Dear Ms. Taylor,
This letter is to confirm receipt of your letter dated February 1, 2010 regarding your decision to terminate me from participating in programs offered by Community Women Against Hardship.
I was somewhat surprise in receiving your letter, since my sister and I came to your office on Tuesday February 2, 2010 to discuss the circumstances surrounding the confusion in regards to picking up items, which were previous authorize for me to receive. Upon arriving at the center, your assistant stated that you refuse to see or speak with me.
But, I am not surprise by your actions or reaction to the event. To send me a letter, refusing me services and then threatening to call the police, displays your poor perceived attitude towards poor black women. This is after you chose not to speak or meet with me after the incident. I have been disappointed and dismayed since my acceptance into your program, not in the programs offered by the center, but in your actions and comments, as well as, members of your staff, regarding myself and other clients whom seek your center’s assistance. You and your staff display bad and condescending attitudes toward black low-income young women. The comments such as; “you people” is a tell all. Your mandatory rules, of demanding a social worker to come into our homes and to look through our refrigerators, closets, etc., etc., is absurd. This is the 21st century and the current Department of Social Services has not practice this action since the early 1960s. This action is very belittling and degrading. If your staff cannot visit our homes and discuss with us in a regular comfortable and consensual setting of our needs, then this practice should stop.
It also should be noted the constant favoritism shown among clients by you and your staff is despicable and should be ceased. You yourself had stated in group setting the Center and its staff has been accused of this in the past. The way you and your staff hand out donated items or allow certain clients to visit and receive items from the clothing boutique and warehouse is wrong. Other clients beside me have observed this many times. The incident in which I wanted my daughter to participate in the GED class was very disappointing. My daughter, who is 24, has two children and who had to move back into my house, wanted to join this class, so she could possibly better herself and have a better opportunity acquiring good employment. We were told by you, this was a conflict of interest, however, there are other mother and daughter participants in other programs.
In addition, I thought there should be some confidentiality as to our participation in your program unless we specifically give you and your staff the authority to divulge information involving us at the center. I did not appreciate the fact that you discussed my circumstances with members of my extended family without my prior approval or knowledge. My question and concern now is what did you actually tell them and are you doing this freely with every client of the center. Every person, every client should be treated fairly and with respect. We do talk among ourselves and I’m sure many things will come out in some of the group sessions with Dr. Irving.
I don’t know if you know it or not, but I am a small business owner and have been since 1996. I have employed over 15 low-income City Residents and have paid livable wages of $15.00 to $22.37 per hour. I used to reside in public housing, but because of the success of my business I moved out and purchased my own three story, five bedroom, brick home. Because of the economic and financial crisis which has really hit St. Louis, my business has suffered dramatically. This is the main reason it was suggested that I participate in your program and be able to take advantage of some opportunities to better myself that I missed, by running my own business. However, you and your staff have a perceived notion, that all low-income black women who come to your facility are, poor, have low self-esteem, illiterate and are solely dependent upon your services. This is truly very, very sad.
Please be advised I will be contacting your Board of Directors, Sponsors and Supporters, as well as, the City of St. Louis to inquire and report about your current operating methodologies. I truly believe your agency needs to have a complete audit done, Federal, State and Locally; including speaking with your past and current clients to ensure complete fairness and respect of all your cliental is part of your programs outreach. As well as, ensuring your supporters and sponsors that their donated resources and services are reaching your participants in an equal fashion and disbursement.
