Greed Over Compassion: Leaders Exploit the Needy

Greed Over Compassion: How Leaders Stole from the Neediest Among Us

When I read the recent report about New York school staff using grant money—money intended for homeless students—to take their own families on trips to places like Disney World, it made my blood boil. The program was meant to give kids who have nothing a chance at experiences they wouldn’t otherwise get. Instead, these employees decided it was their families, not the homeless children, who deserved the trips.

Let’s be clear—this isn’t just about misuse of funds. It’s about stealing from children. Homeless children, no less, who need every opportunity they can get. These funds were supposed to provide enrichment and help boost attendance and academic achievement. Instead, selfish actions by a few people in power deprived these kids of what could have been life-changing experiences.

I can’t help but reflect on how we operate at Monteforte Law. We regularly give back to the community because we believe in helping those who need it most. Whether it’s sponsoring local groups, funding a scholarship in my grandfather’s name, or holding free seminars to help educate the public on estate planning, we make it a point to help where we can.

What angers me most about this story is the betrayal of trust. People who were supposed to be advocates for these homeless children ended up betraying them. And when that happens, it damages not just the children, but also the integrity of the programs meant to serve them. Trust, once broken, is hard to restore.

This situation highlights the importance of holding people accountable. I’m glad to hear that these individuals are no longer working with New York City Public Schools, and I hope that actions are taken to prevent this from happening again. Those who abuse their power, especially at the expense of vulnerable children, have no place in positions of authority.

At Monteforte Law, we take our responsibility to the community seriously. Giving back isn’t just something we do; it’s part of who we are. And I believe that’s how it should be for anyone in a position of power or influence.

I want to commend those individuals and organizations that are truly working to better the lives of the less fortunate. There are many people out there who are making a real difference, and they deserve our praise. But for those who abuse the system, who take advantage of their positions at the expense of others—especially children—I have no sympathy.