*UPDATED 16SEP23 7AM: Notice to Preserve Evidence. JUSTICE OR A PUBLIC RELATIONS DEFLECTION while Assigning Blame to Teresa Bacon? Reference the unaccountable, inadequate and ineffectual @washoecounty #2 #3 tweet response. Come on Washoe County, do a cover up.. #denial-admission #preserve-your-documents
Uncovering Abuse of Power at Washoe County Cares Campus
In a shocking turn of events, the Washoe County Cares Campus, managed by Dana Searcy and contracted to The Volunteers of America, has become a stage for unprofessionalism, abuse of power, and prejudice. On the night of September 13, 2023, at 7:30 PM, Teresa Bacon, a resident of Cares Campus, was abruptly removed from the facility as punishment for her courageous act of speaking out against the status quo. Her offense? Attending the Washoe County Community Homeless Advisory Board Meeting (CHAB) and delivering a heartfelt three-minute comment, exposing the harsh reality that contradicted the overly positive reports of Washoe County Division Director of Housing and Homeless Services Dana Searcy and complacent board members. And how dare Teresa Bacon, she spoke with Lily Barron and the statement Teresa made to Lily was played during public comment at the City of Reno Council meeting on September 13, 2023.
Teresa Bacon’s testimony, which was subsequently aired on KTVN news on September 11, 2023, caught the attention of The Volunteers of America’s Scott Benton, Shelter Director of Nevada Cares Campus. In response, he unleashed a wave of retaliation against her, culminating in her unjust removal from the Cares Campus. You might wonder where Scott Benton hails from? Before joining VOA and clawing his way up over the last five years, Scott was a clerical ‘scheduler’ at SpineNevada and prior to that worked at various office manager jobs. Scott’s got a BA/BS in English and Psychology from the UNLV, he’s also a notary which must come in handy at the Cares Campus.
This investigative report will delve deep into the series of events leading up to Teresa Bacon’s expulsion, shedding light on the abuses of power and unprofessional conduct exhibited by the Cares Campus staff. We will also scrutinize the questionable actions of key individuals involved, calling for accountability and justice for Teresa Bacon.
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I. The Whistleblower’s Testimony: A Voice of Dissent
On September 11, 2023, during the CHAB meeting, Teresa Bacon dared to break the silence surrounding the harsh conditions at Washoe County Cares Campus. In order to be able to speak in front of the CHAB meeting Teresa had had to walk to the county complex from the Cares Campus. In a three-minute comment, she bravely refuted the overly optimistic reports presented by Dana Searcy and her self-congratulatory board members, Alexis Hill, Christopher Dahir, Ed Lawson, Kathleen Taylor, and Miguel Martinez, except for Mike Clark. It was a stark contrast to the chorus of praise and self-commendation that had become the norm.
Board member Mike Clark, demonstrating skepticism, questioned various aspects of the Searcy report, indicating that not everything was as rosy as portrayed. Teresa Bacon’s testimony was the voice of dissent, the cry for accountability in an environment where criticism and accountability was unwelcome.
II. Retaliation Begins: Threats and Insults
The consequences of Teresa Bacon’s courageous act were swift and severe. On September 12, 2023, Scott Benton, VOA Shelter Director of Nevada Cares Campus, confronted her for “disrespecting him” and openly threatened to “put her out” of the facility. This threat, a clear abuse of power, bullying and harassment, left Teresa Bacon in a state of fear and uncertainty with no place to go to spend the night except on the street.
Upon her return to the Cares Campus after her work shift, many staff members, rather than fostering a supportive environment, subjected her to derogatory comments, saying “she looked stupid on TV.” This incident sheds light on the chaotic atmosphere and abusive nature of the Cares Campus, indicating a dire need for reform.
III. Unjust Expulsion: The Final Blow
The culmination of the retaliation against Teresa Bacon occurred on the night of September 13, 2023, when she was approached by a staff member named Kim and Cares Campus security at approximately 7:30 PM. She was informed that she needed to gather her belongings and leave the Cares Campus for a period of 24 hours. The reason? Her testimony before the CHAB, which had exposed the facility’s flaws and mistreatment of residents. County Manger Eric Brown and Housing and Homeless Services Manager Dana Searcy call the residents at the Cares Campus ‘guests’ and nothing could be further from the truth. They threw out a defenseless woman at 7:30PM on 4th Street with her belongings. We’d like to know if Brown or Searcy could survive on 4th Street at 9PM.
This action directly contravened Washoe County’s approved reasons for expulsion, as stated by Washoe County Spokesperson Bethany Dysdale. The only justifiable grounds for permanent sit-out, according to the official policy, include assault and battery with a weapon, sexual assault, possession of a firearm, sale of illegal drugs, intentionally setting a fire, and recruitment of others into sex trafficking. None of these criteria applied to Teresa Bacon’s case.
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IV. Nevada Liberty’s Call to Action
In the wake of these disturbing events, Nevada Liberty, a watchdog organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of individuals, has sprung into action. The organization has contacted Commissioner Mike Clark, urging a full investigation into the lack of oversight by Eric Brown, the conduct of Dana Searcy, Scott Benton, and his staff member “Kim,” as well as other staff members involved in the unjust expulsion of Teresa Bacon.
Furthermore, Nevada Liberty calls upon Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks to intervene and demand the immediate reinstatement of Teresa Bacon at Cares Campus to ensure she does not find herself on the streets on September 14, 2023. It is an urgent matter of justice and safety for Teresa Bacon, who was subjected to punitive and arbitrary actions for speaking her truth.
V. The Need for Reform: Eliminating Arbitrary and Abusive Behavior
Beyond seeking justice for Teresa Bacon, Nevada Liberty demands a comprehensive review of the decision-making process at the Cares Campus. The organization advocates for reforms that will prevent arbitrary, punitive, and abusive actions by the staff, ensuring the facility truly serves its intended purpose of assisting and supporting those experiencing homelessness.
Conclusion
The Washoe County Cares Campus, overseen by Eric Brown, managed by Dana Searcy and contracted to The Volunteers of America, has come under intense scrutiny due to the unprofessional, abusive, and prejudicial actions of its staff. The removal of resident Teresa Bacon as retaliation for her courageous act of whistleblowing has exposed a dark underbelly that cannot be ignored.
This investigative report has shed light on the sequence of events that led to Teresa Bacon’s unjust expulsion, highlighting the abuse of power, intimidation and bullying tactics, and harassment she endured. Nevada Liberty’s call to action emphasizes the need for accountability, justice, and systemic reforms to prevent future abuses at the Cares Campus.
The fate of Teresa Bacon hangs in the balance, as does the credibility of the Washoe County Cares Campus and those entrusted with its management. The world watches, waiting for justice to prevail and for a fair and supportive environment to be restored for the vulnerable Washoe County residents in need.
*Justice or Deflection while Assigning Blame to Teresa Bacon?
Preserve your records Eric Brown/Dana Searcy/VOA Washoe County.
Washoe County cannot and will not reveal personal information about those using our programs and services. For that reason, it may look like we’re not doing anything at all, but the truth is that we cannot discuss what we are doing for those in our care. (1)
— Washoe County (@washoecounty) September 15, 2023
While Ms. Bacon had to leave the Cares Campus for 24 hrs, we held a bed for her and continued to work on her behalf while she was gone. She is welcome to return to the Cares Campus and will be required to follow the conduct rules like every other participant in our programs. (3)
— Washoe County (@washoecounty) September 15, 2023
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https://www.facebook.com/piconpressmedia/posts/pfbid0CzfveFEFAc7kfAD4paSctVyyR2KpmPLSzwHZtLpH1iDhB3AtNPocDia4AsDaqLJal
RGJ EDITORIAL KATHLEEN TAYLOR CHAB BOARD MEMBER & APPOINTED RENO CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
🇺🇸🗽 Unveiling The Dark Side Of Washoe County Cares Campus: Abuse Of Power And Retaliation Against Whistleblower Teresa Bacon 👉 LEARN MORE: https://t.co/GjwANPyDAR @washoecounty @Vol_of_America #NevadaCaresCampus #AbuseofPower #Retaliation #Whistleblower pic.twitter.com/NMDtvq9nEZ
— Nevada Liberty 🇺🇸 (@Nevada_Liberty) September 14, 2023
