Layoffs expected at Wounded Warrior Project
Employees who make The Wounded Warrior Project possible could be losing their jobs.
The charity’s new chief executive says layoffs are expected following scrutiny over how the nonprofit spends its money.
KRDO spoke with disabled veteran, Mark White, who’s disappointed about the Wounded Warrior Project. White says southern Colorado veterans need the nonprofit.
“Fort Carson does great homecoming welcomes for the troops, but as soon as you’re off post you’re looked at like, what do you need? What are you complaining about?” White said.
For ten years the Wounded Warrior Project has provided support for many of those veterans.
“I don’t want to see this organization go under at all,” White said.
The charity has touched the lives of many in Colorado Springs, but now it’s in hot water.
There has been scrutiny about the organization’s spending on meetings and events. One of the events took place in Colorado Springs; an estimated $3 million corporate retreat at The Broadmoor in 2014.
“My friends and I weren’t invited,” White said.
“I work in the world of nonprofits and when I hear of elaborate parties, spending a lot of money to entertain employees. That’s not what the money was intended for,” said Beth Byer of Colorado Springs.
KRDO is trying to find out if southern Colorado employees could lose their jobs. We went to the local charity office in downtown Colorado Springs.
Wounded Warrior Project released this statement:
“WWP is evaluating all our programs and services which are provided free of charge, to determine those that deliver the greatest impact for the wounded warriors and families we serve.
As we reorganize to increase impact, we are focusing on three key areas: direct services (mental health, long term support), engagement activities (that reduce wounded warrior isolation), and services that promote independence and financial resilience. As well, WWP will continue to partner with like-minded organizations that serve warriors and their families in the communities in which they live.
Wounded Warrior Project is grateful to the warriors we serve, our passionate staff, and those who support our life-saving programs. As we finalize decisions and evolve to meet the needs of our wounded warriors, we will keep those who we serve, our supporters, and the public well informed.”
The project’s former CEO was fired in March amid questions about the spending.
The new CEO says some of the charity’s 600 employees will be laid off and funding for veterans groups could be cut.
