Former clients and employees of a Butler County nonprofit agency that deals with victims of domestic violence are alleging discrimination and other abuses in the organization.

Adriane Johnson of Butler, a former resident of the VOICe shelter, said she experienced discrimination by the staff of the Victim Outreach Intervention Center.

“It was a lot of racism,” she said in an interview.

Johnson said she also was discriminated against because of her sexual orientation.

“There wasn’t any help,” she said.

Aleshia Hough of Butler, a former employee who was among those laid off in 2011 by VOICe for budgetary reasons, said conditions at the agency are bad.

“I would not go back,” Hough said.

She also alleges VOICe is ridden with misappropriation of funds, forged documents, embellished records, failure to provide adequate programming and services as well as being an oppressive work environment.

Betsy Duncan, VOICe board president, said the allegations would be investigated.

“If there is currently any problem with a lack of inclusiveness for staff as well as consumers, that’s not something I can tolerate,” Duncan said. “It violates my principles. Without question, there will be some further exploration.”

Hough, who was VOICe’s director of shelter services, served as a spokeswoman for a contingent expressing their concerns about the agency to the county commissioners at their meeting Wednesday.

Robert Marchese, VOICe executive director, previously met with Hough, who was an employee before his tenure, to discuss her concerns.

According to a statement emailed to the Butler Eagle, he asked her to bring former clients to meet with him, but nothing was scheduled.

“I have repeatedly asked Ms. Hough to begin a dialogue with myself, anyone of this staff or our board of directors to solve this unnecessary cycle, but have not received any indication from Ms. Hough to begin problem solving,” Marchese stated.

Hough said during a second interview that the former clients don’t have any confidence that the agency will address their concerns.

Duncan said she is open to any talk with these former workers and clients.

“I am truly distressed they have no faith,” she said.

Hough said the agency needs to do more than bring in a new executive director, which was done after complaints were lodged to the VOICe board.

She said new staff brought in to make changes in the past weren’t supported and eventually left.

She and others say problems were rampant under former executive director Elizabeth Clarke-Smith, who retired in September 2011, and not enough has been done since then to change how the agency operates.

“That’s the reason I came forward,” Hough said.

She said the problems can’t be solved without doing more than bringing in a new executive director.

Duncan said VOICe won’t stop trying to heighten its service.

“Quality improvement is not a finite process,” she said.

Clarke-Smith could not be reached for comment. There was no phone number listing under her name.

Duncan, who joined the board in February 2011, said a group of employees expressed concerns about the agency’s leadership and work environment before Clarke-Smith’s retirement.

“I have no knowledge of misappropriation or forged documents,” she said.

According to Marchese, there are no recorded complaints from clients.

“A review of our standard outcome measurements upon client discharge from shelter care indicates not one negative comment was identified on discharge surveys,” he said in the e-mail.

Marchese also stated there are no financial improprieties.

“Our agency has received clean annual audits with absolutely no recommendations or corrections,” he said.

Hough said when she discovered information for grant applications was falsified, she was told agency staff “do it all the time.”

She also alleges employee time sheets were forged.

Marchese said in an interview none of those activities are occurring.

“I know that’s not taking place now,” he said.

Marchese stressed he couldn’t speak for what happened before he became director this year, but said it would be difficult to circumvent rules for such documenting processes.

Deanna Mellish, another former VOICe client, said she and her children never received enough help after they had to leave their home.

“They’re not there for victims,” Mellish said about the staff. “They’re there for the paychecks.”

She said programs such as therapy in group sessions are ineffective for people in her situation because they’re geared to substance abuse.

Mellish also claims she was threatened with eviction from the shelter if she didn’t follow directions from the staff, which included not reporting infractions by other shelter residents.

She said VOICe didn’t provide her with sufficient financial aid.

“I got very little financial help,” Mellish said.

After committing to buying a mobile home, Mellish was told there was no assistance for that option.

Another former employee, Jeanne Bish, said Hough was discriminated against because she is black.

Bish, who is white, said other white women used racial slurs.

According to Marchese, current staff have not expressed any concerns.

“They are comfortable with our internal reorganization,” he stated.

Bish said VOICe laid off workers then filled those jobs with other people.

The agency has 41 employees.

Marchese stated he met with five former staffers, including Hough.

“Each was asked if they were seeking employment, and all responded they were not, instead seeking closure about their previous employment,” he said.

During the commissioners meeting, Hough stressed she’s not a disgruntled former employee.

“Despite my commitment and passion for the work, I chose to leave the workplace rather than succumb to the effects of a hostile, abusive and demoralizing work environment,” she said.

Hough said more women would come forward, but they fear retaliation.

“They fear retaliation from VOICe staff almost as much as they fear their abusers,” she said. “Other survivors have said it is safer to be home with my abuser than to endure the mistreatment and disrespect received while under the services of VOICe.”

Hough also chided VOICe and the county district attorney’s office for losing a $400,000 federal grant. Some of that funding went to VOICe.

The agency previously requested the commissioners increase funding to help offset the loss of the grant.

Hough asked the commissioners to consider whether VOICe is ensuring effective, efficient and safe services to victims of violent crime.

Commissioner Bill McCarrier, board chairman, said in an interview that he was blindsided by Hough’s remarks because he thought she was only going to talk about the loss of the grant funding.

McCarrier said Wednesday’s comments were the first he’s heard about the numerous allegations.

Carmine Scotece, director of county human services, also was unaware of the allegations.

“That was new information to me,” he said.

Marchese stated the agency is concerned that the allegations may deter victims from seeking services from VOICe.

“VOICe’s message to Butler County survivors is to please know that we will continue to be here for you just as we always have,” he said.

Hough said despite the issues surrounding VOICe, the agency still serves a vital role.

“I know there are good things coming out of VOICe,” she said.