Child Development Inc. Employees Lose Benefits
By: Brittney Johnson, KARK 4 News
Updated: February 8, 2012
Another blow to employees of Russellville based Child Development Incorporated. First they went without paychecks, now they're missing out on their benefits.
Many employees for the federally funded head start programs continued going to work even after they learned their checks would be delayed while CDI sorted through money troubles last week. Tuesday, they learned they weren't the only ones not getting paid.
CDI teacher Tabitha Shelton is still reeling from the domino effect set off when her job couldn't pay her for weeks.
Shelton said, "I'm beyond hurt, I've trusted these people, I've given these kids all that I have for my job."
Tuesday while riding back from her father-in-law's funeral, she received a text message from a fellow employee, saying their health insurance was terminated.
"It's very important, I've had some recent health issues so I need this insurance. I pay for it and it should be mine to have," said Shelton.
Shelton pulled out her checks and saw she had been paying for health insurance and contributing to her retirement fund. But turns out, for the past few months, CDI was not.
"Who is going to be stuck paying the bill now that I have no health coverage," she said.
A spokesperson told KARK they just found out about the insurance problems this week, even though employee benefits have been terminated since January 1st, 2012.
Now they're banking on an outside audit to to help expose where the missing money has gone.
Already in the hole, the Sheltons are bracing themselves for medical bills they thought were covered.
"I'm afraid we're not going to have jobs much longer and that hurts me," said Shelton.
Another agency, Community Development Incorporated has taken over CDI's management of head start programs because of the budget shortfall. Employees say they're being told they will have to reapply for their jobs. We've also learned First Baptist Church of Danville is holding a soup day event Friday, February 10th from 10:30-2pm and 4-6:30pm to raise money for Danville employees affected by the budget problems.
Many employees for the federally funded head start programs continued going to work even after they learned their checks would be delayed while CDI sorted through money troubles last week. Tuesday, they learned they weren't the only ones not getting paid.
CDI teacher Tabitha Shelton is still reeling from the domino effect set off when her job couldn't pay her for weeks.
Shelton said, "I'm beyond hurt, I've trusted these people, I've given these kids all that I have for my job."
Tuesday while riding back from her father-in-law's funeral, she received a text message from a fellow employee, saying their health insurance was terminated.
"It's very important, I've had some recent health issues so I need this insurance. I pay for it and it should be mine to have," said Shelton.
Shelton pulled out her checks and saw she had been paying for health insurance and contributing to her retirement fund. But turns out, for the past few months, CDI was not.
"Who is going to be stuck paying the bill now that I have no health coverage," she said.
A spokesperson told KARK they just found out about the insurance problems this week, even though employee benefits have been terminated since January 1st, 2012.
Now they're banking on an outside audit to to help expose where the missing money has gone.
Already in the hole, the Sheltons are bracing themselves for medical bills they thought were covered.
"I'm afraid we're not going to have jobs much longer and that hurts me," said Shelton.
Another agency, Community Development Incorporated has taken over CDI's management of head start programs because of the budget shortfall. Employees say they're being told they will have to reapply for their jobs. We've also learned First Baptist Church of Danville is holding a soup day event Friday, February 10th from 10:30-2pm and 4-6:30pm to raise money for Danville employees affected by the budget problems.
Comments
This is not right on so many levels.....Yes they got rid of two employees over this scandal. Is really that simple? Come on people think! There are more to blame here. What about the Board? They are present for every meeting and get regular reviews! They are acting like they didn't know anything PLEASE! They are part of the cover up and in the process putting the blame on two people. Some of these board memebers are heads at Arkansas Tech. Didn't they just have a scandal uncovered too? Coincidence? I think not! They know so much more then what they are telling. If I was a current employee I would air ALL of CDI's trash! Believe me I tried. Maybe if I had more back up then this wouldn't be going on now!
Carrie C.
February 8, 2012 at 12:53 am
