‘I felt like I was an animal in jail’ | Resident says Atlanta health care provider put him in danger

ATLANTA — Ricky Drayton is his brother’s keeper. 

He makes certain his older brother, Elbert, would not fall, miss a meal or lose his medicines. 

“It’s for reminiscence, you already know,” Elbert stated, referring to his brother’s medicines for dementia.

Caring for his 63-year-old brother is a duty Ricky took on after eradicating Elbert from an Atlanta condo complicated in March following many incidents that put him at risk. 11Alive realized Elbert isn’t alone.

The complicated on 37 Wadley St. in Atlanta is operated by an organization referred to as Present Transitional Residence. 11Alive investigators discovered police data that present somebody beat Elbert with a belt buckle so dangerous, that it left a gash on his brow.

“I did not know he had the belt,” Elbert recalled. 

Three days later, Elbert was again within the hospital.

“One of many counselors that was over there, she stated, ‘you already know, go get your brother now. He’s been within the hospital twice in a single week,’” Ricky recalled. “What do you assume goes to occur subsequent?”

Present managed Elbert’s cash, too. 11Alive investigators discovered the group charged him about half of his $1,200 month-to-month social safety advantages.

As for meals and toiletries, Elbert’s household stated Present gave him simply $70 a month.

“There wasn’t no meals in there,” Elbert stated. “There’s wasn’t any furnishings in there. So, while you stroll into the condo, it’s empty.”

The corporate typically locks the complicated with a padlock throughout the day and at evening, Elbert stated.

“So that you could not go away?” investigator Andy Pierrotti requested Elbert. 

“Nope. Solely after they opened it,” he replied. “I felt like I used to be an animal in jail or one thing.”

Sytha Lee lives on the complicated, too. She stated she doesn’t thoughts the lock.

11Alive visited the complicated and requested Lee if all tenants personal a key.

“No, as a result of they roam,” she stated. “They get misplaced and different issues.”

Not all residents personal keys to get out of the complicated, she stated. 

Claudine McGriff lives on the complicated, too. 11Alive investigators discovered her locked out on a sizzling day trip after lacking an appointment.

“How does it make you’re feeling that you would be able to’t get inside now?” she was requested.

“Unhealthy as a result of it’s sizzling out right here,” she replied.

Present is owned and operated by Christine Nwankwo-Richard. She additionally runs Agape Group Built-in Group Well being Techniques, Inc. The web site stated it goals to assist individuals affected by substance abuse, psychological well being and homelessness.

An 11Alive investigation discovered each corporations have an extended historical past of issues. Information present police responded to the complicated at the very least 242 occasions over the previous eight years for burglaries, suicides and fights.

Former resident Steven Nibbs died dwelling there. He was hit by a automotive after wandering off at evening.

Failure to Deal with: She spoke at his funeral, however veteran’s household says she performed a component in his dying

11Alive spoke with Nibb’s household in 2018 they usually accused Nwankwo-Richard of not treating his psychological sickness.

“She’s speculated to be sure that he’s in a dwelling, protected scenario,” Nibb’s sister Amelia Jackson stated. “None of that was happening.”

The Georgia Division of Group Well being cited Agape for a number of deficiencies together with failing to conduct remedy plans, drug screenings and never facilitating psycho-social assessments of its shoppers.

The state declined to remark however stated it’s now conscious of the brand new complaints involving the psychological well being firm and the condo complicated its proprietor operates, which each stay open at this time.

Information present the state carried out an inspection final month and located no violations. Repeated telephone calls and emails to the proprietor have been by no means returned to 11Alive.

In the meantime, Ricky doesn’t consider the corporate is provided to deal with its shoppers. He desires the state to step in earlier than another person will get damage, or worse.

“What they should do is get some individuals in there that care about serving to individuals,” he stated. 

Elbert’s household says he’s doing a lot better. He is battling dementia however is now beneath their care.