Legal Battle Emerges Over Nonprofit's Identity and Assets
Legal Action Against Foundation Takeover
In a significant legal move that has captured the attention of nonprofit advocates, Erica Greve, the founder and former CEO of Unlikely Heroes, has filed an emergency motion in federal court. This action aims to prevent the controversial sale of the nonprofit's essential assets, which include sensitive survivor records and vital organizational materials, to a private foundation backed by a billionaire. This foundation has created a stir due to its past legal actions that led to the nonprofit's bankruptcy filing.
A Troubling Acquisition
The foundation in question, Human Investment Foundation (HIF), established by philanthropist Janet Jensen, posed serious questions about its intent. Despite being a former donor to Unlikely Heroes, HIF has no documented background in providing trauma-informed services. Yet, it seeks not only to acquire the nonprofit's identity but also to gain access to confidential records that involve children who have undergone severe trauma and received critical support through Unlikely Heroes’ programs.
Greve expressed profound concern over this potential sale, emphasizing, "These are not just documents; they are the medical, psychological, educational, and legal records of children who endured significant trauma. You don't sell that. You protect it with everything you have." The stakes are high, as the deal could lead to the transfer of unredacted files of these vulnerable children without consent or adequate oversight.
Threat to Survivor Trust
According to Greve, the attempt to claim the nonprofit's identity and access to sensitive survivor information poses a severe threat to the trust that survivors have placed in the organization. "This is not just a nonprofit being sold; it risks undermining the trust placed in us by survivors," she stated. The overlap of interests, given the foundation’s prior lawsuit that contributed to Unlikely Heroes' closure, adds a layer of complexity to this issue.
Legal Oversight and Violations
In her emergency motion, Greve also pointed out alarming legal breaches related to the Chapter 7 liquidation process. Trustee Sandra McBeth allegedly failed to provide required legal notice to the California Attorney General's Charitable Trusts Section, a violation that could have allowed for an expedited sale without necessary scrutiny and transparency.
Moreover, formal objections raised by renowned attorney F. Whitten Peters were reportedly ignored, further complicating matters of due process. This lack of court engagement from the Trustee raises serious concerns about how this liquidation and potential sale are being managed.
Protecting Confidentiality
Greve's motion emphasizes the potential ramifications of allowing HIF to operate under the Unlikely Heroes brand, including direct engagement with survivors. The concern here hinges on the possibility of unregulated access to confidential information from trafficking victims—an unacceptable outcome from Greve's perspective.
Advocacy for Survivors' Rights
In light of these troubling developments, Greve has urged the Court to stay the sale, appoint an independent examiner, and refer the matter for investigation. She is also calling for a court-supervised accounting of donor-restricted funds. These funds may have been mishandled in the wake of the bankruptcy process, raising questions of legality and ethics.
The personal toll of this battle has been significant; Greve has reportedly incurred over $500,000 in legal fees while defending the nonprofit and advocating for the rights of survivors. "This case draws a hard line between protecting survivors and permitting the exploitation of their pain. No court should allow a child's story to be treated as commodities within an organizational transaction," she asserted.
About Unlikely Heroes
Founded in 2011, Unlikely Heroes has dedicated itself to rescuing and restoring child survivors of sex trafficking. The organization has managed to provide long-term housing, trauma-informed therapy, education, and medical care for over 400 children around the world. Notably, among those rescued were Nigerian girls who escaped the tragic Boko Haram kidnapping in Chibok, an event that sparked worldwide advocacy and support movements. Under Greve’s leadership, these children have been given a new chance at life, with all efforts taken in accordance with governmental regulations and with family consent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Unlikely Heroes organization?
Unlikely Heroes is a nonprofit focused on rescuing child survivors of sex trafficking, providing them with essential services like therapy and education.
Who is Erica Greve?
Erica Greve is the founder and former CEO of Unlikely Heroes, currently leading legal efforts to protect the organization and its mission.
What is the Human Investment Foundation?
The Human Investment Foundation is a Texas-based organization linked to billionaire Janet Jensen, seeking to acquire Unlikely Heroes despite concerns over its qualifications.
Why is the sale of Unlikely Heroes' assets controversial?
The potential sale raises issues of trust, confidentiality, and the proper treatment of sensitive survivor information.
What actions is Erica Greve taking in response to the proposed sale?
Greve has filed a motion to halt the sale, calling for an independent examination and investigation into the foundation’s activities and intentions.
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