Police investigating finances of Madison community center

The Madison police department is investigating the finances of a longstanding Madison community center.

In a statement this week, the executive director of the Goodman Community Center said staff at the nonprofit organization began a review of records after recently discovering  “financial inconsistencies and impropriety.”

“That information has since been turned over to law enforcement and we are cooperating fully with their ongoing investigation,” the statement from director and CEO Letesha Nelson said.

“We have also retained a forensic accounting firm. Internal changes have been made to ensure the integrity and security of our finances are protected and we’ve alerted staff, donors and sponsors of the situation,” she continued.

The center is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. It operates a food pantry and offers an array of programming geared toward children and older adults. It also includes a fitness center and serves as an events space for weddings and other festivities.

Madison Police spokesperson Korrie Rondorf confirmed Tuesday the department is investigating a case involving the center. She declined to say when police initiated the investigation, or what prompted the inquiry. No charges have been filed thus far.

A spokesperson for the community center likewise declined to give further details about when and why the inquiry began, citing the ongoing law enforcement matter.

“As an organization that prides itself on offering a helping hand to so many in our community, we find ourselves hurt by this difficult situation,” Nelson’s statement said. “We are confident that the process we have in place will allow us to address this challenge and we humbly ask for your understanding, patience and continued support.” 

In 2022, the center reported employing 248 people and taking in more than $10 million in revenue, according to a form filed last year with the Internal Revenue Service.

The vast majority of that revenue came from donations and grants, but the nonprofit also reported taking in about a million dollars from program services and just over $200,000 in investment income.

The Capital Times first reported on the investigation, which the center disclosed in an email to its supporters.