As TNN News continues its investigation into Teen Services / Teen Haven, concerns are mounting over the financial state of the organization and the ongoing tension between its leadership team and staff.
Sources close to the operation have revealed that despite the government’s $400,000 annual grant to support the facility, serious financial challenges persist — including reports that staff have not been paid for months.
The Minister responsible, Minister Tinee Furbert, stated “Government does not have any dealings with the operations of Teen Services / Teen Haven,” Minister Furbert stated. “Government does provide a grant to the amount of $400,000 per year to Teen Services / Teen Haven, but we do not get involved in the operations. They are responsible for their own accounting and management.”
In an exclusive interview with a well placed source close to the organization, told TNN that the charity has faced ongoing financial strain for some time.
“Like any other charity, they face financial difficulties for many reasons,” the source explained. “Residents are not always paying rent, and it costs a lot to operate these facilities. The executive director has tried to keep things afloat, but the finances are tightly controlled, and payments to staff have been inconsistent.”
According to the insider, Executive Director Wendy Augustus manages the day-to-day operations and controls the finances, while Chairman Roxanne Christopher was that person keeping stability and transparency to the organization.
“Roxanne understandably tried to open up the books to see what was going on,” the source continued. “But it was alleged the executive director did not always respect the chairman’s role. Some board members are close friends with the executive director, which makes things even more complicated.”
TNN was told that the tension between the executive director and the chairman has created a divide within the board itself.
“It’s unfortunate,” the source said. “Roxanne was just trying to make sure the organization was running properly. The executive director has not been doing her due diligence. The charity is struggling financially, and some poor decisions have been made. But if it wasn’t for Roxanne’s persistence, Teen Haven might have closed its doors by now.”
When asked about staffing, the source estimated that around four to six employees continue to work at Teen Haven, many of whom have endured delayed or inconsistent pay.
Despite these difficulties, Chairman Christopher was reportedly continuing to reach out to stakeholders and community supporters to secure additional funding and keep the facility operational.
“She’s been the one holding things together,” the source emphasized. “Without her, Teen Haven might not even exist today.”
TNN received an email sent to the Teen Services organization from a former employee stating the dysfunctional relationship between staff and leadership. Below is the full context of the discussion.
I have submitted this letter to explain my employment status at Teen Services. I was contacted by the Executive Director of Teen Services, Wendy Augustus around 7th or 8 of February 2025. She was in immediate need of a temporary Office Administrator; the previous one had resigned.
Ms. Augustus explained the responsibilities of the job and once the employment contract was ready I signed off for 3 days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at $33.05 per hour, payment due at the end of each month, but may be a few days late. In addition to the office administrator role, I contacted companies regarding sponsorship for the May 2025 Outstanding Teen Awards Ceremony.
The job became more demanding and I worked from February 12, 2025 to June 17, 2025. Salaries were never paid in full each month. Reasons were given to me and staff by Ms. Augustus it was primarily funding challenges and waiting for Government Grant approvals. It became very frustrating for me, as it was with other former staff members having the same experience.
On June 26, 2025, 1 e-mailed Ms. Augustus asking when I would receive the balance of my outstanding salary for May and June, especially since it was needed for surgery on my legs in July/August. Ms. Augustus responded she nor Ms. Roxanne Christopher could provide an exact date when I would be paid but she would try and resolve the issue….. I told Ms. Augustus I would take next steps, I could not keep going through this every month.
On September 28, 2025 I contacted Ms.Roxanne Christopher and explained I and former staff of Teen Services were owed thousands of dollars in unpaid salaries. Ms. Christopher was very shocked and said she was not aware of the
situation, she would investigate and do her best to ensure we were compensated. Ms. Christopher has showed compassion to the staff and I can say without hesitation has been trying very hard to help us to get paid. Please
note: My salaries for the months of May and June 2025 are still owed to me totaling $6,134.08. Ms. Augustus confirmed this in her e-mail to me dated 26 June 2025.
Building Condition:
The building occupied by Teen Services/Teen Haven needs renovations to deal with mold, dampness, window issues, constant water and plumbing problems. Residents and staff have been flushing toilets with buckets for many months.
Teen Haven / Teen Services was created to help women in need and who experienced trauma. At the same time, the staff have become victims and are experiencing trauma by that very same organization – late or non-payment of
salaries. We are experiencing financial challenges in addition to stress and health problems due to these situations.
My hope is that former staff and current staff receive compensation owed to them urgently and Teen Services/Teen Haven can be rescued – whichever path is ultimately decided.
The situation remains tense as questions of financial accountability, internal leadership conflict, and staff welfare continue to unfold.
TNN News reached out to Executive Director Wendy Augustus who issued “No Comment” to all questions put forward. TNN also anticipated a statement from the Board of Directors of Teen Services/Teen Haven organization.
TNN will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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