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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Tuesday, September 2, 2008 9:13 PM CDT
Man dies in wake of fight at group home

By ROB STROUD & HERB MEEKER, Staff Writers
editorial@jg-tc.com

CHARLESTON — An autopsy on Tuesday confirmed that a 21-year-old man died Monday from a head injury he suffered during an assault at a group home several days ago, according to the Champaign County coroner’s office.

Dustin Higgins, 21, died at 1:23 a.m. Monday at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He had been transferred from Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center on Aug. 24. Higgins, who was originally from Streator, lived in a B Street group home in Charleston managed by the Graywood Foundation.

Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup said Tuesday that the injury that led to Higgins’ death might have occurred during an altercation with another group home resident.

Graywood Foundation President Augustine Oruwari said his understanding is that Higgins was injured during a fight with another group home resident, possibly imitating professional wrestling. Oruwari said the Charleston police, Coles County state’s attorney and the Champaign County coroner are investigating.

“We are just kind of waiting to let them put it all together,” Oruwari said.

Charleston police Deputy Chief Bryan Baker said police are investigating the incident, but he referred further questions to State’s Attorney Steve Ferguson, who did not return a call Tuesday afternoon.

Although authorities are still investigating, Oruwari said Graywood has taken action internally because violent “horseplay” between clients should not be allowed. He said the foundation has dismissed two of the three employees who were staffing the group home at the time of the incident and is investigating the third.

“One way or another, we feel they violated the organization’s policies and procedures,” Oruwari said of the dismissed employees.

Graywood staff are mourning the death of Higgins, Oruwari said. Higgins joined Graywood’s Mattoon youth program in 1999 and later graduated from the Armstrong Center in Mattoon, Oruwari said. Higgins had been working at one of the foundation’s training workshops, he said.

“We were trying to train him to find a job in the community,” Oruwari said.

Oruwari described Higgins as a “very nice kid” who enjoyed competing in the Special Olympics, going to the Coles County Fair and other community events, watching movies, eating at cookouts, and cheering his fellow clients on whenever they played.

Contact Rob Stroud at rstroud@jg-tc.com or 348-5734. Contact Herb Meeker at hmeeker@jg-tc.com or 238-6869.

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parrothead55 wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:47 PM:

" Don't judge all group home residents on the basis of this article. If you see someone wandering away from a group home please contact someone so that the person can be brought home.
Tragedy happens in all areas of this world. God's blessing for Dustin, a kind and gentle soul. "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:50 PM:

" <3 RIP Dustin your smile will forever be in my memories. Your in a much better place now, may angels be with you. <3 "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:03 PM:

" Who provided the training to keep these residents safe? I do believe it was someone who is being investigated by DHS for falsifying documentation. Were these staff really trained or did they just get slid through like the rest of us did?!? "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:29 PM:

" In all of my ten years of working with DD individuals, I never saw the amount of violence as I did while working there. "

I swear! wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:02 PM:

" This is an absolute tragedy!!! Parents and guardians put their children in these homes (not all cases, but some) because they know that they cannot provide 24 hour care!! They put their children in these homes so they can be taken care of! Where were the staff? I have worked for people of all ages who have some form of disability for 10 years. Parents put their loved ones in our care because we are suppose to be watching them! Not fooling around!! I feel that these "staff" member need to be in a jail cell before the other boy who got into the fight!! If the staff was doing their jobs they should have been there for the first punch and there wouldn't be this problem! Maybe if Oruwari put the people first instead of the money and actually cared about the people who were living in his homes they would be better taken care of like they deserve to be! "

Rick1938 wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:09 PM:

" When was the last time that DHS or a monitoring agency was in that home? "

scooter wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:26 PM:

" Why do people keep placing people at Graywood?? I can't even believe they are still allowed to operate. "

pj1983 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 6:58 AM:

" i'm not originally from here so apparently i'm missing something. why did everyone automatically jump on the Graywood foundation and start blaming them and assuming that the people running the house were at fault and not trained properly? if these were just two brothers that had been rough housing and one died, would you people be advocating that the parents be put in jail? "

NURSE77 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 7:00 AM:

" I think Greywood should be investigated by DHS and the Illinois Department of Public Health. This kid should not have been in a home with violent clients. What were you thinking. Dustin had no chance to defend himself. "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 7:00 AM:

" They are up for survey soon, lets see if they pass. "

Harry Potter wrote on Sep 3, 2008 7:22 AM:

" It sounds like the state needs to monitor that outfit a little closer. There have been rumors about the poor care, and under-staffing problems going around for years. "

FoodForThought wrote on Sep 3, 2008 7:26 AM:

" Dont judge all the homes and all the employees of Graywood by this terrible incident. I know several people who work there who are truly caring. Its not a easy job, unfortunately they pay just enough to attract a lot of college students working their way through school resulting in constant turnover. Having turnover like that can not be healthy or productive for those they take care of. Perhaps if Graywood would pay a little more for solid caring and qualified people who would stick around for a while giving the residents a feeling of security. Many of the residents have more than issues than just DD. They require more than what a young college kid who is more focused on grades, to take care of them. Perhaps this tragedy will give them pause to rethink priorities and build a better team of caregivers so this sort of thing will not happen again. Do not judge all of the residents or the employees on this incident. Graywood provides a service for several people who most of the other companies will not even allow in their doors. For that I commend them. Now find the staff who truly want to help rather than just need a paycheck. To the Higgins family my heart hurts for you. I could not imagine what you are going through. This is a tragedy that should never have happened. May all the guilty parties in this find a way to live with the actions they took. May the family find a way to find peace, and my Graywood find a way that this sort of thing never happens again. Just dont judge all the residents and all the staff on what a few have done. There are a lot of good that is done for the residents of Graywood and care that is given by good people. "

Rev Clif wrote on Sep 3, 2008 8:45 AM:

" pj, quite a number of current and former Graywood employees have computers and knew days ago that this story would be in the press. We know the parties involved personally and many of us spent years caring for and supervising these individuals. Graywood gives opportunities that their consumers would never get in a state run facility. There are more success stories than many give credit for. In fact, a staff member is preparing to donate her kidney to a consumer. THAT is caring. Let's see if that makes the paper. The objective is to allow the consumers every opportunity to integrate into the community. Some, despite everyone's best efforts, are unable to do that. Some have mental illness issues in addition to being developmentally disabled. No amount of finger pointing will give peace to Dustin's family and friends. It is in the hands of the authorities now and they will do what they are paid and trained to do. Let us pray for the Higgins family and all others who feel this loss. There is plenty of time for blame and shame later. "

EIU grad 1980 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 9:37 AM:

" I wonder why a company like Graywood would take such violent people if there was not a financial gain? "

jmad wrote on Sep 3, 2008 10:10 AM:

" I dont really think that the staff is all at fault for this accident. Sometimes there are more of the violent individuals in the homes. In that case they should have realized that, that individual is a threat to himself and to others and should have found differnt placement. Dont get me wrong staff is to be there at all times watching and trying to control the situation, but sometimes is not possible. About paying staff more money that could help, but I'm sure that the same people would be hired to work in the homes. I dont work for Graywood but did work at The Heritage House (same owners) and we all know that was a mess. "

HisChild wrote on Sep 3, 2008 10:46 AM:

" Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who know and love Dustin.
How tragic that such a young man is gone so early in his life.
God bless all. "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 11:56 AM:

" Hello Rev Clif- both of us being former employees, we know the few success stories will never be told. But what we do know is that those of us who truly cared for our residents such as you, your wife & I saw potential for an accident like this years ago. "

parrothead55 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 12:53 PM:

" For the record Graywood is not owned by they people who owned Heritage.
joiegirl please stop being negative and pray for those who are in need of our help. stop spreading gossip.
Those of us who have cared for and love these residents want only the best for those who remain. "

tds wrote on Sep 3, 2008 2:06 PM:

" So I ask you Joiegirl, what did you do in the time you worked there to make a difference? It is so easy to place blame when in fact we need to recognize that Graywood is a place for those that no one else will serve. It is an organization that gives those who do not have the ability to speak for themselves a voice. Not all the money in the world can make someone more caring. What you do not realize is the state of Illinois controls the money. The budget has been cut AGAIN for DD programs across the state not just locally. Instead of taking time to bash an organization that is trying to make a difference why don't you write to your congress and governor? I urge everyone on this blog to do the same and contact your representatives! The authorities will see that the correct people will be judged and in the end there will be a special place in hell for all those involved. This is hard enough on the people that cared for Dustin as well as the other clients without accusations being tossed around so flagrantly. In addition, these employees ALL were trained on the policies and procedures of the organization. At NO TIME did anyone in management say to them it was okay for a client to be injured. There are signatures that they agreed-they HAD in fact been trained. The lies they have told will be unveiled by the investigation and the TRUTH will have justice served. This is a horrible situation and many people are going to mourn. I am proud of the accomplishments of this organization. The success of a client that came from a broken home without a family and was a juvenile delinquent in jail to rise above and find self esteem, his own apartment, a job in the community, obtain a driver's license, and purchase his own car in addition to being a SPECIAL OLYMPICS Representative speaking in oublic at presentations, fund raisers, etc...THAT should be thought of when you think of Graywoo. The clients that have grown into adults with jobs in the community and have been able to attend college courses because of the staff at Graywood needs to be recognized. There are clients within the organization that serve on statewide councils in order to give all DD clients a voice. There are clients that are mentors to those lower functioning than themselves. THAT needs to be thought of when thinking about Graywood. People need to realize that many "Group home" clients do walk in the community- THAT IS THEIR RIGHT! What you don't know is it may have taken years of training and education of safety and community awareness to get them to that point- the staff at Graywood provide that training in order for clients to have the ability to experience the same things in life as anyone else. Will there be behaviors? You bet- because that is why they are here! They need assisstance. If they could do it on their own they would be at home or in a home of their own but they can't-But before there are accusations and ignorance spread throughout the community I urge people to seek knowledge before passing judgement! "

Rick1938 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 2:24 PM:

" Well said tds. Mr. O did not OWN Heritage House, so people should really know the facts. The state of IL does rule the money that agencies receive to take care of those that cannot take care of themselves. And yes, another budget cut has been made to the field of DD services. Unfortunately, 1 negative thing will over shadow all the good that can be done. But seriously, this is a drastic way to learn that lesson. I hope that the truth does come out soon. I hope that this unnecessary event opens all our eyes. Those that license, monitor, and work in the group homes should watch more closely, and act more swiftly. "

The Question wrote on Sep 3, 2008 2:41 PM:

" "Mr. O" had better get out his checkbook. "

nurse77 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 2:58 PM:

" I do not think any anyone on this blog will disagree with the fact that most Group homes are good places for DD peolpe to have independence and learn how to care for and support them selves in the future, but I worked for greywood and just because no one else will take that type of DD client does not make Greywood a good place it makes it a dumping ground. "

RiverRat wrote on Sep 3, 2008 3:14 PM:

" It is a shame that there is so much negativity and people feeling the need to smugly point fingers at this tragic time. I knew Dustin for six years and am deeply offended that people such as joiegirl feel the need to take advantage of this sad situation for there own self serving needs. You should be ashamed Bobbie Jo! This is a time to honor his memory, not bash your former employer. There are many wonderful and caring people at Graywood who take care of the clients that no other organization will take. They should not be judged by people who think they know the facts but are indeed ingnorant of the facts. It is unfortunate that of all of the stories from Graywood that are heartwarming and successful this is the story that makes front page news! That's human nature I guess and I suppose that is what sells newspapers - controversy and suspicion are more intriguing that heartwarming stories such as the employee who is donating a kidney to one of the clients or one of the clients stopping in the middle of a race at special olympics to assist a peer who had fallen. Why do those things that happen a Graywood not get equal press and blog time? Perhaps we all need to take a look at ourselves and ask why we are not more interested in these kinds of stories. I have worked for Graywood twice now. Just like any other place they have excellent employees and not so good employees. Which kind were you joiegirl? Maybe you need to ask yourself that question. If you really cared about the clients you cliam to think so much of you would still be there making a positive difference in their lives like some of your former peers. I received training from Graywood and know the policies, I know the emergency contact numbers, I know I am a mandated reporter, I know who to call when I see policy violations,I know where all of the emergency contact numbers are posted, and I know I had better follow the policies and take my job and client care seriously if I want to keep my job. I also knkow that the clients are here for a reason, because they need my help in achieving there full potential. No place is perfect and neither is Graywood, but I believe that Graywood's mission is right and I know there are people there who really care and that is what I want to be a part of! "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 3:26 PM:

" for the record the things I am stating are not gossip they are IN FACT things I encountered while working there. "

anna wrote on Sep 3, 2008 3:44 PM:

" As someone who knew Dustin, I always found him to be a kind and caring young man. He was also an indivdual who could be easily lead to do things that he shouldn't. Where was the staff during all of this? I hope that these questions are answered to the satisfaction of his foster parents and to the other people that loved him. I'll miss you, Dustin and your picture is still in my living room and it always will be. "

injustice85 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 4:15 PM:

" AMEN TO JOIEGIRL78 AND I SWEAR, someone has to speak for those who can't speak for themselves "

injustice85 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 4:16 PM:

" P.S. I as well had the pleasure of meeting Dustin and found him to be nothing short of a good person and an easy going individual "

injustice85 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 4:18 PM:

" people like you river rat make me sick dude "

reddual wrote on Sep 3, 2008 4:41 PM:

" Don't you people work? "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 4:51 PM:

" RiverRat if it's such a great place why is it you left the first time?? "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 5:00 PM:

" I feel no shame for stating the obvious! And further more I was a great staff ask any or all of the clients if I was good to them. Chances are you'll get a HELL YEAH. I still visit clients, as a matter of fact I saw Dustin 2 days before the "incident" as well as Robert- who was in fact HELPING Dustin. But we'll all overlook that right?? "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 5:04 PM:

" And Parrothead- You saw just as much injustice as the rest of us. Isn't that why you left the first time? An LPN as a DON?? Come on! "

RiverRat wrote on Sep 3, 2008 5:26 PM:

" Joiegirl - The real question should be why did I go back? For all the reasons I stated. I wanted to be part of something greater than myself with the mission to improve people's lives and the vision to give chances to those who don't have many chances and give a voice to those who didn't have a voice. And not that it is any of your business but I left the first time because of medical issues. How sad that you and others apparently assumed otherwise but when you are filled with such venomous negativity I gues I that is how you view the world. "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 5:36 PM:

" And RiverRat-you call yourself a professional- but you tell a youth's mother that he is a predator!?!?! You should be ashamed of yourseld Jamie! "

motochik wrote on Sep 3, 2008 5:39 PM:

" I did also know Dustin, and the other client involved in this incident. They were both good clients. I have a picture of Dustin on my computer from his prom at Armstrong, as well as his graduation from there. I was there for both of those occassions. Dustin will be missed by all of us that knew him. And Dustin, by the way, you got to see Jesus now. You already got what you wanted out of life. You always told me you wanted to meet Jesus...I hope you like Him. I'll miss your smile, and laugh, and cheers! "

Rojo wrote on Sep 3, 2008 6:05 PM:

" Just curious for those of you who worked there.....what exactly are the requirements to obtain a job there? Am I correct in thinking you just have to be 18 with a GED? "

Someone Else wrote on Sep 3, 2008 6:32 PM:

" I can't wait for the truth to come out so that all of you will quit defending the staff that were present! But of course this is coles county, so the guilty will probably go free. "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 6:46 PM:

" AMEN SOMEONE ELSE!!!!!!!! "

STU-E wrote on Sep 3, 2008 6:46 PM:

" WELL SINCE NOTHIN I TRY TO POST WILL GET POSTED.EIU grad 1980 SAID IT BEST.EIU grad 1980 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 9:37 AM:

" I wonder why a company like Graywood would take such violent people if there was not a financial gain? "

THE REAL TRAGEDY IS THAT THIS WILL GET SWEPT UNDER RUG LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE IN THIS COUNTY "

I_Like_Turtles wrote on Sep 3, 2008 6:58 PM:

" The incident regarding Dustin Higgins is a truly awful and tragic incident. This incident should have never happened and in my ten years of working in this field I have never seen anything like this. My heart goes out to Dustins family. I dont feel that the company or the staff should be judged by this incident. There are a lot of people in this company who care and want the best for their clients. When Graywood first opened people did not want group homes in the community and I feel that there are many people in the community who have a poor understanding of the individuals in our homes. Not only are some of these clients mentally challenged, but some have mental illness diagnosis on top of this. Some of the individuals we serve can be very difficult at times, but that is the nature of this field. There is no such thing as perfect clients and that is why they are here. They need assistance and people to help take care of them. There is no such thing as a perfect home and even with the best training and the best staff there are going to be issues from time to time. I knew when I took this job that I may go home with bruises on occasion or get hurt. I have been in situations that I have not wanted to be in, but as mentioned earlier this is the nature of this field. Anyone who thinks they can work a job of this nature and never encounter a violent situation is only kidding themselves.
There have been times that clients have been in the middle of a maladaptive behavior in the community and the police are called when they see our staff trying to deescalate the behavior. Many people dont want our clients walking around in their neighborhood, but when we try to correct an issue at hand and do our job the police are called on us. No one knows the length that those of us who work in higher maladaptive behavior homes do to try and preserve the dignity of our clients when this kind of situation occurs.
Outsiders looking in have no idea how much good goes on, on a daily basis in our homes. The idea behind clients being in group homes is to help them become as independent as they can possibly become. People have made comments in blogs that they see our clients wandering around unattended. As a part of normalization some clients are able to walk unattended in the community which is their right to do so. Im sure that some of our clients have been seen in the community and no one knew that they were disabled. When I first was hired at Graywood I met an individual who was very polite, helpful, and was dressed like anyone else walking around in Charleston. I didnt know this individual was a client at the time until someone told me because upon meeting him for the first time I didnt know. No one bothers to mention the fact that we have a client who prior to coming to Graywood was in jail and now has his own apartment, holds a job in the community, obtained his drivers license, and recently purchased his own car. If we didnt care about our clients this man would not be the success he is today.
We also have an individual in the organization who is going through processes so she can donate her kidney to a client who is in need of a transplant. This individual doesnt have to give her kidney to the client in need of the transplant, but because she truly cares for this individual she is doing so.
Yes, we take difficult individuals that are very difficult at times. Do all difficult individuals deserve to be locked up and never be given a chance? How many times have individuals been dumped by an organization because they dont want to deal with the problems they have. How awful it is for a client to be thrown away by another organization and not wanted. I applaud this organization for taking people that no one wants, because how sad is it that there are clients that no one wants to care for. I have seen some clients no one wanted just because they couldnt control specific behaviors and didnt want to deal with them. Its those clients who when I walk into my homes make me realize why Im here, because we were able to make a difference in their lives. "

tds1999 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 7:10 PM:

" Well joiegirl- you should really check your sources- riverrat is not who you think it is. So again before there are allegations the source and statement should be verified. To get back to the issue at hand that not all staff and clients should be judged upon this incident. As far as people's titles you should really research your sources again because years of experience and knowledge are the grounds for people's positions- parrothead chose to leave her position before the other individual was offered it...that other person was not orignally hired for that originally but that is not even pertinent information as it relates to this situation... "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 7:15 PM:

" It's a horrible thing that happened I'm sure that we CAN all agree with that. The fact of the matter does remain that the staff involved obviously weren't doing thier jobs. Which happens everywhere,again we can all agree with that. I'm not on here for any kind of self serving needs as some have mentioned. I'm on here so that maybe someone, somewhere will read this and reevaluate the conditions for the clients at Graywood. I left there due to not agreeing with management, not because I didn't, or don't care for the residents that I worked for. The fact of the matter still remains that as a DT you know at any given minute you could become a human punching bag. We knew that getting into the job. We also knew that it was OUR JOB to serve AND PROTECT the clients in the homes. Even if it meant taking the blows yourself, on more than one occasion I have taken a few rounds to the face or body to protect my other clients. And I would like to think that those same morals would be reflected on other staff members as well. But if any of you have ever worked in group homes, you know it takes a certain type of personality to get residents to respond to you. Maybe if those kind of people had been hired to begin with none of us would have reason for this discussion... "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 7:20 PM:

" I don't recall saying thaat was WHY she left but that she left due to injustice...Read closer please. "

Someone Else wrote on Sep 3, 2008 7:21 PM:

" I_Like_Turtles--I hope you get a couple of extra dollars on your paycheck for defending a company who would not defend you.

P.S.-There are other people besides myself who know the truth about the "incident" Anybody ever heard of Judici.com? "

Rick1938 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 7:36 PM:

" To I Like Turtles----I understand what you are saying, but if I am not mistaken, the young man charged has had more than 1 chance, am I right? I don't think that this is the first time he has had trouble with violence. "

nurse77 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 7:36 PM:

" I_Like_Turtles, The only success story I have heard about is this one kid that has a job and a car has anyone else gotten out of there "

nurse77 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 7:41 PM:

" tds1999, Sorry but in the state of Illinois expirence does not legally allow an LPN to be a Director of Nursing, It is the Licence you hold that makes you elligible for that job. "

Someone Else wrote on Sep 3, 2008 8:00 PM:

" Don't most people get fired for testing positive for illegal drugs? What ever happened to a "Drug Free Workplace", again I forgot what county this is. "

parrothead55 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 8:48 PM:

" My reason for logging on to this blog in the first place was to bless Dustin. I left Graywood for my reasons, I love the clients and many of those I worked with. You know who you are. Let us all remember this is about Dustin losing his life in a tragic manner and Robert receiving the consequences that he must receive due to an act that should never have happened. We should not be arguing about Graywood but be honoring Dustin's memory. "

motochik wrote on Sep 3, 2008 10:00 PM:

" For some reason most of my others posts that I made did not get approved to be posted. Imagine that, the editorial board got upset that I tried to post some truth.

Being another former employee posting to this blog, I also want to remember Dustin, however since this has turned into a discussion on the company as a whole I tried to join in.

I don't think that this "incident" is exactly as people are trying to make it out to be. I don't think it was a true "fight". I think it was roughhousing that went very wrong and may have ended as being seen as a "fight". I have a feeling that these two were actually imitating pro wrestlers and ultimate fighters.

Yes Dustin could get upset easily if not kept on track, and Robert could have outbursts also if not kept on track. The thing is though that these two would get along fine. Dustin actually looked up to Robert at times, and Robert would try to help Dustin.

This is a very sad tradegy, one that might could have been avoided by closer supervision (in my opinion at least). "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 3, 2008 10:31 PM:

" motochik wrote on Sep 3, 2008 10:00 PM:

" For some reason most of my others posts that I made did not get approved to be posted. Imagine that, the editorial board got upset that I tried to post some truth....This is a very sad tradegy, one that might could have been avoided by closer supervision (in my opinion at least). "

Yeah they don't like the truth. As for avoidable absolutely the point I've been trying to make... "

devilishangel61401 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 12:55 AM:

" First off my heart and prayers go to this young man and his family as well as to the other clients and staff in the home as I know this tragedy will affect everyone. My son is a client at a Graywood home and I will say that Graywood does have regular visits from DHS, they are monitored on an ongoing basis they train their staff to take care of the clients in the manner govered by the state. I will say that the staff at my son's home is wonderful. They are so caring , so paitent and have taught my son to be a lot more self-sufficant then I ever was able to. My son is in a group home due to his autisim and the fact that when he lived at home he would run off escaping any locks or alarms I would put on the doors. My son has lived at two Graywood homes Annis, and currenty at Evergreen. The staff at both houses are wonderful, they truly care about those kids and it shows in postive ways. Until my car broke down I visited my son everyday. The staff always welcomes my visits. Since my car has broken down I visit when I can, and I call every day. The proof of how well my son is cared for is evidenced to me that he is not distraught that I am not currently able to come all of the time. If my son was upset distressed etc that would tell me that something was wrong. but, my son is happy, he is affectionate with the staff he gives them hugs, smiles when those staff members he sees during his waking hours come to work, he does chores which is something I could never get him to do, he no longer runs off, he is well fed, well groomed , well cared for and most importantly well loved.

I am very involved with my son's personal care plan, the staff at Evergreen and previously at Annis does everything they can to help my child achive his full potential. The staff at Evergreen were able to get my son to participate in Special Olympics for the first time ever. The staff at Annis had always tried to get him to participate to no avail. My son typically does not like large crowds and loud noises but one of the staff members my son seems to favor went with the group of clients from Graywood who were competing and did all that he could to help my son feel at ease enough to participate in the games. That may seem small to some folks, but for my son participating in those games was a huge accomplishment for him. I always tell the staff that they do a good job, I have never had need to complain since my son is treated so well. I have seen the hiring ads in the paper for Graywood and I promise you from the ad listing the staff makes around 8 dollars an hour. That to me as a parent is not enough, those staff deserve to be paid a great deal more. They are caring for children and adults who are unable to care for themselves and from what I have seen they do an excellent job. Annis and Evergreen staff you all are wonderful and as a parent I am truly grateful for all you do for my child.

You all are wonderful keep up the great work. God Bless you all. "N.C's mom. " maria "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 7:33 AM:

" As far as what kind of staff member I was- I was the kind that helped an autistic boy learn his abc's and count to 20. I'm the kind of staff who went in on days off to help de-escalate situations. I'm the kind of staff who went to S.O. in Charleston & Bloomington to cheer on the clients I loved. I'm the kind of staff the volunteered myself to the youth side to help straighten it up. I'm the type of staff who made sure my residents were clean, fed, medicated PROPERLY, and respected. I'm the type of staff that has worked damn near every home in that company during my 5 years. I'm the type of staff that cared. And yes there are some of them still there I know first-hand that they care. I've witnessed it, but I do also know there are some who couldn't care less... "

btrs11 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 8:02 AM:

" I just want to say a few things. First off, I am also a parent of a child in the Graywood homes. My child is on the youth side, so I can't and wont comment about the adult side. All I know is that the staff members, as well as the young lady in charge of the youth program for Graywood have been nothing short of excellent to both my son and my family. I can attest to anyone reading this blog that the people in charge of the youth program cares greatly about the welfare of my child. He has flourished since he was placed with Graywood, recieving the attention he needs and deserves. I am so happy with the decision my family and I made in choosing Graywood. I don't think they get all of the praise and attention they deserve. This is indeed a great tragedy, and I will prayer for this young man's family.

Secondly, I want to say a little something to a few peoople making comments on this blog. I feel I have that right as a parent. Joiegirl78, you need to stop all of your blasphemy. I don't know you, and maybe you were good with the adult side, but all of your comments make you come off as ignorant and un-educated. I feel I must defend the person you named in one of your comments, (which is slander, and if I was her, I would sue you). She is the one I speak of who runs the group side, not the adult side, so she had nothing to do with this tragedy, so my advice to you is leave her name out of your mouth. All your negativity is not needed, weahter you think you "telling the truth" or not. Try focusing more on some of the positives, even if those come from your work. I just feel that we as a community need to stop blaming Graywood. There are bad people in all walks of life, even group homes. Lets think about our own actions, and what we have done to make a difference, before we start ridiculing those who are al least trying to make a difference.

Concerned Parent. "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 8:20 AM:

" TDS- Let me ask you exactly what the state's budget cut has to do with staff not following the protocol in which you claim they were trained? That is the issue at hand not the funding. "

reddual wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:42 AM:

" Well said devilishangel61401. Unfortunately, an organization can have all the proper procedures and policies in place and still not be able to control the actions of employees or the clients they serve. Sometimes you can do all the right things and bad things still happen. You cannot control the actions of others. The actions that occurred were not things that were planned or allowed to happen, they just did and the guilty parties will be held responsible. I think it is imperative that we move from pointing fingers at anyone person or organization and allow the authorities involved to conduct their investigation. The truth will come out, so let us use this as a forum to honor Dustin's memory instead of nit-picking and mud-slinging. Perhaps if someone had actually known this was going to happen, it could have been prevented. But no one knew. So until the investigation is complete, let's remember that in this country, people and organizations are innocent until proven guilty. "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 10:05 AM:

" First of all, I didn't mention names until mine was mentioned, second of all, I will continue to speak the truth abouth this "organization" as long as there is breath in my body. The TRUTH as many of you are so concerned about WILL come out. "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 10:17 AM:

" and your right concerned mom SOME of the staff are wonderful however- those aren't the ones in question... "

btrs11 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 12:16 PM:

" Your right Joiegirl, you mentioned the name after your's was mentioned, the problem is, river rat is not the person whose name you mentioned, and that person whom you mentioned deserves an apology "

tobias wrote on Sep 4, 2008 12:23 PM:

" to i like turtles: these thigs being discussed are not negative towards the clients, so please get off of your self rightious high horse, this is against the company, so i must assume that you hold a high position at graywood or you really have no clue about the going ons there. i also am an employee, current as a matter of fact and i can tell some stories myself about things i have seen. to joiegirl: you keep talking and so will i :) im glad i am not the only one. "

lostfamily wrote on Sep 4, 2008 12:34 PM:

" I can't belive that i will never know my half brother! I was Dustin Half sister. I always knew that I had brother out there I just didn't know were they lived. "

devilishangel61401 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 12:35 PM:

" Thank you Reddual and well done to you as well. I really think we should focus on Dustin and not point fingers until we know all of the facts. For those of you that knew this young man do you have a favorite story about him that you could share? "

tobias wrote on Sep 4, 2008 12:44 PM:

" btrs: let me let you in on a little secret the reason your experience is so great with graywood is BECAUSE of the fact that your child is in the youth program.... dcfs monitors very closely. when your child becomes an adult, i strongly advise that he be taken elsewherei am a current employee and i would never put my family into a graywood home "

devilishangel61401 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 12:48 PM:

" Concernd parent your post was wonderful. I feel that the people in charge of the youth program and over my son's home do an excellent job. I know their jobs cannot be easy at all. I find it sad that when Graywood makes the paper it is due to a tragedy rather then during Special Olympics showing how hard the clients and staff train to compete or how clients will stop in the middle of the race to help a freind who has fallen , or to tell the story of how hard the staff at these homes work to help their clients achive their full potential, to get their clients able to go out into the community for some clients that in itself is a huge task, some like my son dislike loud noises and croweded stores yet the staff works paitently with him and now he can go to most stores and out to eat without problems or behaviors. ( walmart is still too much for him though) The story someone mentioned about a staff member donating a kidney for a client why is that not in the paper? That truly shows the love of a staff member for their client. I have only lived in Mattoon for five years I moved here when DCFS in Galesburg placed my son in the Graywood Foundation group homes so I never heard anything about them before, and everything I write about is based on my expriences which have always been wonderful. "

Smoke'em If Ya Got'em wrote on Sep 4, 2008 1:06 PM:

" This bunch is starting to make Todd Reardon's Rednecks look like a bunch of choir boys. LMAO! "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 2:33 PM:

" Your right IF riverrat is not the person I thought it was I apologize, however if it is her, I stand by my statement. "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 2:41 PM:

" Thank you Tobias, I just want the truth about SOME of the staff to be known. Again NOT ALL GRAYWOOD STAFF ARE AWFUL PEOPLE. I've never once said that. I still stand by the FEW who are there to actually make a difference. The clients are great people but they are supposed to be in a "CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT" I ask all of you defending Graywood WHO was in control of this environment?? "

ard2002 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 2:42 PM:

" to Tobias...if this company is so bad why would you continue to work for them? You claim to have alot of stories so why didnt you report it? Im sure you realize that you by law are a mandated reported and if you see things that should be reported and do not, then you are just as bad as the person doing it because you the mandated reported allowed it to go on. "

TommyTutone wrote on Sep 4, 2008 2:46 PM:

" Rojo: Yes, one must have a diploma or GED, and pass a background check. Furthermore, they must be willing to work in a highly stressful, sometimes physically dangerous job for ~$8/hour. This is likely why the turnover is so high (my understanding is that it's somewhere in the neighborhood of six months, but that's just hearsay). I can say that when I worked there, there were a few regulars and a whole lot of short timers who were paraded through. Most of these were fellow college students who had no intention of staying for long. Those who stay for any length of time must truly care about the kids, or they are unable to find something better. As for the call corporate before you call the cops/ambulance protocol, that is how we were told to handle things when I was there. That doesn't mean it's how things were always handled in practice, but that was what I was instructed to do during the limited training I received. The practice makes sense up to a point; if the cops were called every time the clients had any form of altercation, many of the clients would have been constantly caught up in ultimately fruitless legal issues, and the publicity would be terrible. Similarly, if an ambulance was called for every illness or injury, that would be quite expensive. The staff or the company nurse handled most of the minor problems and some that could be considered major (clients with frequent seizures, or major violent outbursts). The use of common sense was the best solution when figuring out who should be called first, but ~$8/hour doesnt always buy a lot of common sense. I can't say what the "official" company policy was. Essentially, I signed a piece of paper that stated I would follow company procedures at all times, and was expected to learn the vast majority of these procedures on my own. Each house was provided with large books of various drafts of official company policy covering a wide range of situations. It has been a long time since I worked there so things may have changed since then, but that's how I remember it. If the staff were truly negligent from the standpoint of a reasonable outsider, they should be legally accountable. If it was a matter of a corporation putting poorly trained staff in situations they were not prepared for, or placing physically dangerous clients with harmless ones, then the company should share the blame. Either way, Dustin did not deserve this and all efforts should be made to ensure that this situation is not repeated. "

TommyTutone wrote on Sep 4, 2008 2:59 PM:

" I don't think that all of you who are upset with the news coverage of this tragedy read the newspaper very often. Do an archive search and you'll find all sorts of positive stories about Graywood and the clients. It shouldn't be surprising that the local paper would cover an alleged local homicide, regardless of the circumstances. "

devilishangel61401 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 3:41 PM:

" Joiegirl I only know about the youth side of Graywood and that is all I am speaking about. I have never been to the adult side since my child is still a minor. This is a tragic accident and I just do not want to make any judgements without all of the facts about the case. I know you were not knocking the entire staff and I did not mean to imply that you were.

My mom worked with DD population back home in Galesburg, and I know for so many of these people the staff is their family. I agree with you the enviroment is supposed to be "controlled" I won't try to disupute you on that because you are right. I don't feel that everything can be controlled all of the time however. I know when my son lived with me, I had every possible lock, alarm and anything else I could on my doors and windows and my son still got out of the house. I had adults that could not get out of my house easily, but my son could. I personally don't feel it is fair to attack the entire Graywood Foundation for the actions or lack of actions on the part of the staff who was working at the time. I do not know the circumstances of this tragic accident but the truth will come out after a proper investigation has been done. As I said, I don't know how the Adult side is run, I only know that the Youth side is ran well and I feel blessed that my son has such a caring enviroment and wonderful staff. My prayers are with Dustin's family, his freinds and the staff at the home that loved him. "

RoseofSharon wrote on Sep 4, 2008 4:36 PM:

" There is no perfect method in selecting staff members. Every organization or company has policies and procedures that they follow in addition to the steps mandated by State and Federal regulators. Those steps were followed the staff agreed to the policy and procedures which they signed during training. The organization has kept true to its mission which is to provide chances to the chanceless, love to the loveless, and a home to the homeless. To prepare individuals for the challenges they will face as they progress to the ultimate goal, community integration. No one wants to talk about how Graywood removes Adults and Children from environments where they are being molested and physically abused. Or the number of emergency placements where the individuals had no food or shelter. Or the numerous hazardous incidents one in particular where a guardian who was suffering from depression was attempting to lead individuals (children) out into the street to be hit by a car. It did not matter if it was 8am on Wednesday or midnight on a Sunday, when individuals were in need of care when there was no one to help them to offer them hope, a chance at a life that you and I may take for granted do you know who was there, Graywood. When the individual is so use to food being a scarce commodity and they now have to learn not to steal food from others that its okay to sit at the table with others in the manner in which a family would and eat dinner do you know who is there to teach them, Graywood. How some individuals would arrive with only the clothes on their person and they now have a full wardrobe, guess who? How other individuals have come to Graywood with the same sort of aggressive behaviors who have worked with the DTs and Management concerning their programs and are now reunited with their families or have been adopted and now have a new family, guess who? As tragic as the incident is, you would have to comment upwards of 70 to speak concerning all the other tragedies that would occur if it was not for the work of Graywood. So please do not misunderstand, it is not the staff involved that are being defended, its Graywood. If you are to hold Graywood accountable for individuals who have clearly being trained (signed document stating they were), who have unmistakably violated Graywoods policy and procedures would suggest an issue which is tangent to the facts of the incident. An issue I must say has or at the very least will expose itself in its true form and nature. Although I have not been able to decipher the accurate making of the tree to avoid passing judgment, I will speak concerning its fruit. Vengeance or Grudge which of these describes you? "

injustice85 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 4:53 PM:

" and to you tommy tutone why shouldn't the newspaper print this story, good or bad it should be for the public to know "

TommyTutone wrote on Sep 4, 2008 5:31 PM:

" Injustice: Yea dude, that's pretty much what I said. "

blackbird wrote on Sep 4, 2008 5:39 PM:

" Hello All. I too am a current Graywood employee. And I think I need to clarify an issue. First, the actual policy if you read it accurately, says this, "Staff members are empowered and responsible to ensure the medical needs of a client are met at all times. In the event of a medical emergency, staff are to call 911 for emergency medical assistance. Staff are to implement first aid measures that will cause no further harm to the individual while waiting for the arrival of the emergency medical treatment." The other policy that you all seem to recall is the one where you are not to call the police to control the clients. They aren't there to do YOUR job. Some staff instead of doing their job and de-escalating a behavior will use the police to intimidate the clients. That isn't right. We all went through CPI and aggressive management training, which are non-violent crisis intervention techniques. It is COMMON SENSE people! Police have better things to do than doing our job! Those policies were taught to me in my orientation and also in the state mandated training as well as on the floor training and more for my DSP certification. This training is standard with all employees. Then, you have to take tests and demonstrate those skills to show your competence.

We need to stop looking at the organization involved and focus on the people who weren't doing their job. They had the same training as the rest of us. No one can say we were not propertly trained, it is 120+ hrs long. That doesn't even include the med passing and cpr certification. We all have adequate support if we have questions. We are all supposed to be advocates for the clients. We are all mandated reporters, if you do not report things that you see, then you are just as guilty. Also, remember we have the listening ear so that we can report things anonymously. If you do not do these things then you are equally as guilty as the persons who committed this atrocity.

Btw, that policy also states "In the event a client suffers an emergency such as being non-responsive, severe fall, head injury, severe laceration, broken bone, etc, staff must seek immediate medical assistance. Supervisors and nursing staff should be contacted after the call to the 911 operator has been made and emergency medical attention has been secured."

You wouldn't blame the teachers or the school if this was a school shooting. You would focus on this individual that committed the crime.

Have we ever been told to lie, to harm a client, not to do our job, abuse or neglect a client or was it ever a policy to do so?? We all know the answer is no. "

ladybird75 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 5:58 PM:

" This is insane, I work at an area facility for the Developmentally Disabled and management sent out a mass email about the incident at Graywood. But no where did it tell us how we should be supportive of our colleagues. It is a small community and I am somewhat aware of the individuals involved. I know that it is not typical behavior for those individuals. I don't feel like we should use this tragedy for our own personal gain or to trample on our competitors. I am ashamed that we are not pulling together more, I think we should unite as agencies and individuals to support those that Dustin left behind. They lost a friend and a housemate. I got into this line of work to support people with developmental disabilities, all of them, not just the ones that I take care of at this facility. "

TommyTutone wrote on Sep 4, 2008 6:10 PM:

" Blackbird: Apparently it is different now. Thank goodness for that. So, do you complete the 120+ hours of training before you are responsible for the safety of clients? When I was there, I worked for a couple of weeks before I took my training. "

reddual wrote on Sep 4, 2008 7:11 PM:

" I've been following this blog pretty closely and this is really getting out of hand. Everyone needs to just calm down and let the pieces of the puzzle come together.

We have to be careful not say anything that might jeapardize the investigation. We now have people that are using their friends to post, having them tell lies and make up stories when we ALL have limited information. None of us have read the police report. All we have is information from the newspaper, and even the newspaper does not have the full story. We have to stop reacting to limited information like this. We need to just relax and let the CPD do their job. Let's be patient. We all want justice for Dustin. And whoever is involved will be brought to task. Stop the blame game, its getting really old.

Besides someone posted as to the policies and was able to quote them. If that person knew those, don't you think the Police will have/know them as well. Let's stop jumping to conclusions and beating up a company who has the correct procedures in place. This is not a joking matter, if you are true to yourself, you will wait for the truth to come out before you pass judgement. Don't use this for your own gain, whatever your motives are. "

slcroy86 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 7:37 PM:

" Ladybird75 and RiverRat: I respect you both for having your hearts in the right place. As a Graywood employee/Developmental Trainer in the adult homes, I will be willing to speak out. I work over 40 hours each week and spend more time at the group home than I do at my own home. The truth about Graywood, huh? You want to know the truth about Graywood? We take Developmentally Disabled Human Beings into these homes and welcome them with open arms. We have open minds and open hearts to every one of these clients and to those of you who have not worked in a group home, you have no idea the work and the heart it takes to take care of these clients. I am here because I want to be here, as well as my other staff members. It would be easy for us to pick out a job at any fastfood restraunt in town, as well as any bar. Since this job, I have learned to care for and to be cared for by more people than I could ever imagine. When behaviors erupt, they can erupt over the simplest things because the simplest things can mean the world to the clients. Behaviors can last less than 2 minutes, or they can continue all day. The behavior that happened at BStreet most likely happened in the blink of an eye if the staff were not there to see it. These staff members are going through enough punishment without everyone pointing a finger claiming they have the slightest clue of what happened. I know the staff that worked at that group home, and they were in no way malicious or neglectful. There is only so much we can do when something like that happens... Has anyone of you ever been watching tv and forgotten to take your dog out? Or have you heard of a mother losing a child in a grocery store? There is so much going on in these houses, we only have two hands. I'm not trying to excuse what happened by any means, the client/clients involved need to legally be held accountable. Dustin was a sweet, sweet man and everyone will miss him greatly, including the clients at my home. The Graywood staff have all these clients' best interests at heart and we are all family. I wish some of you would take a step outside your tiny little boxes and look at the big picture. Joiegirl78: I'm sorry you have issues with Graywood, but do not start voicing your opinion now when there is a man's life that is lost...you shouldn't take this oppurtunity to "get back" at your old job. Move on. Thank you everyone for your time, and Dustin: My group home, supervisor, and QMRP are all praying for you. "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 7:55 PM:

" As for Patti- well we all have our cross to bear, and we all know that people's titles change frequently don't they?? "

injustice85 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 7:59 PM:

" I think blackbird made some good points in reviewing the staff procedures, now doesn't common sense tell you that an unconcious person needs serious help immediately? "

hope13 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 8:13 PM:

" I am the guardian of an individual who resides at Graywood. I came to lend my support this week in the wake of this tragedy. I have known both Dustin and the perpetrator for over 10 years. I am not going to comment on an event in which I was not present and add to the fires of speculation. That is up to the legal investigation. I hesitated to even reply in this fashion however the I feel I owe it to Graywood for the wonderful care they have provided for my loved one. Like Robert, he can be challenging. When no other provider in the area would help us, Graywood did. They have turned his life around. I know however if he were to become a "danger to self or others" as the lingo goes, we would have to look at other options or go through all the systems put in place to make sure people are safe. I did not freely give my support, only after some inquiry. I know they recieve high scores and praise from licensure agencies. It is public knowledge. I read something about public health. What does public health have to do with this? The comments about money people have posted really expose ignorance in how the system works. When you contract with DCFS or DHS you have to cost report and do an independent audit. Its public information. The state tells what the maximum is that you can spend on salaries, supplies, etc. Illinos ranks last in the nation, after Puerto Rico in funding and supports for people with disabilities. For agencies like Graywood it is common to start a seperate business to generate revenue to supplement the state shortages. I know people come from all over the United States to look at this sit up. That's a smart business operation, not a criminal one. I know this because I research the system and worked in a related field. If you want to help and focus your efforts to help increase the level of supports in Illinois use your antagonistic talents to push for change. But first educatate yourself. You would not go give a lecture on a topic you knew very little or nothing about. Apply these high standards you are holding others to on to yourself. The person that told me about this web site stated that one of the people- a joey ? or something works in a nursing home in Mattoon blogging about neglect while she had duties to tend to. Make your agenda about quality services to people with disabilities in honor of Dustin. Do not make this your personal agenda. "

parrothead55 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 8:14 PM:

" FYI I have known Nurse 77 for years and can tell you that she has always been a terrible speller but a heck of a fine nurse. "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 8:27 PM:

" Again I'm not using this to "GET BACK" at anyone. I'm only trying to educate people of the dangers. "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 8:33 PM:

" And I do hold myself to these high standards, thats why my residents were taken care of. "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 8:40 PM:

" Actually- while blogging I was on my break. We do get those at my present employer "

hope13 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:06 PM:

" The language of "my" residents indicates ownership and the need to control or as stated above, be a martyr or crusader. Crusaders are dangerous because they champion for their own causes. An advocate on the other hand fights for the wishes of others. Independence vs. dependence and they take pride and joy in the accomplishments of others, not their own. Over the years I have seen a lot of staff in the home and I know the best ones never drew attention to themselves, the long hours, the physical and mental demands of the job. Again, we have choice and free will and each time they clocked in the hope is they vow to care for the persons in the home the best way they know how. The feeling of ownership of individuals in this situation is relevant because perhaps people see Graywood as having this ownership and total control of the people they serve and its employees. All the persons served in the homes and the staff clocking in and out have autonomy- free will to do what they wish. Graywoods job is to set guidelines and boundries and enforce them in hopes that everyone makes good choices and moves the agency in the right direction. What these people did was out of control. Out of everyone's control, including God and Graywood. So to wrap it up- this PC blunder shed a new light on why people may feel they have to blame the staff, persons served, or the organization. Blame will be handed down by the courts. "

TommyTutone wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:18 PM:

" Hope: Are you saying that Graywood funnels money from "profitable" operations (i.e. Lincoln Springs resort, Graywood accounting,) into the group homes because they don't turn a profit? How is that smart buisness? Granted, it would be magnanamous, but not really smart from a buisness perspective. Also, my admittedly limited online research skills were unable to turn up the info about state mandated supply/salary caps for care providers in group homes, could you post a link to the public records you mentioned? "

TommyTutone wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:31 PM:

" For all you spelling Nazis; I realize I misspelled magnanimous "

stomp_it_out wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:47 PM:

" We should pray for the family of Dustin rather than use this tragic moment as a way to get back at an organization. Rather than come together as a community you want to point fingers of hate and blame. The same fingers that you pointed at Mr. O when he wanted to bring in the group homes. Graywood is not a dumping ground. Mr. O gave individuals a second chance and for some an only chance to succeed in life. I'm not defended anyone because justice will be served. I only ask that people stop looking at our organization as "trash" or a "dumping ground". I take pride in working at the Graywood Foundation. There is nothing that anyone will say to change my heart. I love all my kids and co-workers. I believe that the executive director, nursing, youth program manager, qmrp's, cww's, and the dt's all do there jobs to perfection. Don't let two bad apples spoil your taste for the whole tree. And as for those of you who take the chance to slam Mr. O there is not one person on here that could feel his shoes. We could write for an eternity about all of the accomplishments that this man has made. He strives to better individuals arround him including the ones that we serve. So lets get back to the main topic at hand. Stop using this blog as a personal reference and give some sympathy to those that need it. We will all miss Dustin. May our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 10:06 PM:

" The "MY RESIDENTS" comes from being in this field for over 10 years, as well as them being a family to me. I say "MY FAMILY" is that trying to control? No, it is another way of stating that they were close to me.

As far as me mentioning what I had accomplished while there, I was ASKED what I had done to help individuals in my time there, so I ANSWERED.

I take pride in the things "my" residents achieved while I was working at both facilities I have been employed at. I feel it is a very rewarding feeling to know that I CAN make a difference in someone's life. And the feeling of that shouldn't be labeled as being a martyr or crusader, but rather considered sincerity or even compassion. I do not disagree with the mission of Graywood by any means, it's great thought. IF they hired more people who would be in these clients lives longer than 2 weeks to a year maybe their mission could become a reality. Maybe then clients would feel more stable, maybe then the homes would actually be what they were meant to be. "

hope13 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 10:06 PM:

" By smart business I was implying quality, not profit. The mission of Graywood is not profit- its opportunity. Thank you. "

devilishangel61401 wrote on Sep 4, 2008 10:46 PM:

" Hope I came on this site to express my smypathay for Dustin's family, freinds, staff who cared for him, but when I see Graywood being attacked I feel compelled to speak up. My son has always received wonderful care. I had a group home back home turn him down because "he required too much care" he needs 24 hour supervision, something I as a single mom of 2 ( my son and my daughter cannot provide him with. Graywood welcomed him with open arms. I asked if anyone had any stories they could share about Dustin. I would still love to hear them if you are able to share them. To those of you that work at Graywood currently bless you. I know your job cannot always be easy. "

TommyTutone wrote on Sep 4, 2008 11:11 PM:

" So, it's a non-profit organization. Odd that they don't say anything about that on the website. That's usually the sort of thing that people try to advertise. All of the other non-profit group homes make a big deal out of it. "

TommyTutone wrote on Sep 4, 2008 11:32 PM:

" Hope: I'm sorry that I was so sarcastic on the last post; I'm not trying to make you feel foolish. I just don't want anyone to get disillusioned about this company because they throw the words hope or empower around. They are in this to make money. "

Sunwhisper wrote on Sep 5, 2008 1:53 PM:

" I knew Dustin and all the Graywood clients.I serviced the Graywood Foundation through a Laboratory service, for 4 years.I loved all of the clients so much that I serviced the Mattoon Charleston area for the laboratory on my own. Dustin was such a sweet boy. He always greeted me with a smile and hug. Never did I feel threatened or even wary when I entered these homes. There were days that the clients had thier moments, but the staff knew how to disfuse the situations that arised. This is a tragedy, and I mourn for the community that embraced Dustin and the other children that have grown up together for so many years. Dustin I know you are with Jesus now smiling down on us all.
Mandi Landes
Evansville,Indiana "

anna wrote on Sep 5, 2008 2:33 PM:

" Today was Dustin's funeral. May he rest in peace. "

injustice85 wrote on Sep 5, 2008 3:35 PM:

" I'm sure we all agree that there is wonderful staff members working for Graywood but that doesn't make them all angels, whether intentional or not they were neglectful in this situation, I just feel sad that Dustin didn't have an obituary, anyone know why that is? "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 5, 2008 3:50 PM:

" Dustin does have an obit, just not a JG-TC obit. "

pj1983 wrote on Sep 5, 2008 4:25 PM:

" i had to track the obit through a Streator paper but for anyone who's interested here it is...(i hope this works)

http://tinyurl.com/6n5vq3 "

Lurker61920 wrote on Sep 5, 2008 7:18 PM:

" Not to change the subject or anything, but I want the job that joiegirl78 has because if they post only on their breaks as previously stated, they sure do get a lot of breaks!!! Just look at the time and date stamps on her postings:

Just food for thought is all....;) "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 5, 2008 11:02 PM:

" Lurker-I never said that I ONLY post on breaks the ones during the day are on my break. The other ones gt posted from home. I don't know what job would have someone working 24-7. Food for thought... "

injustice85 wrote on Sep 6, 2008 12:23 PM:

" ya know lurker61920 ya might at least say something relevant in light of a tragic situation instead of being a pompous !@#, the point is someone is dead and this really isn't the time for standup, and thank you everyone for pointing out the obituary "

chosenone wrote on Sep 7, 2008 2:36 AM:

" I don't know if you all know but everyone wants to live a normal life, so do the people who live in these homes. They are human just like you and I. Granted some of these people have behaviors, DD people sometimes don't know how to express themselves and the only way they know how to express them selves is not what you or I would say is appropriate. I live across from a Graywood house and I have seen clients have behaviors and I noticed that the staff had handled the situations appropriately. I also understand that some of the population that live in these homes also consider the staff to be like family because they are there most of the time. I don't know the whole story so I am not going to point any fingers until the investigation is complete. I also have a child that is DD and no he is not in a group home, but there are people that are less fortunate and have no where else to go they don't want to get lost in the system or end up in an instution where they thoughts don't matter. "

Bigmac wrote on Sep 7, 2008 12:22 PM:

" Dear joiegirl78,
Get over it already! Your negativity is wearing us out. You're so quick to spread gossip and point fingers. Why don't you take a look at yourself. I work with you and trust me...you are not the saint that you portray yourself to be. "

heard_enough wrote on Sep 7, 2008 3:05 PM:

" TO: Dustin- May you rest in peace, my dear. Your memory will live on, mainly through the boys at B Street, whom you lived with, laughed with, loved, and had differences with. Face it, you were all a big group of brothers. Watching their hearts break every day that they keep on going without you, won't be easy, but please remember as you watch over them, that they live on for you. May you serve as Graywood's Angel, and watch over all of them.

I have been keeping track of all the coments on here. Let's just get something straight; more people are focussing on the negative, than the positive.

You hear about some success stories, but you won't hear all of them because the littlest thing can be a success story to a DD individual. For example, is it going to be in the paper when a DD client learns to ride a bike? Of course not. But that is a success story, also. Point being, there ARE success stories in each group home; they just won't make it into the paper for the world to read.

You can sit there and bash Graywood all you want as former and present employees or even outsiders. For those who are present employees and have negative things to say; GET ANOTHER JOB. They do NOT need you in their organization. It's obvious if you complain, you don't do your job accordingly to ensure the quality of Graywood or the well being of the clients. Imagine if one of the clients heard or read what you said about THEIR HOME. I know for a fact, if you talked about where I live in a negative manner, I surely wouldn't like you much. For those former employees; focus on your jobs now. Leave Graywood alone, and know that the residents you once cared for have probably moved on (doesn't mean they've forgotten you, they just know they cannot rely on you to be there if they need you), since you willingly left them behind. (So the question is..if care is so bad at Graywood and you were such a great employee; why in God's name would you leave knowing their care was in question?)

I agree with the 1st post, let's not judge all DD individuals or group homes because of what happened here. Most can be violent; that's why they are sent to group homes to begin with. Some people just cannot control the behaviors they exhibit. DSP's are trained and certified to handle such clients. EVEN AT GRAYWOOD!! Fights happen, whether it's client versus staff or client versus cleint. The only difference is; when it's a client versus client; staff is to be there intervening. So, if Robert cliams staff was involved; why are they not facing some kind of charges? And if they weren't, do you think two grown men fighting is going to be silent? No, they would have heard it and been able to stop it within the 1st minute. QUESTION left unanswered: WHERE WERE STAFF??

I have a lot more I could say, but I don't think that Dustin would want people talking negatively about his home, his friends, and the people who DID take care of him on a daily basis. "

injustice85 wrote on Sep 7, 2008 4:07 PM:

" then don't read it BIGMAC! "

cherry wrote on Sep 7, 2008 5:29 PM:

" For those of you who think all the employees of graywood are responsible for the things that have happend they arent.For those of you woundering why graywood takes such violent people into there homes its because people who are violent with DD also need a place if there family cant handle it thats why they are taken. I totally agree that the staff involved in this horrible event should face some big charges because not olny do there action make graywood look bad but the people who work for them as well. As far as the indvidual that commeted the crime he may be DD but he isnt stupid and Im 99.9% sure that he knows right from wrong so he knew better than to do what he did even if he has trouble controling it. Oh and as far as the thngs you have to go therw to work at graywood you have to go therw an extencive background check before you get the job. As far as beign trained properly the staff is trained properly but the company can not control the stupid decsions that people make after all when they hired the person it showed a clear background check so how is the company going to know that a person is going to snap, they do work in what can be a stressful area and if they have never delt with these kinds of thing before it could lead them to snap very easily. To Dustin's family im truly sorry for your lose my thoughts and prays are you all. "

Illinoisbound wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:13 AM:

" I'm not up on all the details of this tragic story and not living in Illinois, I don't know where this "home" is located. We bought a home in Mattoon for retirement a couple of years ago. We had no idea a "home" was just down the street from us until one of the residents broke into our home. They came right into our family room with our grandchildren there...and wouldn't leave. We didn't spend our life savings for our dream home of retirement days to end up like this! The neighbors told us later that the neighborhood had put up a fight to keep it out of there, but failed. Of course, there will be letters attacking me on how cold-hearted I am, but would you want this happening in your home??? "

injustice85 wrote on Sep 8, 2008 1:55 PM:

" who is responsible then CHERRY? you just said that the staff isn't but then you say the clients need to be there so they can be supervised so do they supervise themselves? Someone failed to supervise thats the situation, it isn't every situation but it's this one "

cherry08 wrote on Sep 9, 2008 12:49 AM:

" injustice85 i didnt say that it wasnt the staffs responsibility i stated that they should be charged with the crime as well as the individual who commited it. you need to get your story strisght before jumping to conclusions. Oh and as far as them being in the area were i live i would care if they lived there they are human just like us. I mean yeah it would be scary if they came into your home but they just sometimes for get were there home is and for the most part you can look at them or even talk to them and know they are DD all you have to do is simply call 911 and they will gladly take them home. "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 9, 2008 3:42 PM:

" Heard Enough- What kind of process occurs to ensure clients interact well with one another before placement? Better yet, is there some kind of criteria that would put a resident who isn't as capable of defending himself into a home with more explosive residents? I don't seem to recall one while I was there. "

someone else wrote on Sep 10, 2008 11:49 AM:

" cherry-why on earth should someone have to call 911 everytime one of the clients "forgets" where they live? Again, where are the STAFF? The people who live on Evergreen & Hickory should not have to put up with this on a daily basis. Also, some of those Graywood residents who live on those two streets are capable of harming elderly people or children. Don't even think of trying to tell me differently, because I used to work there. "

cherry08 wrote on Sep 12, 2008 8:02 AM:

" Ya know if people are so worried about that then maybe they should find out were the group homes are and then they wouldnt have to worry about it. As far as the staff they cant always stop clients from getting out of the house some of them take advantage when another client is having a behavior. you should know that since you worked thier you make it all seem so easy when in reality staff has so much to deal with. "

injustice85 wrote on Sep 15, 2008 12:12 PM:

" if the staff can't handle it then they better find another job "

joiegirl78 wrote on Sep 17, 2008 1:27 PM:

" Big Mac- NOWHERE in any of my posts did I claim to be a saint-I'm only stating things I've witnessed. "