Reports: Investigations
Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Grantee Failed to Complete National Service Criminal History Check
RSVP of Tulsa demonstrated a lack of due diligence in ensuring the RSVP grant was properly administered.
Grantee Submitted False Claims, Improperly Charged for Unallowable Match, and Directed AmeriCorps Members to Displace Staff.
CNCS-OIG received a hotline allegation that Center for People in Need (CFPIN), Lincoln, NE, improperly managed various aspects of the CFPIN AmeriCorps program.
Improper Use of AmeriCorps Resources and Unauthorized Use of Match Funds.
An anonymous complainant alleged Center for Family Services (CFS), Camden, NJ, directed AmeriCorps members (member) to displace paid staff. In addition, members were submitting fraudulent timesheets.
Failure to Follow Guidelines, Policies and Procedures
CNCS-OIG received an allegation that a CNCS State Program Officer may have falsified documents when she awarded a VISTA grant.
The investigation found no evidence that the employee falsified documents pertaining to the awarding of the VISTA grant; however, the employee failed to follow the VISTA Desk Reference guidelines when she failed to obtain the proper documents and verify the 501(c) (3) nonprofit status before awarding the VISTA grant.
AmeriCorps Members Displaced Staff While Performing Service
CNCS-OIG investigation disclosed that YMCA staff violated 45 CFR § 2540.100(f) Nondisplacement, when they knowingly allowed 13 AmeriCorps members to fill vacant staff daycare teachers and assistant teacher positions with the YMCA’s School Age Learning Center program for up to three months until the YMCA could hire suitable employees.
Agency management concurred with CNCS-OIG recommendations and took the following action: (1) disallowed and recouped $22,312 in stipend payments disbursed to thirteen members placed in staff positions; (2) disallowed and recouped $22, 237.86 in Segal Education
AmeriCorps Grantee Executive Director Found Guilty and Debarred for Submitting Fraudulent Timesheets
A joint investigation with the Lordsburg New Mexico Police Department found that Ms. Mary Cristina Ortiz, Executive Director,
The Wellness Coalition, Lordsburg, NM, defrauded the U.S. Government when she allowed two AmeriCorps members (Ms. Ortiz’
children) to submit timesheets that falsely claim they performed AmeriCorps service in Lordsburg, NM, while they attended
college in another state. Ms. Ortiz actions resulted in the loss of $16,500 in Federal funds.