Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich thrown out of office: People of Illinois happy

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich thrown out of office - Yahoo! News

My God’s Word says “…Touch not the head of my anointed…” All those who have persecuted me and others, my God will persecute and destroy them. In the words of a Gospel singer, “How great is my God, sing with me; How great is my God, and all will see; How great, How great is our God.”

Now we can focus on the Sheridan Project, the Illinois Department of Corrections and the people who may have bought their Illinois Department of Correction contracts from Governor Blagojevich and criminal regime. His criminal regime is still in place. Governor Pat Quinn will have to clean house in the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and Illinois Department of Central Management. The poison is still there.

President Barack Obama: Bias and Prejudice Investigation by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

January 29, 2009

Honorable President of the United States
Mr. Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

CERTIFIED MAIL

Re: Bias and Prejudice Investigation by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Mr. President:

Please excuse me from taking your valuable time away from governing our country, but I must submit this writing seeking advocacy for shared beliefs in an honorable employment system free from discrimination and indifferent treatment along with responsible government intervention when an employment entity compromises the laws governing employment practices. At this time in your Presidency, it appears your priorities are focused on the economy and employment. This writing addresses both priorities. You signed a bill today, January 29, 2009, requiring women to get equal pay in employment, which also expands the time for filing discrimination claims. The lady to whom the bill reflects battled the powers to be for equal rights and pay for everyone. My fight is similar. I have been battling with the powers to be for equal employment under the law.

I filed 2 charges, one on April 16, 2007 and one on May 12, 2008, for employment discrimination based on race, sex, age and retaliation against the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and WestCare Foundation, Inc. (WestCare) with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which has been severely hindered and nefariously interrupted with biases and prejudices by staff of the Chicago District office of EEOC.

Facts: I applied for a counseling employment position with Gateway Foundation, Inc. (Gateway) on or about April 2005. Gateway had the State of Illinois counseling contract with IDOC at Sheridan Correctional Center (Sheridan). IDOC refused my employment and security clearance. I appealed IDOC’s decision. One of the issues for my denial of employment with IDOC was that I visited my brother while he was in prison. I was not a convicted felon when I visited my brother. In April of 2006 I was granted a security clearance to work at Sheridan.

I reported for work on May 1, 2006. On June 6, 2006 AFSCME the union had a strike at Sheridan. I tried to come to work and cross the picket line. Sheridan’s Warden Michael Rothwell denied me access to work. Warden Rothwell and a person who identified himself as an Assistant Director in Springfield informed me I could not cross the picket lines and go to work. They would not tell me why I could not cross the picket lines.

I filed for unemployment compensation. I was denied because IDOC said I was off from work because of misconduct. Upon successful appeal with the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) I received my benefits. I was identified as “non-participatory” with IDES in this matter. IDES reported in its summary “…The unemployment of the “non-participatory” claimant-appellants is not due to a work stoppage caused by the labor dispute…there was one efficient cause of the claimants’ unemployment and it was not the labor dispute. It was the unilateral actions of IDOC…The actions of IDOC were a separate and the only cause of the claimant’s unemployment.” After this decision and my return to employment on September 6, 2006 I was retaliated against by IDOC personnel and the administration at Sheridan.

I suffered race, sex, and age discrimination in my job duties, promotions and job placement at Sheridan with IDOC personnel and WestCare employees. I was denied supervisory promotions several times while white and black females, younger than me, were placed in the supervisory position with less experience than I. I was discriminated against when IDOC and its staff denied me access to work while allowing white males and females, younger than me, to cross the picket lines. Yet, EEOC says I have no case. EEOC has all the documents I am sending you.

Ms. Janel Smith is the investigator on my cases with EEOC. I have complained continuously to her supervisor since filing my charges about her biases and prejudices toward me and my endeavors for EEOC to litigate my charges against IDOC and WestCare. Finally, I wrote President Bush whose office forwarded my complaint to Chicago’s District office Director, Mr. John P. Rowe, where my EEOC charge is filed. I thought Mr. Rowe would monitor the process.

These events are documented in detail on my blogs. The letter to President Bush is posted on your website. I will be posting this letter on your website. My intention by posting this issue is to demonstrate the inadequacy of EEOC and the discriminatory practices of IDOC and WestCare. Also, I believe there is an unethical and unnatural partnership between EEOC and IDOC, along with WestCare. Let us not forget about Governor Blagojevich and Illinois politics. This is real.

Sir, it is rare we find someone of your integrity and honesty. Even though you practiced law in Chicago, you did not taint your character and behavior. For that, I applaud you. Since the EEOC is a Federal entity, I plead with you for your intervention. Ms. Janel Smith informed me on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 and on Thursday, January 29, 2009, that my charges with EEOC were being terminated. On Tuesday I asked Ms. Smith did IDOC tell her why they took my security clearance. Ms. Smith told me that IDOC did not want me working at Sheridan. On Thursday Ms. Smith told me that IDOC and WestCare told her I was locked out for poor performance and misconduct. I wrote a letter to Director Roger Walker on July 30, 2008 requesting a reason for being lockout of Sheridan and my employment. Mr. Walker never answered my certified letter to him. I asked Ms. Smith did IDOC and WestCare provide written documentation for this charge against me. Ms. Smith said they sent her the same documents I gave her. What does this mean? I told Ms. Smith that WestCare sent me a letter telling me that I was terminated because IDOC locked me out. I informed Ms. Smith that I worked for WestCare and not for IDOC. Therefore, how could IDOC say that I was locked out for poor performance and misconduct?

It seems strange as I told Ms. Smith that she would call me now after I e-mailed her last week requesting status on my charges. It appears on its face that she decided as she has tried to do all of last year to dismiss my charges. Ms. Smith once told me that EEOC does not have the manpower or resources to properly address the discriminatory charges I bring before it.

Where I do I fit in this scenario? I guess I get sacrificed. I guess IDOC’s discriminatory actions continue. Sheridan’s substance abuse program is supposed to reduce recidivism. How can it promote such a charge if it is not willing to work with those who have rehabilitated themselves? It may be due to my personal rehabilitation because IDOC had nothing to do with mine. I am enclosing the following documents with this correspondence:

EEOC charges 440-2007-04512 (original and amended) & 440-2008-05507

Illinois Department of Human Rights control #s 090714051 (WestCare) & 090714051 (IDOC)

Initial letter to Rod Blagojevich dated June 6, 2006 regarding IDOC denying access to cross the picket lines at Sheridan

Illinois Department of Employment Security responses to my claim for benefits (discharge for misconduct, Labor Dispute Determination (I appealed decision), Recommended Decision after appeal, Decision of the Director of Employment Security giving me my unemployment benefits)

Termination letter from WestCare Foundation Inc.

Letter to Governor Blagojevich dated May 12, 2008

Letter to President Bush dated May 19, 2008

Letter received from EEOC Director John P. Rowe dated June 23, 2008 responding to President Bush’s letter

Letter to IDOC Director Mr. Roger Walker and Asst. Director Deanne Benos dated July 30, 2008 requesting a reason for taking my security clearance

Appellate Court decision Fred Nance Jr. v. J.D. Vieregge et al

Profile of Judge Paul Foxgrover from an Internet address http://www.ipsn.org/foxg.html

Petition for Post Conviction Relief filed by Attorney Roosevelt Thomas, my 3rd lawyer in my conviction case

Respectfully submitted,

Fred Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS

cc:

President Obama’s website and Certified Mail
Mr. Patrick Quinn, Governor of Illinois (Certified Mail)
Mr. John P. Rowe, District Director, Chicago District Office (fax this letter only)http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/
http://click.townhall.com/
http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/
http://www.frednance.newsvine.com/

Black Star Project Joins Open Society Institute's Campaign for Black Male Achievement

The Black Star Project Joins Open Society Institute's Campaign for Black Male Achievement   Focus will be on the Million Father March and recruiting Black men as tutors and mentors in the lives of young Black males     Chicago, January 22, 2009-The Black Star Project will receive $50,000 from the Open Society Institute to support the Million Father March and a school-based rogram that engages Black men as mentors and tutors in the Chicago Public School System. The grant was awarded through OSI's Campaign for Black Male Achievement, a three-year grantmaking initiative to address, and help reverse, the ways in which African American boys and men are stigmatized, criminalized and excluded from the U.S. economic and political mainstream.   Even as Americans elected their first Black president, the end of 2008 saw an onslaught of dire reports on the educational, social and economic outcomes for Black males in America. Sky-high dropout rates for high-school students, an out-of-control murder rate for 14- to 17-year olds and a 72 percent unemployment rate for high-school dropouts paint a bleak forecast for young Black men.   The Black Star Project has joined with the Open Society Institute's Campaign for Black Male Achievement to address these issues.  With the support of the Campaign, Black Star will expand its successful Million Father March and also launch an initiative that uses school-based strategies to recruit Black male tutors and mentors.  Research by the National Fatherhood Initiative shows that children, male and female, perform better in school, at home and in life when their fathers take an active and positive role in their lives.  Additionally, Black male tutors and mentors provide measurable guidance for Black boys and young Black males in America.   "Black Star's combined strategy of national advocacy to increase fathers' participating in their children's education and local recruitment of male tutors will have a positive impact on young Black male students and their fathers," said Shawn Dove, manager of the Campaign for Black Male Achievement. "The Open Society Institute is proud to support The Black Star Project's efforts to improve life outcomes for Black boys and men."   Black Star Project programs include the Million Father March, which in 2008 occurred in 475 cities with 600,000 men taking their children back to school on the first day; the Fathers Club, where Black men and their children enhance bonds around educational, recreational and sporting venues and events; the Men in Schools Program, where men serve in schools as mentors, tutors, reading coaches, chaperones, hall guards, lunch-room monitors and playground supervisors, as well as board members; and Take a Black Male to Worship Day, where members of churches, mosques, temples, synagogues and other faith bodies invite young Black males into their worship services.   To learn more about the Open Society Institute's Campaign for Black Male Achievement please click on http://www.soros.org/initiatives/usprograms/focus/cbma.     Phillip Jackson is the founder and executive director of The Black Star Project in Chicago, Illinois. For more information about its work to educate and save a generation of young Black men, please call 773.285.9600, email blackstar1000@ameritech.net or visit www.blackstarproject.org.       Studies show...fathers  matter significantly!         63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (Source: U.S. D.H.H.S., Bureau of the Census)  90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes 85% of all children that exhibit behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes (Source: Center for Disease Control) 80% of rapists motivated with displaced anger come from fatherless homes (Source: Criminal Justice & Behavior, Vol 14, p. 403-26, 1978.)  71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes (Source: National Principals Report on the State of High Schools ) 75% of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes (Source: Rainbows for all God`s Children.) 70% of juveniles in state-operated institutions come from fatherless homes (Source: U.S. Dept. of Justice, Special Report, Sept 1988) 85% of all youths sitting in prisons grew up in a fatherless home (Source: Fulton Co. Georgia jail populations, Texas Dept. of Corrections 1992) These statistics show that children from a fatherless home are:   5 times more likely to commit suicide 32 times more likely to run away 20 times more likely to have behavioral disorders Boys are 14 times more likely to commit rape 9 times more likely to drop out of high school 10 times more likely to abuse chemical substances 9 times more likely to end up in a state-operated institution 20 times more like to end up in prison Fatherlessness is the single most important sociological issue of our day.  So how do we reverse the trend? All Pro Dad hopes to be a part of the solution. Click on Http://www.allprodad.com/ and find out more about us and how you can help be part of the answer.   Join The Black Star Project's  Fathers Club at the Museum of Science and Industry     Calling All Fathers, Stepfathers, Foster Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles, Brothers, Godfathers, Cousins, Mentors and other Male Caregivers! Join us at The Museum of Science and Industry     on    Saturday, January 31, 2009 10:00 am - 3:00 pm - FREE   at 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive Chicago, Illinois   Bring as many children as you can--grandchildren, nieces and nephews, younger siblings, or other children to this and future bi-monthly Fathers Club events as you can!  Female caregivers and individuals of all races are welcome to participate. To receive FREE admission to the Museum of Science and Industry, please confirm your attendance to this event by calling Bruce at 773.285.9600.  Black Star attendees will be admitted between 10:00 am and 11:30 am.   For more information on becoming a member of The Black Star Project and its Fathers Club, please call Bruce Walker or visit www.blackstarproject.org.    ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE. YOU MUST RSVP TO ATTEND THIS EVENT BY THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2009. The indoor, underground parking cost is $16.00 per vehicle.  You can also use public transportation to get to the museum.   Phillip Jackson, executive director of The Black Star Project, will keynote the Illinois Women in Educational Leadership for Diversity Conference   Friday-Saturday, January 30-31, 2009 Bradley University - Robert H. Michel Student Center - Peoria, Illinois     With this conference we plan to promote a statewide dialogue about best leadership practices to enhance academic learning in diverse environments. We seek to understand policy implications at the local, state and national levels that affect all stakeholders in diverse settings. And we hope that from this dialogue will emerge effective leadership practices to build inclusive learning communities where diversity is valued, respected and promoted.   Click here to view the full flyer         Email Marketing by The Black Star Project | 3473 South King Drive, Box 464 | Chicago | IL | 60616

Dr. Carl Bell's Prescription to Reduce Violence, Take a Black Male to Worship Day

Dr. Carl Bell's Keys to Reducing Violence and Re-Engaging Youth to Society     Dr. Carl C. Bell, M.D., F.A.P.A., FA.C.P. President & CEO Community Mental Health Center of Chicago   For over 30 years, Dr. Bell has practiced psychiatry. As an internationally recognized lecturer and author, he has given numerous presentations on mental wellness, violence prevention, and traumatic stress caused by violence. Most recently, he has participated as the Principle Investigator with CHAMP, an HIV/AIDS youth prevention research project in South Africa. He is the author of The Sanity of Survival: Reflections on Community Mental Health and Wellness and co-author of Suicide and Homicide Among Adolescents. Dr. Bell is also a clinical professor of psychiatry and public health at the University of Illinois School of Medicine.  In recognition of his efforts to reduce violence, he became the first recipient of the American Psychiatric Foundation's Minority Service Award in 2004. He is also the recipient of the American Psychiatric Association's Presidential Award.   Dr. Carl C. Bell's Seven Principles for Changing At-Risk Behavior and Cultivating Resiliency Among Youth   1.      Rebuilding the Village/Reweaving the social fabric/Recreating a sense of community   Reestablishing a sense of community by bringing together churches, schools, and families to create networks, organize resources and establish programs that provide support, safety and security for our youth. A sense of community also reinforces cultural identity.   2.      Providing access to ancient and modern technology to provide practical systems for the application of knowledge  Providing models, tools, skills and techniques to facilitate implementation of the concept or program (for example, mentoring, multi-family groups, how to cultivate resiliency and wellness, and manualized family interventions).   3.      Providing a sense of connectedness   Creating situations, programs and relationships that foster a sense of connection, attachment, and belonging to a larger group or a common goal. This counters feelings of alienation, helps provide feelings of security, and increases self-esteem. Again, reestablishing the village reinforces cultural identity and can be a platform for the delivery of cultural education. Well thought out rites of passage (e.g. the belt system of progression in Japanese martial arts) programs have been very effective in actualizing this principle.   4.      Providing opportunity to learn social & emotional skills    Providing social and emotional skills that people need to interact and communicate with each other. This not only increases self-esteem but effectiveness in relationships as well. These include parenting skills, refusal skills, negotiating skills, the capacity to remain calm in a crisis, and more.   5.      Providing opportunities to increasing self-esteem A.  Giving our children a sense of power (self-efficacy) by showing them they can do things for themselves and positively influence their own lives. For example, adopting healthy behaviors creates both a sense of wellness and an outcome of wellness. B.  Providing a  sense of models to help our young make sense of the world and teaching them how things work. Mentoring is a very powerful model that can be used to achieve this. A strong cultural value system is another. C.  Creating a sense of specialness and uniqueness as an individual or group. Clearly, knowing and respecting your culture gives you a sense of power by virtue of being connected to something valuable and strong. D.  Creating a sense of connectedness - encouraging bonding and connection to a culture, group or an idea. Teaching them their history and cultural significance creates a sense of power from being associated with a rich and powerful legacy. Spirituality is another powerful influence in encouraging connectedness.   6.      Providing an adult protective shield Providing an adult protective shield and monitoring speaks to providing supervision, discipline, and a caring adult presence. These foster a sense of safety and security. The concept of the village with multiple adult figures taking responsibility for the nurture and well-being of the village children is a concept that connects us to our culture and our spirituality. Wellness is also important in this respect. A child can be severely stressed by the illness of a caretaking adult, so it is in the best interest of the adult to adopt behaviors that promote wellness, both personally, and as a model for children to emulate.   7.      Minimizing trauma  Minimizing trauma - Developing an individual's spirituality, a person's sense of self-efficacy, helping create a sense of safety, and providing stress management skills as well as psychological first aid (see attached) to encourage a sense of self-mastery and turn helplessness into helpfulness are all examples of putting this principle into action.     You may contact Dr. Bell at:   Carl C. Bell, M.D. President/C.E.O. Community Mental Health Council 8704 S. Constance Chicago, IL 60617 (773) 734 - 4033 x 204 (office) www.thecouncil-online.org  carlcbell@pol.net   Join the National  "Take a Black Male to Worship" Day on Sunday, March 1, 2009 Phillip Jackson, executive director of The Black Star Project, delivered the Men's Day message at First Wesley Academy UMC in Harvey, Illinois on Sunday, December 14, 2008, as the kick-off of "Take a Black Male to Worship" day.  Please call Rev. Catherine Jackson at 773.285.9600 or email blackstar1000@ameritech.net if you would like for your church, mosque, synagogue or other faith-based organization to participate in this national effort to support Black males on or about March 1, 2009.         Phillip Jackson congratulates Rev. Charles Woolery on a great job of organizing the men of First Wesley Academy to work in the vineyards of young Black males in the city of Harvey, Illinois.   The churches listed below participated in The Black Star Project's "Take a Black Male to Worship" initiative on Sunday, December 21, 2008, or on their nearest day of worship.  If your faith institution did not participate, why not?    City                         Name of Church or Association                   Pastor or Representative Buffalo, New York       Zion Missionary Baptist Church                  Gregory Brice Chicago, Illinois         Pastors of the Englewood Community         Apostle Ulyesses Ruff, Sr. Chicago, Illinois         Gospel Temple Church of God and Christ    Eleder Sidney Grandberry Chicago, Illinois         True Vine of Holiness Missionary Baptist     Rev. Dr. Henderson Hill Chicago, Illinois         Cathedral Missionary Baptist Church           Rev. Otis L. Anderson Jr. Chicago. Illinois         God Seed Ministries                                  Pastor Glenn Bone Chicago, Illinois         Cathedral of Love Church                          Rev. Daniel Allen Chicago, Illinois         Inspirational Deliverance C.O.G.I.C.           Evangelist Shirley Hughes Chicago, Illinois         New Memorial Missionary Baptist Church     Rev. Roosevelt Walker, Jr. Chicago, Illinois         St. Mark Church                                       Rev. Ed Harris Chicago, Illinois         ABBA Church of Renewal Faith                   Rev. Sharyon Cosey Chicago, Illinois         Stone Temple Baptist Church                    Rev. Derrick M. Fitzpatrick Chicago, Illinois         New Pentecostal House of Glory                 Pastor Lafayette E. Young Sr. Cleveland, Ohio         St. James AME Church                              Mr. Steven Sims Detroit, Michigan        Liberty Baptist Church                               Rev. Steve Bland Harvey, Illinois           First Wesley Academy UMC                       Rev. Charles Woolery High Point, N.C.         Temple Memorial Baptist Church                Rev. Thomas A. Bannister Kansas City, Kansas   Cross Roads Christian Cathedral                Pastor P. T. Hood  Los Angeles, Calif.     Higher Order of Discipline Ministries            De'Niece Williams Mooresville, N. C.       St. Paul United Methodist Church                Rev. Donald McCoy Rockford, Illinois        Liberty Baptist Church                               Rev. Herbert Johnson, Jr. Take a Black boy or a young Black man between 2 and 32 years old to worship on Sunday, March 1, 2009.  Take them to any service--morning, afternoon or evening, to your church, mosque  synagogue or preferred place of worship because the battle to save Black boys is also, and especially, a spiritual battle.  This is a national program open to all faiths and denominations.  We have been told that some men and some faith leaders do not know where to find Black boys.  Too many Black boys are on street corners, at night clubs, affiliated (rolling) with street organizations and in prisons and jails.  Many others are struggling in elementary and high schools or are working low-wage jobs.    It is easy to find Black boys who need guidance and support, but it is hard to find Black men who will take an interest in these Black boys.  The harvest of Black boys in America is plentiful, but the laborers--Black men who are willing to work with these boys--are few.   Please ask your faith leader to ensure that your faith-based institution participates in this event.  If you wish to participate in or lead the effort in your city or at your faith-based institution on Sunday, March 1, 2009, or your day of worship near this date, please call Rev. Catherine Jackson at 773.285.9600 for an organizing kit. Attend the New Schools Expo at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois - Saturday, January 31, 2009   Black Parents Must Become Active Managers in their Children's Educational Lives     Please call 1-888-7-MYCHOICE for more information or visit    www.parentsforschoolchoice.org    "Those who control the education of the children, control the future of that race." - Phillip Jackson, The Black Star Project      For more information, please visit: http://www.parentsforschoolchoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=45  Phillip Jackson, executive director of The Black Star Project, will keynote the Illinois Women in Educational Leadership for Diversity Conference   Friday-Saturday, January 30-31, 2009 Bradley University - Robert H. Michel Student Center - Peoria, Illinois     With this conference we plan to promote a statewide dialogue about best leadership practices to enhance academic learning in diverse environments. We seek to understand policy implications at the local, state and national levels that affect all stakeholders in diverse settings. And we hope that from this dialogue will emerge effective leadership practices to build inclusive learning communities where diversity is valued, respected and promoted.   Click here to view the full flyer U of I Summer "Science of Chocolate" Internships Available to Teens  Unravel the mysteries of chocolate and learn about agriculture, science and food marketing        URBANA - Science-minded high-school students should consider applying for a 15-day summer internship at the University of Illinois, especially if they're interested in chocolate. "Our goal is to introduce the students to many aspects of food science through the study of chocolate. We will teach them to monitor quality changes in chocolate and use scientific principles to investigate changes in chocolate during storage," said Nicki Engeseth, an associate professor of food chemistry in the U of I Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.   Interns will tour the U of I Center for Microanalysis of Materials where U of I food scientists have used nanotechnology to analyze grain size, crystal structure, and roughness parameters of chocolate, all factors that studies have shown influence taste, texture, and the release of flavor compounds, the scientist said. "The students will also learn about the history of chocolate, including fair-trade issues that are relevant today. We'll cover its production all the way from its beginning in the cacao pod to the final product, either milk, white, or dark chocolate, and talk about the differences between them," she said. "Nutritionists and food scientists are also interested in the health benefits of chocolate," she said. "We will demonstrate a nutritional intervention study on the effects of consuming chocolate comparing students to illustrate how such studies are conducted and analyzed."   Engeseth's laboratory also contains tools for making chocolate, including conching, tempering, and molding machines. In the teaching laboratory, students will learn why chocolate behaves as it does during food preparation and compete in an Iron Chef competition. Also planned are a field trip to a local chocolatier to learn how the experts mold some of their more fanciful and fun chocolate creations as well as participation in a sensory panel in which students will evaluate such qualities as flavor, mouth-feel, and graininess, record their impressions, and relate these to other instrumental analyses. As part of the project, Engeseth and Melissa Tisoncik, a graduate student in her laboratory, will conduct a short workshop for high-school science teachers, giving them hands-on experience so they can bring some of the activities back to their own classrooms.   Six interns will be chosen to participate in the program. Housing and meals will be provided through support from a USDA CSREES-sponsored integrated grant proposal, but students will need to arrange their own transportation to and from the university, Engeseth said. Interested students should apply by March 2, 2009, and a decision will be reached by March 23, 2009, according to Engeseth. For more information, interested students should contact Melissa Tisoncik at uiuc.chocolate@gmail.com.   Source: Nicki Engeseth, (217) 244-6788, engeseth@illinois.edu   News writer: Phyllis Picklesimer         Email Marketing by The Black Star Project | 3473 South King Drive, Box 464 | Chicago | IL | 60616

Illinois DCFS & Haneefah Booker LCSW & Associates: Nefarious, Disparate, Bias, Prejudice and Indifferent Contractual Employment Practices

Update: March 17, 2009

On March 16, 2009 I received a check from Haneefah Booker LCSW & Associates in the amount of 545.00. The Associates marked "Final Payment All Salaries Paid in Full." I am not sure what that means.

Haneefah Booker LCSW & Associates and I have a binding "legal" contract where I was supposed to get "30 days" notice before termination. DCFS forced the Associates to terminate my subcontractual agreement immediately.

DCFS COVERED THEMSELVES and threw the contractual entity "under the bus" when they stated in a letter to me dated January 21, 2009 "...Please note that as an employee of The Associates, any action taken regarding your employment and any questions regarding your employment status should be addressed directly to The Associates. The results of your DCFS background check are relevant only as they relate to the contractual relationship between The Associates and DCFS. The Associates as your employer is free to maintain you in another contractual arrangement or employment capacity unrelated to DCFS...."

This letter was signed by Mr. Erwin McEwen, Director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

Mr. McEwen: Is the way your office treats all contractual relationships with businesses providing services for DCFS? If this is the way your office wishes to operate, then all DCFS contractual relationships with outside entities/businesses should have a subcontractual agreement arrangement "document" from DCFS where DCFS' biases and prejudices in terminating contractual relationship services with subcontractors do not put the "business entities" DCFS contracts with in legal dilemmas with their subcontractors.

January 8, 2009

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Mr. Erwin McEwen, Director
406 East Monroe Street
Springfield, Illinois 62701

CERTIFIED MAIL

Appeal of DCFS Decision to Terminate my Contractual Employment with The Associates

Mr. McEwen:

I was employed by Haneefah Booker LCSW & Associates (The Associates) to provide therapy to individuals who have active cases with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). On January 8, 2009 at approximately 5:30 pm I was informed by The Associates that Mr. Lamont J. Haymond of Cook Region Contracts told them to terminate my employment. The Associates informed me that Mr. Haymond told them that I did not give full disclosure of my criminal history.
Sir, this is not true. There is something else going on here. I believe there are biases and prejudices against me having employment with DCFS customers/clients.

I filled out an application from The Associates to provide therapy that asked me if I had criminal convictions. I answered yes. I described 2 convictions, one in 1989 and the other in 1992 pursuant to a certified statement of convictions/dispositions from the Circuit Court, Illinois, which was part of the paperwork from my clemency appeal to the State of Illinois. No one from DCFS requested copies of this certification of convictions. What was requested from me was the dispositions of charges in the State of California for February 7th and 10th of 1971.

On or about September 29, 2008 I provided an official State of Illinois, Department of Children and Family Services Authorization for Fingerprinting by DCFS/Office of Employee Services form to The Associates by fax. On October 24, 2008 I was fingerprinted by Accurate Biometrics an authorized State of Illinois agent who provided my fingerprints to Illinois State Police and/or FBI. On October 30, 2008 I received an email from The Associates stating in part “…Your clearance for employment has passed and I’d like to officially welcome you to our agency….”

On or about December 4, 2008 Ms. Susan Campbell of DCFS Background Check Department sent Mr. Haymond an email with some charges on it and requested Mr. Haymond send an email to The Associates requesting I provide the disposition on these “charges” from the State of California stating she needed this information so that she can finish her background check on me. The dates of the “charges” are February 7, 1971 and February 10, 1971. I was given Ms. Campbell’s phone number, 217-557-1754.

I called Ms. Campbell informing her I did not have any criminal convictions in the State of California. I asked Ms. Campbell to provide me with an arrest and conviction report on me for the State of California because the copy of “charges” emailed to me did not have a description of the charge. Instead of providing me with a hard copy of the “charges” against me, Ms. Campbell told me over the phone what the “charges” were stating that she does not provide the local providers with this information. After getting the information from Ms. Campbell, I researched the State of California, Department of Justice inquiring how to obtain the disposition of these charges. I called Ms. Campbell informing her that the State of California, Department of Justice application states “…This application is not to used to obtain a copy of your record to furnish to another person or agency for immigration, visa, employment….” Ms. Campbell informed me she needed a disposition on the cases and that it was my responsibility to get it.

I went through the trouble and hassle of contacting the State of California, Department of Justice. The State of California, Department of Justice requested I provide a copy of my fingerprints. On December 12, 2008 I went to the South Holland police department and acquired my fingerprints. On December 8, 2008 I mailed my fingerprints and the State of California, Department of Justice’s application to obtain copy of State summary criminal history record. On or about December 22, 2008 I received correspondence dated December 21, 2008 from the State of California, Department of Justice, stating in part

“…This is in response to your inquiry concerning the existence of a California criminal history record within the files of the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information. As of the date of this letter, a search of your fingerprints did not identify with any criminal history record maintained by this Bureau as provided by the California Penal Code Sections 11120-11127. Pursuant to California Penal Code section 11121, the purpose of a record review request is to afford an individual with a copy of their record and to refute any erroneous or inaccurate information contained therein. The intent is not to be used for licensing, certification or employment purposes. Additionally, California Penal Code sections 11125, 11142, and 11143 does not allow for a person or agency to make a request to another person to provide them with a copy of an individual’s criminal history or notification that a record does not exist….”
When I received this correspondence I sent it in an email to Mr. Haymond and The Associates. I called Ms. Campbell informing her I received this correspondence. I asked Ms. Campbell for her fax number so I could send it to her. Surprisingly, Ms. Campbell told me to send it to Mr. Haymond, and that Mr. Haymond will forward it to her. I wondered why Ms. Campbell wanted me to send it to Mr. Haymond when Ms. Campbell told me that she does not provide her local providers with specific information on an applicant’s arrest record.

Ms. Campbell knew she was not supposed to ask or request this information from me pursuant to California Penal Code. Ms. Campbell knew this was not to be used for employment purposes. Ms. Campbell had working knowledge of the State of California, Department of Justice statement. I would think DCFS has ways of obtaining a criminal background check, especially since DCFS took my fingerprints. I did not question Ms. Campbell’s motives. I just did what she requested.

Every day that passes without employment, my family suffers the economic woes of unemployment. I have suffered an injustice here. I am not sure of who is perpetrating this offense against me but I am sure if your office investigates the substantive issues I have raised you will uncover the culprit.

Sir, my criminal history is not a secret. I have it posted on my website at http://www.clickservices.org/ on the President’s Corner page. I have written about my criminal history and other social issues like this on my blogs at http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/, http://click.townhall.com/, http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/ and http://www.frednance.newsvine.com/.

Sir, I am a social policy analyst. I write everyday about issues such as described in this appeal. I know I am being retaliated against by persons in DCFS. In addition, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Rule 385 does not bar me from providing the therapeutic services I am contracted to do with The Associates and DCFS.

Please investigate. I will await your response before I post this appeal on my blogs.

Thank you.

Fred Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS

cc:

Ms. Susan Campbell
Mr. Lamont J. Haymond
http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/
http://click.townhall.com/
http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/
http://www.frednance.newsvine.com/

Update: January 10, 2009

On January 9, 2009 I called Mr. Haymond and left a message asking him to call to confirm he received the letter below that I sent to him by fax. Mr. Haymond did not returned my call. On January 9, 2009 I spoke to Ms. Susan Campbell. Ms. Campbell told me she did not tell anyone to terminate my employment. I asked Ms. Campbell for her fax number so I could send her the letter below. Ms. Campbell refused to give me her fax number stating there was no appeal process. I informed Ms. Campbell I was going to post this writing on my blogs. Ms. Campbell stated she did not care what I did.

On January 9, 2009 I spoke to Mr. George Vennikandam from Director McEwen's office downtown Chicago asking him did he receive the letter below I faxed to him. Mr. Vennikandam informed me he received the letter below and forwarded it to the Department Head of the criminal background division that investigates these matters. Mr. Vennikandam stated he could not guarantee the outcome, but would forward my letter to the criminal background supervisor of this department.

Update: January 12, 2009

On January 12, 2009 at approximately 10:30 am I called and talked to Mr. Lamont J. Haymond. I informed Mr. Haymond that The Associates terminated my employment stating that he gave the order. I informed Mr. Haymond that I talked to Ms. Susan Campbell and she told me she did not give the order for my employment termination. Mr. Haymond reports that he told The Associates "there was something that I did not fully disclose, and that I could not work under the contract of The Associates." I asked Mr. Haymond did he receive the correspondence below that I sent by fax and email that was an appeal on his decision to terminate my employment with The Associates. Mr. Haymond stated he would check his box and forward the correspondence to the appropriate person.

Update: January 13, 2009

To obtain employment for the position of counselor/therapist with The Associates who have a contractual agreement with the State of Illinois to provide services to families of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), I had to complete an Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) 100 form. The title of this form is Examining/Employment Application.

Item #9 states "If your answer to any of the following questions is "yes" please attach a signed, detailed explanation." I answered "yes" to Item #9 (B), which states in part "Have you ever pled guilty to or been convicted of any criminal offense other than a minor traffic violation?" I provided a "detailed" explanation of my convictions in 1989 and 1992 to the Associates that were passed on to DCFS. I was incarcerated in the Illinois Department of Corrections on January 16, 1992 and released on December 20, 1994. I was 42-years-old when I was incarcerated.

I did not have a high school diploma when I was incarcerated. I acquired my G.E.D. in the Cook County jail. I started college while incarcerated. I received my Bachelor degree in January 1995. I received my Master degree in September of 1999. I will receive my PhD in Human Services with a focus on Social Policy Analysis and Planning in February of 2009.

These convictions were non-violent. These convictions were not for child abuse or neglect, nor were they criminal acts against children. The convictions were drug related as stated in my "detailed" explanation. Item #9(B) pertaining to criminal convictions never asked or requested a detailed account of criminal arrest. Yet, Ms. Susan Campbell requested I get a disposition on an arrest I had in California in 1971, which is 37 years ago.

I completed another CMS form, which states "request for release of information." This form is directed to the Director of the Illinois State Police. This form states in part "I, Fred Nance Jr., do hereby authorize the Illinois State Police to release information relative to the existence or nonexistence of any criminal record which it might have concerning me to any Department of the State of Illinois solely to determine my suitability for employment or continued employment with the State of Illinois. I further authorize any agency which maintains records relating to me to provide same on request to the Illinois State Police for the purpose of this investigation." Ms. Susan Campbell and Mr. Lamont Haymond could have used this form to acquire any information it needed from another State.

I "fully" disclosed all information to DCFS regarding my criminal convictions to the best of my knowledge on "drug" convictions that happened 16 years ago. Any arrest needed by DCFS could be acquired from the documents I completed. Any further information needed by DCFS to "fully" disclose any criminal records could be acquired from the documents I completed. In no application I completed or was given did it demand I "fully" disclose information. Ms. Campbell and Mr. Haymond did not need to have me contact the State of California, Department of Justice, to acquire information for criminal arrests. Ms. Campbell and Mr. Haymond nefariously and maliciously acted with prejudice and bias in denying me the opportunity for employment with DCFS.

I went through the same prejudices and biases with the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) applying for employment with Gateway Foundation Inc. at Sheridan Correctional Center in June of 2005. After a bitter battle with IDOC about my professional credentials and criminal background, I was given security clearance to work at Sheridan Correctional Center in April of 2006. On May 14, 2008 IDOC rescinded my security clearance without giving any explanation. When IDOC took my security clearance without cause, WestCare Foundation Inc. who took over providing clinical services to the inmates at Sheridan Correctional Center on November 1, 2006 from Gateway Foundation Inc., terminated my employment. There is a conspiracy here to deny any employment to me with the State of Illinois.

Update: January 14, 2009

According to Director Erwin McEwen, the goal of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. According to Director McEwen, the mission of DCFS is to protect children who are reported to be abused or neglected and to increase their families' capacity to safely care for them; to provide for the well-being of children in their care; to provide appropriate, permanent families as quickly as possible for those children who cannot safely return home; to support early intervention and child abuse prevention activities; and to work in partnerships with communities to fulfill this mission. According to Director McEwen, the vision of DCFS is committed to acting in the best interest of every child it serves and to helping families by increasing their ability to provide a safe environment for their children and by strengthening families who are at risk of abuse or neglect. It seems from the nefarious and malicious acts perpetrated against me by Susan Campbell and Lamont Haymond this may or may not be true.

I began my contractual counseling/therapy work for The Associates in October of 2008. Because of my background and previous social service work, my basic assignment was to work with the males of families. My caseload began with 2 families. In November of 2008, my caseload increased to 7 families. Ms. Susan Campbell and Mr. Lamont Haymond nefariously and maliciously took me away from the Goal, Mission and Vision of DCFS.

On or about December 5, 2007 Governor Blagojevich appointed Mr. Erwin McEwen Director of DCFS. Mr. McEwen had been “Acting” Director of DCFS since November of 2006. Before being appointed “Acting” Director of DCFS, Mr. McEwen served as Child Welfare Administrator at Lakeside Community Committee, where he oversaw the organization’s four core direct service programs, including foster care, extended family support services and pregnant and parenting teen services. Mr. McEwen has over 20 years of experience in providing social services to youth and families in the State of Illinois, and is committed to the well being and safety of Illinois’ children.

The first 2 families I was assigned to work with came from Lakeside Community Committee, the organization Mr. McEwen worked with before becoming Director of DCFS. Mr. McEwen understands the need for comprehensive and continuity of services. When Ms. Susan Campbell and Mr. Lamont Haymond decided to nefariously and maliciously take my employment with these families, they broke the comprehensive and continuity of services. Comprehensive and continuity of services are core values held by Mr. McEwen, which he so proudly and profanely holds too as most dedicated social service professionals. I am a dedicated social service professional.

I had another family where I worked with 2 young men. One of them was 12-years old, who had suffered tremendously in his young life. I remember one of the things he said to me as I began my work with him. He asked me, “Are you going to leave me like everyone else has done.” Of course I told him I was not going to leave him like others have done. I had no idea that there was someone like Susan Campbell lurking behind the curtains waiting to deprive me from my professional duties with such ludicrous and scandalous accusations that have no meaning within the scope of services for the population of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Update: January 16, 2009

What happens in the State of Illinois may define President Obama's legacy. Voters will believe the politics practiced in the State of Illinois and its governmental entities are indicative of President Obama policies. I am posting letters I have written to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and to the Illinois Department of Central Management Services on President Obama's website to alert the public-at-large as to the employment practices of these 2 Illinois governmental entities.

As President Obama seeks assistance from the Senate and House of Representative to allocate monies to stimulate the economy with jobs, he needs to consider his home State of Illinois and its employment practices. As illustrated here in the letter below, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services employment practices demonstrate disparate and indifferent treatment, biases and prejudices, and most importantly nefarious acts of separatism and nepotism. Giving money to create employment and boost the economy of the State of Illinois is a mistake. If President Obama allows monies to come to the State of Illinois without strict monitoring, he will be embarrassed.

Update: January 21, 2009

This message was posted on President Barack Obama's website.

Sir, since you are officially President of the United States and you are dedicated to work toward the restoration of jobs, what will you do about the employment practices of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services?

January 26, 2009

On January 26, 2009 I received a response on DCFS official stationary with a pre-embossed "stamped" signature of the Director of DCFS, Erwin McEwen. In this letter it notes:

"...any action taken regarding your employment and any questions regarding your employment status should be addressed directly to The Associates. The results of your DCFS background check are relevant only as they relate to the contractual relationship between The Associates and DCFS...In this case, after review of your file it appears the original assessment of failed background check, based on your failure to disclose all of your convictions on the CMS 100 and CMS 284 forms, was in accordance with DCFS practices...Also, upon further review, DCFS determined that several of your convictions act as an automatic bar to any type of employment relationship with DCFS...under DCFS Rule 385...."

This response from Director Erwin McEwen is flawed in many aspects and reflects "class" discriminatory, disparate and indifferent treatment in their employment practices.

1. I was employed by the Associates to provide counseling/therapy to DCFS clients. This employment was restricted to this DCFS population.

2. The author of this letter uses the word "appears" to describe their original assessment. This leads one to think they are not sure of what their "assessment" disclosed or determined.

3. On CMS form 100 it states "...If your answer to any of the following questions is "yes" please attach a signed, detailed explanation...Have you ever pled guilty to or been convicted of any criminal offense other than a minor traffic violation?...." On CMS form 284 it states "...Applicant Background Information...Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense other than a minor traffic violation?...If your answer to the foregoing question is "yes" please provide a detailed statement for each such occurrence...." I submitted a "detailed" type-written explanation to the Associates regarding my convictions, which applied to both documents. This "detailed" explanation was submitted along with the CMS 100 and CMS 284 forms to The Associates when I applied for employment. No one contacted me requesting "additional" information on my convictions, as I was contacted by Ms. Susan Campbell requesting "additional" information on an arrest I had 30-years ago.

4. My convictions as they relate to this employment are not one of the enumerated crimes of DCFS Rule 385. Director Erwin McEwen or the author of this letter conveniently omits listing the "enumerated" crime to which he refers as an "automatic" bar to any type of employment relationship with DCFS.

This is the normal "class" discriminatory, indifferent, disparate and nefarious employment practices of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
I have to ask myself: Why didn't they list the enumerated convictions of DCFS' Rule 385 that "automatically" exempts me from employment with DCFS? This would be the honest and ethical thing to do.

I have to ask myself: What is a "detailed" explanation of a conviction? If the information I provided at first glance was not "detailed" enough, why not ask for additional information? The practice utilized against me is not the normal practice of DCFS.
When Ms. Susan Campbell of DCFS requested "additional" information for an "arrest" I had 30-years ago, she divulged the practice of DCFS IS TO ASK FOR ADDTIONAL INFORMATION.
I have been offended and discriminated against by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services!!!

Update: January 27, 2009

I sent this correspondence for the first time to Haneefah Booker LCSW & Associates (The Associates). I found out that The Associates application processes to provide services to DCFS clients has changed since employing me. Has DCFS punished The Associates for hiring me? What type of professional and ethical practice is Director Erwin McEwen allowing? Is it not enough that DCFS is punishing me? Are they punishing the entity that allowed me to work? Is this what President Obama is promoting?

Update: January 27, 2009

This correspondence, in its entirety, is being sent by certified mail back to Director McEwen for a re-evaluation. In thinking more about the response letter I received from Mr. McEwen, I have to ask more questions about this particular response. Mr. McEwen states in his response letter "...DCFS determined that several of your convictions act as an automatic bar to any type of employment relationship with DCFS...." If this is true, why did Ms. Susan Campbell ask for additional information on a 30-year old arrest when she was supposed to be concerntrating on whether I had convictions? At first glance, it seems Mr. McEwen wants to paint this picture of multiple convictions, when there were 2 convictions with multiple charges. Any black man knows that when you get arrested in America there is never one charge given to any event. Multiple charges allow a State's Attorney more leverage in obtaining their convictions.

This nefarious language and behavior of Mr. McEwen is unbecoming of a Director, as we might believe of Governor Rod Blagojevich nefarious behavior. Mr. McEwen language and character creates an atmosphere of indifferent and disparate treatment. The employment practices of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services under the leadership of Mr. McEwen is suspicious at least, and notorious at best. The actions taken here by Mr. McEwen's department are retaliatory in nature.

Update: March 6, 2009

On March 5, 2009 I filed a wage claim with the Illinois Department of Labor against Haneefah Booker LCSW & Associates. The Associates have not paid me for services rendered in the amount of $545.00 for the months of December 2008 and January 2009 stating "As you know you are paid when DCFS reimburse us...." I signed a "Service Subcontract" with the Associates when I became employed with them. No where in the "Service Subcontract" is there language stating I have to wait to DCFS pays them in order to get paid. The "Service Subcontract" states I get paid monthly. It appears the Associates are playing games as DCFS plays their games with my employment.

On March 12, 2009 I left this message today for Ms. Booker.

Ms. Booker:

Will I receive a check for $545.00 on Friday, March 13, 2009, for invoices submitted for December 2008 and January 2009 as promised by you in your voice mail to me on or about March 7, 2009? As of March 15, 2009, I have not received my wages from Ms. Haneefah Booker of Haneefah Booker LCSW & Associates.

Update: March 12, 2009

On or about March 7, 2009 I received a call from Ms. Booker of Haneefah Booker LCSW & Associates. She left a voice message on my cell phone. This is my response to her voice mail.
Ms. Booker: I received both voice mails today, March 7, 2009, regarding the monies owed me for services rendered. I do not think there is anything for us to talk about on the phone at this time. I have talked to you over the phone on numerous occassions about the money owed me for services rendered.

It appeared to me you were addressing my request for my money in an arrogant and superior fashion. Your voice mail confirms my suspicions. You talk about how you are disappointed I took my issues to the Illinois Department of Labor. I am disappointed that you did not concern yourself with paying to your employees. You minimize my concern when you talk about the amount of money your company owes me. I have bills and other obligations just as you.

You talk about how I should have contacted you before I filed my complaint with the Labor department. What do you call it when I have called and asked you on numerous occassions when will I get my money. You had the audacity to send me an e-mail stating I had to wait until DCFS paid you before you can pay me. That is not in the contract agreement, and it is not professional. You are not alone. There are many others like you.

If you cannot afford to pay a person because of funding, you have to lay-off the person. You talk about DCFS/the State of Illinois' being broke. If you are aware of this, you should have contacted your representative alerting them that your staff could no longer provide services to their clients until they were paid and that you would have to start laying off staff. Surprisingly, they would have done something because they have to serve their population.

It is because of vendors like yourself making your employees suffer that DCFS and other State of Illinois entities continue their unprofessional practices. You guys are scared to address the issues. Anyone that operates professionally in this manner is pathetic. You spoke about the recent death of your son. My family sends their condolences. My second wife of 16 years was murdered on July 5, 1993 while I was incarcerated. My 9-year-old daughter found her body, with the bullet hole in her head. When I came home I had to deal with this trauma to my daughter, and raise her as a single parent. This daughter is now in a Master degree program.

I did not allow this traumatic experience to affect my professionalism and responsibility. Because I was beginning to learn how to be a counselor, I was able to help my daughter and myself survive our circumstances. I was aware of the experiences and professional assistance I could get to deal with separation, death and dying.

You state I did not have to go to this extreme of filing a charge with the Labor department. Well, all you had to do was pay me my money. You talk like it is my fault that I did not get my money. This is the arrogant behavior I am talking about. It is the same arrogant behavior Christy demonstrated when I alerted her to the "release of information" form she gave me to get information from a client when the form requested information from your company. Christy acted like I was not and could not correct any mistakes I saw coming from her. Everyone makes mistakes. When you cannot admit to your mistakes, they continue to happen.

When you pay me my money, the complaint filed with the Labor department will cancel itself when they find out I have received my money. Paying me my money before the Labor department contacts you shows good faith in your obligation to an employee. You talk about how the Illinois Department of Labor will not act on my complaint because I am an independent contractor. If they act or do not act does not concern me. My concern is that if I have to pursue this issue in a court of law the Judge will ask me if I have exhausted all administrative remedies. If I have not exhausted all administrative remedies, the Judge will dismiss my complaint and make me start all over again. By going to the Department of Labor and receiving any response from them, I have exhausted my administrative remedy. I can go to court asking for additional monetary compensation from you because I have not received the remedy I should have received in the beginning, which is my pay. If I have to go to court, there will be court cost to me that I will ask the court to make you liable for because you did not give me my money.

Therefore, I await the money you say you are going to pay me by Friday, March 15, 2009.

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