According to the mother and co-guardian of a former client at Reach Services, the current Director of Operations at Reach, Travis Phillips, stole from her son’s checking account, and also used his identity to take out personal loans and apply for credit cards.
Her statements were corroborated by several former employees with knowledge of the situation. Those reports indicated that Travis befriended a Reach Services client receiving help due to his disability. He then offered to help the client pay his bills, and used that information to pay his own utility bills and take out several personal loans and credit cards.
At that time, another employee at Reach Services was made aware of the situation and communicated the details to director Susie Thompson. These claims indicated that Phillips admitted to the crimes, his father paid back some of the damages incurred, and Phillips was fired or forced to resign.
It is also alleged that Susie Thompson did not initially contact the client’s family, adult protective services, or the police department, but instead conducted a meeting with the client and another Reach employee. In that meeting the employee was instructed to help the client write and sign a letter to help absolve Reach Services of any wrongdoing.
These events were reported to the Terre Haute Police Department, Adult Protective Services, and the Board of Directors at Reach Services. According to the client’s mother, the THPD’s response was that because the money was paid back there was nothing they could do.
In an email provided by the victim’s mother, the Board of Directors responded to the complaint by stating that an, “internal investigation was initiated and completed in December (2017). Reach Services has taken steps to address the issue and considers the matter closed.”
If these allegations are true, Travis Phillips was rehired, and is currently serving as the Reach Services Director of Operations while Susie Thompson and the Board of Directors, including current board president Chris Moore, had full knowledge of his crimes.
A previous version of this article listed John Plasse as a board member of Reach Services. Plasse had been shown as a board member on the Reach website at the time the article was published, but has since been removed.
This article is part three of a series, part one can be found here. https://terrehautevice.com/2022/06/16/questions-raised-about-death-of-local-veteran/
Terre Haute Vice News 
64 responses to “Reach Services Director of Operations stole client’s identity.”
[…] Read full story here, https://terrehautevice.com/2022/07/06/reach-services-director-of-operations-stole-clients-identity/ […]
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And the award for most anonymous sources goes to…
So everyone spoke on condition of anonymity? Do you have one named corroborating source? No, because this isn’t actually news, as the rag’s name implies.
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Hahaha! What a bunch of hell-worthy individuals.
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Oh? How’s that? It’s certainly not journalism.
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Hey, Lori:
Are you claiming that these things did not take place or, rather, that the information is incorrect? I really hope it’s the former, though. Fraud, identity theft, and breaching a patient’s PPI are literal felonies that were not prosecuted. I guess I’m confused by your illogical argument: either these things didn’t happen, which we know is not the case. Or they DID happen, and you’re mad at some insignificant point left out or by claiming “fake news,” which is so played out. I hope all of you are brought up on charges of theft, bribery, identity-theft, and misappropriation of funds 😂😃
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Looks like he has receipts directly from the victim …can’t hide the truth like you hide behind this fake name …you might as well stop commenting with the fakeness…because what ever I say behind someone’s back I most certainly can say it to their face …facts are facts and the truth hurts
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It’s like an IRS office in here with so many receipts 😂
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I’m waiting @it’spat …what’s the defense strategy for this one …
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And ..you are ? Nobody hiding behind a keyboard…bring your real identity to the defense table please
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Nah I’m good. I don’t want to get jumped by a group of people at my house.
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Funny …one thing about me is I don’t need a soul to fight for me or jump no body …that’s why I was stabbed …just my mere existence and what I know strikes fear ..but if Reach was on the up and up it doesn’t matter what any one says…I’m no physical threat but my knowledge is …so sorry @Pat …we don’t hear anything you are saying cause the Real Reach Truth is coming to light …but you tried it whoever you are ..I accept full responsibility for my actions maybe Reach and it’s minions should try doing the right thing for once …instead of deflecting …I didn’t steal 17,000 from a disabled consumer but YOUR So called director of operations did
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I hear straight crickets 🦗…glad @Pat had a seat
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Actually you were stabbed because you took multiple car loads of people to jump an ex boyfriends new girlfriend. You went to her house and screamed for her to come out and get some … well she did what you asked lol. Please people find the facts on who you are dealing with before playing into their hands. Simple case of ask and you shall receive honestly. But the whole honest part probably can’t be understood. I was attempting to get in the program while you bragged about this and how you was gonna get dat girl one way or other.
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So I am confused … you started with I am my brothers keeper…. I got your six…. justice for Bill… and now this. Well I don’t have to make accusations you have made it 100% clear your main goal was never to avenge a fallen brother. You just wanted to use the hype you could create from his passing to help fuel your mission to revenge. You are the lowest form of person for that. You should be ashamed and embarrassed by your actions. But then that would imply you are a decent and honorable person which you definatly are not. Way to shame a veteran by publicly announcing his passing as a suicide. He deserved better but with you nipping in the corner he got the worst. You ask why no news agency or person of influence is picking up your “story” it’s because anyone with half a brain can see through your agenda. You have talked a lot and 0 of it has been in a way to get justice for William. It is to get your own vengeance. Your own justice. Your own agenda. I will leave you be now. But I’ll tune in later to laugh at you some more and see how much brandon has criticized me and quoted gang’s Kahn or Confutious or Socrates oo oo no do Plato. Wait no huckleberry finn…Finn…. aahhh I’ll just wait to be surprised I supose. You guys are two peas.
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Wow..now this was news to me ..scratch a lie find a thief …what else are they covering up…but yet the very agency charged with helping our most vulnerable population is the same agency that tries to destroy you if you speak up for your rights …and as a community we just sweep it under the rug …this is outrageous…if that happened to one client how many other clients information have been breached …and let’s not forget about Bill Whitman a man that dedicated his life to reach …this is shameful
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Oh let’s also sit this out here …he lives on Reach property as well being given discounted housing….after he stole a consumers info and identity…mean while they get to gang up on me for speaking my truth …and have input on veteran lives going through the court system and the court administration allows this …John Burk who is the Director of Veteran services sits on the vet court panel and has input on veterans involved with vet court ..while he flat out lied about me threatening him and the staff at the bell building…run the parking lot tapes …how can you hug a threat
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Why aren’t you attacking the others that are speaking up @Pat …what is it that I know that you don’t want to come out …continue to try and defame me ..remember the Real truth is about to hit the fan …all these people are NOT lying …you just trying to deflect the truth …go have a seat Pat …
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It’s election year so no one is gonna do anything about this they gonna sweep this right under the rug …until someone with some stature and authority says enough this will continue to happen without consequences…when is someone gonna hold them accountable
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I know exactly who @pat is 😂😂…honey you’d be so surprised on the receipts I have ..they involve you directly 😂😂😂 please don’t make me shame you ..you guys have already tarnished and disgraced the mission…and tried to ruin good people
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Well as you see nothing gets done
I do believe that an audit needs to be done and all Veterans Administration funding should be withdrawn and the SSVF program should be pulled from the organization
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100% Agree!
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Well said Walter …I’m proud to see you stand up …all veterans should be outraged …and I totally agree …full audit for ALL GRANT FUNDS Reach has been awarded for the last 6 Years …scratch a lie find a thief …more veterans need to speak their truth
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Correct me if im wrong Melissa but did you not work there during this time???? Wouldnt that mean you misprocreated (Brandon spell check please) the funds??? Preach sister speak your truth…. The problem is looking at this from the outside in you got it backwards and 99.99% to 100% of what you say is lies.You need therapy. like bad….
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You need real facts my veteran status is real ..what I said I stand one 200%…if I’m lying why slander me …I hope there is a full investigation..and we will
see who is lying …it definitely ain’t me …and since we want to bring up backgrounds..have you completed background checks on current staff …wow violent felonies and dui’s … and driving with no insurance while they transport clients don’t come for me unless I send for you …let the evidence speak and there’s plenty …
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I stand on every word I say …I am my brothers keeper
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I had a title with no AUTHORITY…Susie Thompson had all the decision making authority..NO actions were taken unless Susie said so …and that’s a fact
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So let me get this straight. Originaly the post was an attempt to seek justice for a veterans suicide…. yet here we are finding new things to argue over.
This was never an attempt to get justice, it is a bitter former employee wanting revenge and using a news ( used very loosely) agency to get that vengance. One you used a tragedy as a tool to provoke these people to help you which is as low as you can go honestly.
With that said let us dive into these half truths. First off I am under the impression that the people claiming a toxic work enviroment worked directly for the woman that is the perpatrator of all of this….Mellisa gray or franklyn or whatever she calls herself. Am I correct that the very person claiming that people were wronfully terminated is the veery person who terminated them???? well isnt that just odd….. Also isnt it odd that the only people on here sayting bad things is the employees who she terminated. She is so good at manipulation she got this page to help her get revenge and managed to convince the peopl she done wrong to help her lol. Pathetic realy. how about the comment from laurie chandler that says if you have something bad to say about reach come forward now lol. Not if you have a honest account with this organization just if its bad. Way to rally the troops to suit an agenda lol. You stated reach forces employees to resign so they cant draw unemployemt… uhhhhh do some research peopl you can draw unemployment if you resign for a reasonable reason. obviously if you say i want to play video games you wont get it but if it was a truely toxic enviroment then I know you would get it. I have first hand from an organization I resigned from so it isnt heresay it is fact. People are quick to judge off of hear say. Dont reach take volunteers?? I have heard them on the news asking for volunteers. If you want to know for a fact go volunteer. What is the worst that could happen?? Either you learn it realy is bad and you leave or you find it isnt bad at all and ghet to help someone in need while finding out for yourself. Yea thats a horrible idea your right lol. Ms. Franklin you should be ashamed of yourself for twisting a traumatic situation to suit your [personal axe to grind. This is a direct reflection of your character and honestly as I read your comments I can see why you would be Let go. Its unclear from your ramblings if you quit resigned or were terminated but eiother way as I read your comments I know I would let you go in a heartbeat. You are the toxic enviroment you keep perpatrating on others. Brandon Courtney I cant wait to see how you belittle my spelling or inteligence as you so diligently have with anyone who says something that doesnt help your agenda as well. I researched this situation in this article (google is our friend) This Phillips guy was let go while investigations where done. Im not positive but it appears he was not charged but cops where involved. It looks as if he was brought back once found innocent. I cant speak with 100% certainty but from what I have been able to find it sure would appear that way. Matt as you write these articles perhaps you should do your research. Half truths and heresay are not good news and they dont make you a journalist in makes you a drama pool. I have been through the reach program 3times myself. My first time I went through went great and I was truely helped. The second time mallisa was in charge and brandon was my case manager. I was in the office while they laughed at vetrans and talked openly about their personal stuff using names and all in front of me. They wpould commonly belittle different branches and call peopl wannabe veterans. I ended up leaving and not going through the program. They were disgusting people. I went in again not long ago and found all the people were new. It was amazing. People spoke to me like I was family and honestly doen all they could to help me. I didnt even need to get in the program. By time I left I had medical and disability set up and my experience was 1 million times better than before. So pardon me for wanting to defend a place that I know for a fact is not what Ms.Franklin claims. In a social media world a mad former employee dont go tell a few friends lies and foul things to a few friends they post it on shade tree forums and hope someone bites so they can cause havoc and get revenge. Congradulations to every one for being a pawn in this womans bitterness. I fully intend to volunteer regularly with reach especialy the veterans area. Now that I know it finaly has people who care in the building. Please feel free to call me names and belittle me or try to make me out a bad girl for speaking my mind I dont mind. Oh and I am pretty sure the veterans wife said that the veteran who passed had bills piling up, a home that was falling apart (she said the roof to be exact), Had invested in stocks and the market crashed. And learned he was about to lose his life insurance….. Im sure all of those extreme stresses didnt help. THe veteran was a wonderful man and an amazing human beiong with a heart of gold. He shouldnt be remembered the way Ms. Franklin is portraying him but as a saint and someone who will be missed dearly every day. Again Ms.Franklin shame on you. If you are a veteran ( Which I dought) but if you are then you definatly never retained your values.
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P.S I wont reply agfter this. Not because I am afraid or hiding or scared. Actualy it is because I have better things to do that argue with bitter people on a mission to try and destroy something. I said my peice and I will leave it at that. Honestly I expect vice to delete it anyway because it doest help their continuous bombardment of negativety. Brandon…. I know my spelling is horrible believe me lol but please feel free to bash it or quote some random historical stuff … Your kind of off (wierd) Ill give you time to look that up…LOL … But amusing at least lol.
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I don’t know who you are but I will respond since you addressed me. Travis Phillips was not found innocent. He admitted guilt to identify theft of a Reach Client. Then he was hired back. I am thankful this news source is reporting other information besides what the Tribune Star reports.
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My values are superior to your lies …I’m sorry but if you are going to quote me, you might want to get my words correct. I absolutely without a doubt stand on everything I have said, with the receipts to match. Defaming me and lying is only making my case stronger. Like I said I’m no longer scared and I will stand in my truth…you should do the same. Ma’am
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@logical poor you …we all know the truth you can try and slander and defame me all you want…Reach is the problem …not us …bring out your receipts cause I’m definitely gonna bring out mine ….and we will see who is lying and who is telling the truth ….like I said I stand on every word I have said ..I don’t have to hide who I am ..but you do …no body respects a keyboard killer …will the real logical stand up …I guess you can’t because Susie runs your life telling you who you can can cannot talk to …manipulation at its finest …only a few know of my incident..so I know that this is an inside comment …you are. Clown 🤡
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Scratch a lie find a thief …keep scratching because I can assure you the truth will come out …we will have Justice for Bill
in the end …let the full investigation begin …the truth will come out …and that’s 100% standing on my word …
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I will respond since you mentioned my name. Travis Phillips was not found innocent. He admitted guilt to stealing the identity of a Reach Services client. Then he was hired back to work for Reach again and apparently still does work there. I am thankful for a news source that will report information about Reach Services besides the Tribune Star and I hope this news source continues to ask questions and seek truth. It is important to hear different sides.
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It’s rather clever to continue attacking one person, Melissa, instead of acknowledging the number of other former employees speaking out. I took the time to have a go at all the posts, articles and comments in regards to Reach and this situation. It appears as though at least 6 former employees have confirmed much of what has been said by Melissa as well as the articles claims. After she spoke her truth she has since been met with legal action taken against her as a “ramification” of her speech. No one coming to the defense of Reach has yet to comment on or toward the other 6 former employees. The verbal (and legal) attacks are coming at the one who still continues to speak, still demands justice, the one who won’t “sit down and shut up”. No one has commented to any of the other SIX Former Employees validating her claims or the claims of these 3 articles. Choosing to speak repeatedly on Melissa ONLY says, in my opinion, that perhaps what she is saying isn’t just true but 100% valid… With “receipts”.
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Who ever you are @Curious I thank you from the bottom of my heart…Reach has been both a blessing and a curse, I’m standing as tall as I possibly can and I refuse to allow them to be the cause I end up back in homelessness. I will tell the truth and walk with my head a little higher after reading what you wrote .. you have no idea …I think I might make it through
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I am a former employee who has commented; Im also the one that saw some sh*t go down and kept it to myself. I was also given the sppech to resign or be fired for, literally no reason, other than at Susie’s whim. I was Bill”s replacement ,the 1st time he “retired”. The “official” statement by Reach, when he left in late 2009/early 2020; the word in and around the office was, Susie fired him for incompetence, but how could that be true, when he replaced me when I was “fired” in May 2020, at the height of the pandemic? Im a retired Army Veteran w/20 yrs of service and an 80% disability rating from VA-tell me again abt Reach’s concern for veterans? I know what the Reach rganization does to their workers and it makes 0 difference that some are veterans. There was no incompetence with Bill and none with me either, we were fired at whim, full stop. I suffered a great deal aftet I was terminated, didnt beleive that Id ever work again, considering there is currently ramlant age discrimination for thise iver 50-it was very frightening and absolutely uncalled for! I cant imagine being 80, having a job I love and then being terminated with no warning; with sky high medical bills, a sick wife and house flood all commencing upon me in the same month. It is about justice for Bill, it always will be! But currently Reach is gunning g hard for people who are speaking out.
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I sit here and read all this and I LMBO
It’s like high school I say let it go Nothing will ever be done.
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@walter ..I’m not just fighting for Bill I’m standing up for all of us …I see how my actions and the actions of the Board and executive management broke all of us …I won’t back down …enough is enough and my only regret is I didn’t stand up sooner. But I won’t walk around here in fear …I stand on every word that I have said and will continue to period .
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Show the receipts.
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What would you like to see?
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You can’t attach here
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Only thing you have shown reciept for is the filed claim against you.
That does not support your allegations.
You say you have proof of all the accusations youre posting but have not shown it.
If you can attach pictures of that in the shared post comment area why haven’t you attached your truth?
Show the receipts.
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I call your bluff …lll show you my receipts when you show yours …I been real nice about what I know cause I know there are children involved…but I have receipts for days …ask Sarah she’s on video, several of them in my house …so let’s play show the receipts…I bet we see who is a liar 🤥
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Nice try …imma let the attorney handle everyone’s receipts…let’s see how the board approves that message
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Will the real do it stand up …let’s play receipts so I can hurt your little feelings…I’m not like Reach I don’t have to lie …27D me all day …I know what I know and you made cause I’m telling …
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When I get done I bet she walk on on the drug test just like she did at Mosiac…better drink water 💦
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My cameras start recording as soon as you hear “kitchen door” please don’t make me pull my adt cameras…cause it look like ya girl was really comfortable on my couch …laying under my covers..bet she didn’t tell Susie that now did she …but yet y’all come for me …imma tell you one more time do not come for me unless I send for you ☝️☝️☝️ Let’s also talk about how John cooks thc cookies and pass them out to staff …drug test the whole crew don’t just single out one employee test them all …let’s see who do what ..ps John gave Susie a THC cookie …she was super nice that day
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I am finding this all quite hilarious. I really have no idea what is going on except this Melissa lady saying the same things over and over again with different verbiage. I do know personally that Reach Services is an amazing organization that does amazing things. So, someone who claims they are looking out for all veterans wants to have all funding pulled. Because that’s gonna help them.
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Y’all act like 7 grader’s as I said before nothing will be done
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I’m acting like a seventh grader I think not …so I tell my truth and I’m attacked…no one is attacking you for your truth or the others that have spoke up ..why is that …I’m standing on everything that I said with the receipts to back up my truth …you Walter are not receiving any threats to your safety and freedom but I am…I wonder why …if I’m a liar why not dismiss me ..but threaten me and my life …for what … to keep the real reach truth from coming to light .. why are they attacking me? Answer me that …I don’t see them attacking no one else but me just for talking 🤷♂️
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And you right Walter the board is just reading the comments and sitting there letting all kind of wrongdoings go on in their agency …you right Walter you are absolutely right …nothing will be done ..they can do whatever they want without consequences….while us liars and regular folk get dragged through the mud …GO REACH
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It’s sad that a story that had some credibility is being turned into a circus. Melissa do you not realize that by acting like you have in the comments sections on the website and facebook that you are undermining the credibility of the entire story. No one will ever take it seriously now. You have made yourself the focal point, not Reach, and least of all Bill. It’s sad, really.
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Lies …we will see…it is what it is …facts are facts
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No what’s sad is people hiding behind fake names and killing the keyboard anonymously but yet want to have an opinion….you could have kept them fake thoughts to ya self …contribute some evidence, provide facts …until then save ya cellphone battery
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Evidence for what? There is no needed evidence to prove that you’ve become what appears to be a one man show with a vendetta on a second rate news platform. You have made personal attacks with no proof of actual wrong doing save what is printed in this article. Reach will weather the shit storm and it is you who have made it so. There has been no room for other voices to be heard above you crying “wolf.” This whole fiasco has become a disservice to the man it was to honor.
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Answer me this ….why are so many people including yourself afraid for people to know how you really feel …why are people talking to the press and attorneys but saying I don’t want to be named …to me that’s weak ..people are coming for me for being the first to tell Susie the truth about Bill and I’m the first to openly tell my truth …I have a right to defend my good name while people who are too afraid to tell what they know hide behind a keyboard and allow VETS to be pushed to the point of suicide …I can name 4 outside of Bill that has attempted to take their life while Employed by reach …this damn sure ain’t about me but as you can see people hide their names but yet in their post scream mine …I’m not going to be quiet I have a right to say how I feel and how I was treated …and if you get us all I’m the same room we ALL share similar stories so IT CANT BE A Lie …if anything put some respect on my name cause I earned it …they won’t tell you how I got off the operating table and came to work the next day handling THE Entire VET caseload that’s over 50 families by myself and got cuss out by Susie for overtime that Reach doesn’t even pay …let’s talk I got time today
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A vendetta…for what against who? Y’all made this about me …I’m just defending me ..that’s what I’m supposed to do…what is it exactly how I’m crying wolf?… and crying wolf about what …First Article ….Questions raised in Veterans death ? Let’s see Reach lied and posted on May 22 , Bill has retired for the second time. To be clear Bill never retired…and I have a written and signed statement showing that was a lie …and that is definitely not what his wife said. Second article out lies the abuse and toxic work environment that employees both past and present contributed to…then the 3rd article based on facts presented shows a real thief In executive management with emails and statements from the victims mom and I’m the problem …no ma’am can’t deflect the truth ..they are making this like I’m disgruntled…no boo Reach gave me my stepping stone and I ran with it ..I may be shit to them know but I tell you my story made Reach thousands..they still have my pictures on their page ..you say I’m crying wolf but I say I’m standing tall …we not the same 🤷♂️
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Why am I just now learn about this thread lol. This is gold. Ol girl is clownin.. straight entertainment in here loI I am joining vice page fo sho this is bussin.. I’ll be peepin for more to come lol.
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Best comment so far
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I’m not acquainted with Reach. But I know a disgruntled former employee when I see one. Mallissa I see you said you wanted justice for Bill and I was backing that 100% but now I see you want justice for you. I see bill had a lot of things going on and a lot of love from everyone. You have shamed his name and as a veteran I am enraged that you would do this. I’ll say what most are wanting to say and yes my name is right there for you to read sweet heart. I’m a veteran I am my brothers keeper and you are a maniacal and bitter fool who has used my fallen brothers tragedy to try and settle a score. You are a waste of space and breath. Stop claiming to be our brothers keeper. Your nothing but a con. And this fake news group is a disgrace and just as worthless. Bunch of drama queens and idiots. NEWS hahaha what a joke. This is just a group out to shame and deface others. Can’t get a real journalist job then why not make a half baked group and pretend lol. This whole thread makes me sick.
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I am whatever you say I am …but make sure you say blessed too
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I believe there are 2 hospitals here in Terre Haute , if you are sick MR Lange 🤷♂️
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Your not acquainted with Reach but yet you speak on Bill …go sit down ..you haven’t a clue who I am or what I stand for …those truly involved know what it is ..and on that note ..I’m going to enjoy my night ..just know I’m not the only one speaking and I’m not the only one with proof …we will see when the dust settles who s hand are clean and who’s is dirty ..hope you get to feeling better MR Lange
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I worked at Reach a few years ago. I had a lot put on my plate, some of which I wasn’t qualified. All at minimum wage. While it stressed me out, I’m so thankful for getting priceless experience. I accepted whatever was thrown at me. I honestly really liked working there. Susie was tough and could be abrasive at times, but I never felt uncomfortable or offended. The staff was quite catty. With a couple colleagues being very catty.
Nothing that really got to me, just annoying and very juvenile.
I realize it’s hearsay, but I heard the story of Travis, his theft of a clients money over a period of time, and knew that he somehow wasn’t prosecuted. I was very surprised to see him not only employed there again, but as the director.
But as far as Susie is concerned, I know she’s a bit much sometimes. Howéver she was always good to me and really tried to help a lot of people while I was there.
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