Veterans Information Center

“Supplies for veteran meals $8565”

“Loan for electric bill $1884”

“Vic president cindy silva approached vic board members joseph s. Lopko, treasurer, and kimberly sparks, secretary, to ask about paying off the electric bill of a mr. Lopez in the amount of $1883.65. She stated the electric was due to be shut off and another nonprofit (mhala) had already paid around $3000 on the bill. The board discussed it and denied the request on the grounds we are not authorized to lend money. We are only authorized to help veterans with emergencies, such as paying for hotel rooms or buying groceries. The payment would have to be a grant and not a loan. Cindy silva insisted that the money be loaned. At the board metting in october 2024, cindy was informed by joseph s. Lopko that she did not have the approval of the board to grant or loan the money to mr. Lopez. In november 2024, vic's bank statement showed the unauthorized payment was made on october 23, 2024. At the time all checks were in the possession of joseph s. Lopko but cindy silva had access to the account through a debit card. She is the only one with access through the debit card. When cindy was confronted she said she got a copy of mr. Lopez's electric bill and a written letter from him. She was told she is responsible to get the money paid back. She stated mr. Lopez would pay it back within a year. She made a deal with mr. Lopez to lend him vic money interest free. She was told a check was expected from him monthly in the amount of $157. In the january 2025 board meeting cindy was approached about the loan because no payments had been received to date from mr. Lopez, and the board wanted his phone number. Cindy stated she had his number but would not share it. She was informed to speak to mr. Lopez about getting the bill paid. In the board meeting after the discussion, cindy silva resigned her position as president then went to the vic banking facility and turned in her debit card. Both cindy and mr. Lopez work for veterans organizations.”