Group caring for disabled shocked to lose state contract - WSMV Channel 4
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A non-profit organization charged with caring for the disabled has found itself in trouble with the state.
The group provides care to people with severe disabilities, but something went wrong and the state canceled the contract. And the woman in charge said it didn't have to happen.
The state contracts with groups like one in Manchester known by the name Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.
"We serve people that's mentally and physically disabled," said Executive Director Joyce Harris. "This is just where my heart is. My heart is with the disabled."
Harris started the nonprofit several years ago, and over that time it helped nine clients in the Manchester area and hired dozens of people.
Things seemed to be going well, so you can imagine the surprise sparked by a letter hand-delivered by the state a few days ago canceling the nonprofit's contract.
"I had no warning this was coming," Harris said.
The state commissioner in charge would not explain the agency's decision.
Instead, he simply said the state "tries to do what's in the best interest of patients."
"How can it possibly be in the best interest?" Harris said. "How can this be when I have worked so hard and done such a good job and been such a good provider?"
Harris said she was never told she had done anything wrong, and the news was especially tough to take for her because her daughter, Jessica, has cerebral palsy and also receives care from the group.
"There's not another agency here, so we're just terrified for her. And she is terrified, too," Harris said.
Supporters, families and several would-be clients rallied support Wednesday at Manchester City Hall, believing Harris, the nonprofit and people like Jessica deserve a fight.
Supporters said they hope a petition will encourage Gov. Bill Haslam and lawmakers to reconsider the state's decision. The nonprofit doesn't have an appeal option, but Harris said she contacted an attorney and will consider suing the state.
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