tried to teach people. As in, what you do to the least among you, you do unto me.

In the Paradise Center you had a place that helped the least among us. And you had a lady running the place of whom I think Jesus would have approved.

Running the Paradise Center in the Buckle of the Bible Belt.

Where are the Christians coming to the defense of these wronged people?

It is incidents like this that make me have very little respect for way too many who go about claiming to be Christian.

Why was Teresa Davis fired? What is the justification for disrupting her life and the lives of those she helped?

This is a woman who went way beyond the call of duty. Over the years she took adult disabled children on adventures they otherwise would never have experienced. Overnight trips to Sea World in San Antonio, the Space Center in Houston, Diamond Digging in Arkansas.

Why is there not a LOUD outcry from all the people who had family who were helped by the Paradise Center and Teresa Davis?

Why is the Fort Worth Star-Telegram not interested in this scandal?

Am I the only person who sees that something is very wrong here? I've already opined that the reason Teresa Davis was fired needs to be made public. An investigation needs to take place into who made the decision to fire Teresa Davis. And why. This may end up needing to be a criminal investigation. There may be some serious wrongdoing in play here.

And another note as to what bothers me about this. Teresa Davis is married to Steve Doeung. Teresa and Steve were put through a living hell by the City of Fort Worth and Chesapeake Energy in their fight to protect their home from having a non-odorized natural gas pipeline placed underneath it.

I watched Steve defend himself in court. I saw Chesapeake lawyers tell the judge that the judge was incorrect on some point of law. That Steve was correct.

I am embarrassed, as an American, at what the City of Fort Worth and Chesapeake Energy put this proud Cambodian-American through, after he went through so much to get to America.

America.

Where Steve was under the delusion he would finally be free of Communist type oppression.

Yet now, once again, Steve and his wife are subject to oppression, in America, oppression that is of the sort of bureaucratic bullying practiced by the Communists and the Nazis.

And yet nary a voice speaks out, demanding that this wrong be righted.

I really do not think Jesus would be all that proud that this sad part of the earth is known as the Buckle of the Bible Belt.

It's more the Center of Divine Hypocrisy.

I've told Steve Doeung, previously, that he and his family might be a lot happier if they moved to the part of America that is the America he thought he was moving to, when he left Cambodia.

Move to Seattle. Anyone in Washington reading this. Can you provide asylum to a Cambodian-American and his family and help them finally live in the America of Steve's dreams?

If Steve does move out of Texas and into America, I must warn you, if you meet him, he has a good Texas accent. And speaks way better English than a lot of Texans I've met over the years.

COMMENTS:

Anonymous said...
let Mhmr do tbeir jobs. There is people who think it is time for change. Teresa Davis stated Peer leaders volunteer over 8000 hours last year. KEEP IN MIND THESE INDIVIDUALS DRAW SSI CHECKS. That is fraudulent. If they can work that many hours then its time to get off SSI and get a regular jobs.
FEBRUARY 23, 2011 8:19 PM

 MHMR Insider said...
Is this commenter a lawyer specializing in employment or medicaid/medicare matters?

Since facts and logic and reason are lacking from these bureaucrats and the people who are supposed to to stand up for "the least of these", I will offer a sampler to wet the appetite (or repel those who are allergic to these values and priciples).

This is a public interest issue since MHMR gets about $100Million annually to provide services for these neighbors of ours in Tarrant alone. The CEO and his cronies have a duty to be open and honest about what they're doing and answer questions regarding the pain and suffering their actions have caused so many people. The rippling effect will be felt by the community in terms of more costly interventions for these confused and upset people.
As stability, consistency, and compassion the friends to these and other people with other kinds of major illnesses, these sudden and cataclysmic (and unethical if not unprofessional or criminal)changes are their nemesis.

Of course, we the tax payers and the community will pay for these reckless and abusive decisions eventually in terms of the decline in these people's health, some getting involved with anti-social and even criminal behavior, and the financial payment to Ms. Davis for the unjustified termination as well as a laundry list of injuries like damaging her reputation, her health, etc.

Bend over taxpayers because thanks to these arrogant and incompetent 'public servants", less of our taxes will be used to help "the least of these". Look up David Cicero and JPS for a similar scandal just a couple years ago in this dirty 'ol town.

One does not have to get paid to do work. And work, including physical and mental exercises Durango, is good for people's health. No one really runs for eight hours a day, so these folks disabled by serious mental illness only works in 3-4 hour shifts a day, often sitting or interacting with their peers. if you do the math you can see how many of these people, who MHMR often decided were so disabled that they were placed in assisted living facilities and their measley $550/month SSI checks are controlled by MHMR case workers.

Just ask them for testimonies about how their sense of confidence and dignity were directly helped by the support system Ms. Davis had worked so hard to create---a culture and atmosphere that no bureaucrats or private HMO can replicate.

FYI: even those who had worked long enough to earn credits for SSDI payments after becoming disabled, a type of disability insurance not a basic support for the poor like SSI, are allowed and even encouraged to slowly return to work and earn up to $900/mo without reducing their well-deserved SSDI payments.

Some of the Paradise Center folks have improved enough to get paid part-time jobs, and some of the ones who are only able to volunteer there receive SSDI checks because they did work for years...and are holding hope that the opportunities at P.C. will be a sort of rehab in order to return to gainful employment.

Thanks to ignorance, arrogance, and greed (for revenue from Medicaid billings via Bravo HMO)on the part of CEO mcDermott, PhD. their hopes just got squashed.

Wonder why this smart and powerful guy will not say anything if what he's doing is so proper, legal, and helpful to the so-called "consumers". Hmmmm.
FEBRUARY 24, 2011 11:42 AM

 Anonymous said...
my my my........ FUNNY THAT OTHER CLIENTS HAVE STEPPED UP & Now are the new peer leaders. LYNN IS DOING WONDERFUL JOB IS FILLING TERESA DAVIS SHOES. ITS TIME TERESA & family move on. Some of the old peers are returning. Consumers have not fell apart. Lifes good.
FEBRUARY 24, 2011 7:26 PM

 Anonymous said...
Having been apart of Paradise Center I have seen alot of negative things. Teresa Davis does poorly in money management. SOMEONE NEEDS TO AUDIT THEIR CHECKING ACCOUNT. Teresa Davis had over 380 in personal receipts and went pulled that out of checking account with Dean. Only 400 dollars weS in account. Not much for a business. HOW DO THEY PLAN TO RUN A BUSINESS WITHOUT MONEY. THEY NEED HELP THEMSELVES
FEBRUARY 25, 2011 1:17 AM

 Ellen said...
WOW, the comment from Anoymous #3 is quite remarkable in its audacity and intimacy. So this person was or is now a paid staff at the old Paradise Center and he/she is making amazing accusations against the former staff person, which if true would justify her termination. But any wrongdoing or violation must come BEFORE the termination.

Based on all that we the public have heard and seen, Ms. Davis was terminated based solely on the charge that she had not attended a meeting and nothing more (thus the outcry and the outrage). If this holds true, such allegations as the very specific and very personal ones that Anon. #3 made would be perceived as something concocted to try and justify a baseless termination of an employee in a public agency which has higher standards than in private companies when it comes to hiring and firing someone.

Word is that Paradise Center paid a reputable CPA to file their annual IRS filings and also conducted periodic audits. CPA's have very high legal, professional, and ethical standards.

Unless the commenter can produce substantive proofs and communicates in a calm and clear-headed manner he/she will be dismissed as someone who doesn't know what they're talking about and possibly opening themselves up for legal action by the people he/she made false and malicious accusations.

Commenter #2 appears to be some one very close to this "Lynn" person, who might very well be quite capable of "filling Teresa's shoes" but the immature gloating tone and taunting of a seemingly decent and dignified lady ...well, it speaks for itself.
FEBRUARY 25, 2011 12:54 PM

 Anonymous said...
Teresa Davis has taken trips with clients but no one was a adult disabled children. The only child on the trip was Teresa & Steves daughter Elizabeth. THE ONLY REAL ISSUE IS THAT TERESA DAVIS WANTS MHMRTC TO PAY HER SALARY BUT DOESNT WANT TO BE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE ONE WHO SIGNS HER CHECKS. AND BOOHOO THEY DID NOT GIVE HER TOILET PAPER. YET SHE WANTS TO BE INDEPENDANT BUSINESS SHE SHOULD BE CAPABLE OF SUPPLYING OWN TP.
FEBRUARY 25, 2011 3:49 PM

 Clinic Staff said...
Ouch, I feel your pain Anon. #4, but the hysterical ranting and "shouting" makes you appear to be not mentally stable yourself. Get some fresh or appropriate treatment before you engage in this obviously personal and emotional issue for you.

Why such venomous personal attacks against someones who the people that work with them the most and closest could only say good things about?

And oh yes, TOILET paper-gate. We've heard about this childish and cowardly ploy by the executives of MHMR. If memories serve me well, the emails circulating around showed that the executives were using as ransome the delivery of regular orders of toilet papers for the FOUR bathrooms that serve the 70-100 people who make Paradise Center a central part of their daily lives.

This commenter is ill-informed and ill sounding. The first, from management meetings and even review of documents it is apparent that Paradise Center has an ongoing contract with MHMR. Considering what the Organization offers to the community and for MHMR clients that people like me try to help, the measly $150K or so that MHMR grants is literally a drop in their $100Million annual budget.

So to withhold toilet papers from the people with mental diseases...is, well, pretty crappy for them to do and reflects on people who think this is morally acceptable. You and MHMR's executives are thick as thieves and deserve each other #4.

Try to calm down, stick with the facts, and don't let your guilt or personal hatred (or just psychological symptoms) overtake you in this way, friend.

We snuck them some of our stockpile of toilet paper then and will do so again, even if your unstable and spiteful self is in charge because we are like Teresa...it's not just a job to get paid (or power trip) but a mission to help some of the most needy and misunderstood people around. Understand, friend?

See you around..you know where :>)
FEBRUARY 25, 2011 5:07 PM

 Anonymous said...
Regarding clinic staff it sounds like you talk without realizing how ignorant and disrespectful you actually sound. YOU COULD BENEFIT COUNCILING YOURSELF. READING YOUR RESPONSE SOUNDS LIKE YOU ARE IN THE WRONG PROFESSION OF HELPING CLIENTS. YOU PROBABLY ONE BITTER UNHAPPY INDIVIDUAL. TRUTHFULLY YOU NEED RRESPECT FOR THE CEO. I HAVE WORKED WITH PROFESSIONALS AND YOU TAKE THE CAKE. GLAD I WAS NOT AN EMPLOYEE FOR LOCAL MHMRTC. YOU ACTUALLY LOOK DOWN ON CLIENTS AS ALL BEING SEVERE WITH NO HELP FOR THE FUTURE. I BELIEVE CLIENTS CAN GET BETTER. AND NOT BR FOREVER LOST IN THE SYSTEM.
FEBRUARY 25, 2011 6:10 PM

 Durango said...
Anonymous # Whatever, who shouts all in capital letters and who does not know the difference between council and counsel, if you don't behave yourself in a more civilized manner I won't be hitting the publish button on any more of your inflammatory comments.

If this Anonymous person is an example of the NUTJOBS Teresa Davis was dealing with in the TCMHMR, well, methinks there is way more rotten in this state of Denmark than I realized.
FEBRUARY 25, 2011 6:21 PM

 Clinic staff said...
Now isn't that better Anonymous? Your thought appears to be more focused. That's what therapists can produce..good results in that people have more control of themselves and thus can behave appropriately (and get the respect they deserve).

Now, we have to work on your reading focus: where's the part about "the ceo" in that comment? Is it a visual or auditory issue? maybe adjust the meds a little bit should help. Help with spelling and sentence construction as well.

There's still some delusional ideations such as your ability to read my mind and know how I feel. I did not "take the cake". I only ate it.

Does "rrespect" mean that you have extra respect for whoever this god-like ceo is? You may "need rrespect for the ceo", but as for me, no thanks. R-e-s-p-e-c-t is earned not imposed. Not in America. Not for this American.

Gotta work on self esteem issues. Respect yourself first.

Go right ahead and fulfill your "need to rrespect the ceo" if it helps you feel better.

You only are as small as you allow yourself to feel, my friend. And a ceo is only as big and powerful as you allow him/her to be.

"Ignorant" means one lacks knowledge. What was lacking in the comment. It sounds like a lot of useful and fact-based information, instead of silly and immature name calling that makes one seems even smaller minded.
FEBRUARY 25, 2011 6:41 PM

 Regime Changer said...
After reading everything and seeing the brief clip on wfaa where MHMR execs were acting like burglars caught redhanded instead of dignified public officials eager to share with taxpaying citizenry what good and proper things they were doing, I have noticed a few glaring things.
1. The lack of openness with the public/media about what and why they did this disruptive deed. Only people with something to hide acts this way.
2. Where's the CEO and his bosses the Trustees? MHMR employees and local supporters were shocked to see an ARMED security guard at the Trustees meeting --a rare and dangerous sight reminiscent of the autocrats actions across the world in the news when they knew the sleeping giant had awakened.
3. The quiet strength and decency of Teresa and the people who support her and her cause, which is in stark contrast to the MHMR leadership and the second rate "scabs" (that's what they're called when was growing up in upstate NY) they've installed to prop their propaganda that everything is the same, which is what invaders do after a coup.
4. The sense confidence and righteousness shown by the exiled group vs. the desperate and secretive (insiders call "fear") ways on the part of the bullying execs and their puppets. When people lack facts and righteousness they resort to personal attacks and defensive raves that miss the real issues.
5. Teresa is going to finally get the performamce
that she never got in almost ten years because these arrogant, lazy, and incompetent execs whose individual salaries is more than the grant MHMR gives this effective non-profit charity,which is a totally different organization than "businesses" ill-informed Anonymous commenters kept saying. Gotta know what you're talking about puppets
people because you'll be humiliated by knowledgible and reasonable people who read this blog.
FEBRUARY 25, 2011 9:47 PM

 Anonymous said...
Durango I wanted to say thanks for giving individuals a place to discuss issues. Sorry for the caps wbile typing.....I have new cell phone so learning tiny keyboard. I am use to typing on computer. Making corrections is easier. I realize that I am set in my ways and realize everyone is entitled to their own opinions. All the talking has not changed my views. Again......thanks. May Gods will be done.
FEBRUARY 25, 2011 11:05 PM

 John Q. said...
It is commendable that Anonymous has stepped back, taken a deep breath, reached the reasonable conclusion, and is taking this appropriate action to correct and explain their mistake/conduct, assuming this is really the same person of course.

In any event, this is the kind of attitude and action that MHMR executives and their overseers the Board of Trustees need to adopt. Like ASAP because the well-sourced people are saying that something BIG is about to drop on them very soon. And that no amount of ARMED SECURITY GUARDS can help.

The Star-Telegram and other so-called professional journalistic outlets will look foolish as they scramble to catch up on "reporting" a major story that they had chosen to ignore for whatever reason. Maybe this particular group of "the least of these" is not worthy or "sexy" enough for their time and attention.

But not you, Mr. Durango...this city's imported conscience and basic American values and priciples. Deeep in the buckle of the values-focused (thet's what they say, anyway) Bible Belt. May God help us all.
FEBRUARY 27, 2011 7:53 AM

 Mikey M. said...
Regarding Steve the lone ranger, knowledgible sources say that he's riding with a kick ass posse of supporters and getting a lot of help from MHMR-TC employees and affiliates who fed up with the bullying ways used by the CEO and his female chiefs.

The !assault on Teresa Davis as a person and a professional along with the breathtakingly ballsy but so-o-o idiotic forced occupation of the consumer-run Paradise Center were the last straw for many who had held their noses just because they were determined to help the people Teresa was helping.

There will probably be a mass rally today led by people who attended worship services this morning and are compelled to be the "salt and light" that Jesus was directing his disciples to be
NOT. This is Fort Worthless, you know.
FEBRUARY 27, 2011 11:50 AM

 MHMR Insider said...
I finally figured what has stuck in my craw, so to speak, about those shrill but silly Anonymous comments regarding Teresa's not wanting to be "accountable' to those "who sign her checks".

He/she makes the deceptive (or plain ignorant) point that Teresa did not want to be "accountable to people who sign her check". I'm not trying to be literal here, but when taxpayer funded government entities (not private businesses)and grants are involved, it matters not WHO "sign/s the check" because just like whoever sign checks for the President, congresspeople, and pet projects like the TRV boondoggle, rational people know that we the citizens are the ones "backing" those checks with our hard-earned taxes.

This faulty and deceptive view is the one that MHMR's brain trust has been arrogantly trying to pass (no pun intended). It's not a private business and these people work for us taxpayers and should be held accountable when they act like the money, properties, and authorities entrusted to their administration are actually theirs, to use as they wish to meet their own personal egos and agendas.

The second point is that Paradise Center apparently has an agreement or contract from MHMR to provide them with the most basic funds to to keep such an important organization going, which includes paying the salary of Teresa Davis and the off and on part-time help. If MHMR were acting in an aboveboard and respectful way they would simply give the grant in the form of cash money--write a check or hand over a bag of benjamins, as long as it's cash and handed over to paradise Center's leadership, like other organizations MHMR gives grants.

This controlling and demeaning approach reflects the disrespect MHMR have for those people with serious mental illness, their sugarly public statements about "consumer empowerment " and other platitudes notwithstanding.

The commenter also showed her/his deceptive and/or ignorant self by implying that the boxes of toilet papers and other sanitary products for the hundreds of people to use in the four bathrooms were for Teresa herself.

And shows their maturity and IQ further by taunting her "BOOHOO, YOU DIDN"T GET YOUR TOILET PAPER". Yes, Teresa almost cried because she felt so hurt for the poor PEOPLE that this immature and thuggish act was hurting. Her good relationship with and respect from clinic staff and community supporters resulted in staff sneaking out enough toilet papers until supporters brought in donated rolls.

That's the kind of people and classiness that is MHMR "leadership". Thanks, my craw is feeling better already. I and my colleagues 9and our craws, whatever they are) would feel alot better if the ceo and his cronies were swept out into the trashbin...or flushed down the toilet. Figuratively speaking...I think?
FEBRUARY 27, 2011 3:27 PM

 Anonymous said...
In reading a few of the comments there appears to be several people with anger issues. From Clinic staff to Mhmr insider to Ellen to John and several Anon's. List seems to go on and on. What is surprising the harshness of Clinic staff and Mhmr insiders. IF I had a family member who needed treatment I would not want to have them treated at whatever clinics or mhmrtc programs offered. Clinic staff does not respect the corporate level and corporate level seems to not have taken care of the problem in a effective way. Seems like a no win situation. Thank goodness my insurance covers private counselors if ever needed.
FEBRUARY 27, 2011 7:22 PM

 Happy Anger said...
huh. "Corporate level"? Did we miss something? What corporate level? The only things that come close to a corporation with "corporate levels" are the news and media outlets and Bravo Health Medicaid HMO.

The higher levels of the news corporations like the Startlegram appear to have the same imperious attitude as the MHMR ceo and execs in thinking that their own interests and power are more important than the public interest and the common good.

The problem with MHMR execs and even clinic level staff and caseworkers is that they forget that they are "public servants" who should striver to serve the public (i.e. We the People, whose taxes pay their salaries and perks). Not using their position of trust and authority to force the public to serve them!!

There must be a deep seated "corporate culture" (i.e. values shared by a group/corporate vs. individual) inside MHMR where people with mental illness are treated as below other people and thus deserving of disrespecful treatment.

Wonder why the Paradise Center folks were so motivated and determined to demand respect that they dared protest right in front of the ceo's poshe office tower? Because he and his bunch ignored their wishes and then tried to exploit them and their hard work.

A lot of people have started going to JPS for their mental health treatments, which makes sense because the teaching hospital has some of the best and most experienced psych docs. Plus, overall customer service and level of care have improved significantly after the crooked ceo and his cronies were tossed out a couple years after a similar scandal as the MHMR one...Paradise Center is just the tip of a larger iceburg in terms of problems in MHMR where they can't keep good staff and has to spend hundreds of thousands to advertise and recruit staff, esp. therapists and other front line workers.

Maybe those stuck working for MHMR have good reasons for being angry. Also, remember that the theme of Durango's post is "I'm angry as hell..."
FEBRUARY 27, 2011 11:25 PM

 Anonymous said...
Hey, what's the latest with this MHMR scandal?
MARCH 1, 2011 8:55 AM

 Anonymous said...
Paradise Center property has been moved now. It looks pretty bare in there. Clients looked down today when I stopped by to check on them. Due to schedule problems I can no longer volunteer. A few of them sitting at tables in front of snack bar said Clinic staff said the snack bar now closes at 1:00 p.m. They were told the could go to Randy Bee's Diner to eat. Very expensive place to eat. Most of the clients have very limited money. Ben had been acting out today. In clients best interest Ben should not be allowed to be a Peer Leader. He poked someone with a pool stick and followed another person to bathroom and pushed him as he was going into the bathroom. I feel Ben needs to be written up and if it continues not be allowed back. Only time will tell on what will happen to the clients left behind.
MARCH 3, 2011 10:13 PM

 Anonymous said...
Dangit all to heck!! Something's very wrong here, but the media has lost their tongue, or certain other body parts. When is some one going to demand that the truth is told and these poor little people get the proper treatment?
MARCH 4, 2011 4:25 PM

 Anonymous said...
Huge turnout today. Moods like they should be. Two of the new Peers spoke at clients weekly meeting. 25 people signed up for BBQ tomorrow. Laughter today among clients Everyone enjoyed Bingo. It will get back to normal.
MARCH 4, 2011 5:54 PM

 Concerned Parent said...
Does "huge" mean large number of people or whatever the heck "peers" are? Or does it mean the small number of individuals are large in mass and weight?

Either way, BRAVO b/c it's good to hear that the people are being treated like human beings again and not as "strays" or mental patients.

Is Durango invited to the "BBQ"? What about this leader called "Ben"? Has the Client Rights department been contacted about the behavior and incidents from Friday?
MARCH 5, 2011 7:49 AM

 Anonymous said...
Ben is a client of Mhmr who was suppose to be a good example and help with the daily running on the Center. He was given the title of Peer Leader. Recent weeks Ben has been mentally going downhill. He has been acting for several months. He recently was hospitalized for carrying knifes around and threatening people. Thursday he was literally either poking or pushing other clients. He got two months behind in rent. Currently his electricity is turned off. So he spends nite at his girlfriend Lisas apartment. No one has filed with any Patient Advocacy Person. I personally think he vould be better off in assisted living. That is just my opinion. Clients would love to spend time with Durango. He has been very supportive and given people a place to discuss the issues. He has been a good Advocacy person for Paraadise Center and also clients.
MARCH 6, 2011 4:58 PM

 Anonymous said...
Note to blog owner: For the confidentiality and protection of privacy for the clients is there a way in which you can review comments and redact the names of any clients that may be mentioned by any commentators? Thank you.
MARCH 7, 2011 9:57 AM

 Durango said...
Anonymous, the blog owner can only publish or not publish comments. There is no ability to edit comments. I do not believe and full names have been used except for Ms. Davis and the CEO of MHMR.
MARCH 7, 2011 10:11 AM

 Tarrant voter said...
That was a very interesting comment, question, and request don't you think Mr. Durango?

You think MHMR has certain people monitoring your site? They've shut Ms.Davis and the leaders of Paradise Center, then they've shut up MHMR employees. It could just be me, but it seems like they're trying to control your free speech as well...as this lawyerish sounding commenter stated you're the owner BUT they're trying to control your content. Why? Because their Gestapo team cannot help but have noticed like the rest of us that their employees had crossed the line, policy wise and possibly legal wise.

As your most recent blogging pointed out, it's the cover up efforts that tells a lot and that usually get the perps into even deeper waters. Don't expect a life raft from here, you incompetent bureaucrats. Not after what you've done to "the least of these".
MARCH 7, 2011 7:12 PM

 Anonymous said...
Personally, I don't really know what is going on anymore. Haven't heard much on this issue or other issues anymore. Is the battle over?
MARCH 8, 2011 3:57 PM

 Anonymous said...
To answer your question, yep it's all over. Move along. There's nothing to see here.

Just FYI to all the fools and this blog owner, you think a handful of crazies and an unemployed (probably unemployable now) woman can win against a PhD. and a $100M government McDermott agency? Really?
MARCH 9, 2011 1:23 PM

 Vietnam Veteran said...
Up front, this little nobody ain't no PhD like the powerful king McDermott of MHMR. But I am a hard working American who pats his taxes so that people like them folks at paradise center could get the help they need and the dignity they deserve. I got an aunt living up north who has bipolar disorder so I can understand these folks' life condition and appreciate the value of a community center and organization like paradise.

Anyway, I'm writing because after mulling all the information over, I think I figured out why this ruler McDermott thought he could do all the despicable things that he did.

Just like most good bullies, abusers, and dictators, he chose his prey well and he presented himself as the most charming, smart, and even moral person around. The little woman serving those poor people obviously don't have much money or political allies. Even more, it finally hit me: these people have no close family ties to speak of, so therefore we haven't heard a peep from any family member speaking up for their loved ones. From what I could tell, Teresa Davis and her family was these people's family (accepted these outcasts as their own and spent time with them, in good and bad periods).

Perfect scenerio for a sociopathic abuse or exploitation. Or in this case, more like a brutal home invasion by thugs who tore up a weak little family because they, well, could. And were sure no one like you would sound the alarm and shine a spotlight on their crime.

I believe that regular Americans with some sense of decency still left in this area should pitch in and help these people out during their time of emergency. And show king McDermott and his cronies that we little nobodies united are more powerful than all his ill-gotten gains and crooked connections.

If the people in the Middle East can do it, why can't we Americans, the promoters of democracy, liberty, and human rights around the world?

For his thugs monitoring this blog, straighten up now or we the people will do it for you. Your tough words don't scared this old Vietnam Vet.
MARCH 10, 2011 7:46 AM

 Anonymous said...
I think in the old Paradise Center group it got down to staff being Co-Dependent toward their clients. It previous post that Teresa had her phone open 24/7. I have heard how much time Teresa and Steves daughter has spent at Paradise Center. Elizabeth should have been allowed to have a normal childhood. Not having to spend her vacations and holidays with mentally ill patients. It was stated patients have severe mental illness. If Elizabeth grows up to be normal it will be a miracle. Folks in all the post no one has shown any concern for Elizabeth. I being a parent myself have my own concerns for this grade schooler.
MARCH 11, 2011 9:00 PM

 Hypocrite Hater said...
WOW, MHMR lapdog hiding behind anonymous commenter on 03/11. Despite your obviously phony concern for this little girl, your contempt for PEOPLE afflicted with serious and disabling mental illnesses shine through like a laser beam from your dark heart...if there is one at all.

How desperate, vindictive, and twisted you are to try and attack a child now. Surely you have kept your child from these "psychos" in order to protect him/her from catching these contagious diseases. He/she would make a good replacement for the current MHMR-TC executives. Bravo for you, a person who makes money off of the very people you have such disdain for. Can you not get a job in another field? How sad for you, and ironic, that you can only get hired at MHMR-TC and forced to work with the inferior people who have so little regard for as human beings. Sweet irony and justice actually, you MHMR hypocrite.

Must not be too smart or much of a human being to feel and think this way.

I bet the clients avoid you like the plague, huh?
MARCH 16, 2011 12:12 AM

Elizabeth the extra normal kid :D said...
Hi I'm Elizabeth [the little girl].My dad is giving me permission to writ this letter and he is superviosing what I'm doing right now.

I agree with Hyprocrite Hater because a person cannot catch mental illness from being around people who i've been around my whole life.

Don't worry about me because my mother always asks me if I want to go volunteer at Paradise Center[so called the drop-in center now] and help the guys who are like my 2nd family.Sometimes I stay home with my dad or play with friends but most of the time I chose to go and help because I like to help people and those people like to be around a kid since almost all of them don't have kids of their own or know any body with a kid who's not afraid of them or look down on them because they're mentally ill.

I also help them with even the smallest things like taking someone home,shopping for the snack bar,or just going to visit my mom at work.

Until we adopted my dog Max 2 years ago the guys at paradise center call me they're mascot.

I don't have a normal childhood but that's the way I like it because I get to know peoples stories and learn about they're problems.Plus I'm learning that even an eight year old can do some thing tio help people have a better life.My mom might miss a reciatle or something but I know she missed it for a great cause.My parents say I'm more mature than my friends because of being around adults who care about me like I care about them.

For example I have a hole in my heart and one of the guys that I've known my whole life tries to win the lottery money for my surgery. THIS PART MAY MAKE YOU CRY BECAUSE IT JUST MADE MY DAD CRY.

By the way anonymous let's just Hope you're a normal person too!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just so you all know ,adding people's names and then accusing them about doing something is just PLAIN WRONG!!GROW UP AND BE A NORMAL PERSON!
MARCH 16, 2011 10:34 AM