Letter: The Story Of Murray Center And CILAs In Illinois
The Story Of Murray Center And CILAs In Illinois
Dear Editor:
December 30, the Chicago Tribune published the third part of a series regarding abuse/neglect and the cover-up of this abuse/neglect in CILAs in the state of Illinois. The third part of this series is about the closure of Jacksonville Developmental Center, and the attempted closure of Murray Center. It is on the front page of the Tribune, and a Murray resident is pictured on the front page, and other pictures of Murray residents, are printed along with the three page article. It begins detailing the auction of developmentally disabled individuals at the Jacksonville Center with providers “bidding” on which individuals they wanted. This is of course appalling, but very telling of the mindset of the Department of Human Services under the previous administration. The story then highlights the attempted closure of Murray Center, and how the Murray Parents’ Association, the Murray staff, community members, and surrounding communities rallied together to “save Murray Center.” The story also confirms everything the MPA and several legislators said was happening during the closure attempt: the lies and cover-up by the department of Human Services. The story also details the move of a Murray resident and the tragic results. Since everyone worked so hard to keep Murray open for our special loved ones I want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to see the article. It can be found by using the following information below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/watchdog/grouphomes/
All three parts of the story will come up and if you scroll down you will find the story about Murray as well as a video about a Murray resident. You can also Google “Chicago Tribune”, click on the Chicago Tribune link and type in the Search block “Suffering in Secret” and the Murray story will come up.
The Tribune reporters spent over two years finding and documenting all the information in the story. It is all facts, and although so much more happened during the closure attempt we are grateful that finally the truth is getting out. All along the MPA knew the state officials involved in the closure attempt were being dishonest with us, and we are once again so grateful the community and staff worked so hard to keep Murray Center open.
Thank you,
Rita Winkeler
President, Murray Parents’ Association
