COCOA, Fla. — Crosswinds Youth Services, a prominent charity in Brevard County renowned for supporting homeless and runaway teens, is currently grappling with a severe crisis.

Established in 1974, the organization has been a community mainstay, with its board comprising notable local business and political figures, including attorneys, a Port Canaveral commissioner, and Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey.

However, recent events have cast doubt on its continued operation. The Florida Network of Youth and Family Services, which contributes significantly to Crosswinds’ funding, has halted new admissions to its network-funded programs and necessitated the relocation of current shelter residents.

This drastic measure follows a series of concerns highlighted in a wealth of internal communications obtained by FLORIDA TODAY.

Central to these concerns is an ongoing investigation by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office into Jan Lokay, Crosswinds’ recently retired CEO. Lokay is under scrutiny for several suspicious transactions involving the nonprofit’s assets. This inquiry coincides with the organization’s severe financial difficulties, as indicated by a substantial operating deficit.

Despite assertions of innocence from Lokay’s attorney, the charity’s financial woes have had real consequences. Issues such as roof leaks, mold problems, and unpaid electric bills have plagued its facilities, adversely affecting both the staff and the teens dependent on its services.

Crosswinds’ financial records paint a grim picture, with government grants and charitable donations totaling approximately $2.78 million against expenses of $3.3 million for the fiscal year 2021-2022.

Further complicating matters is a controversial executive retirement account, containing over half a million dollars, which lacks adequate documentation and oversight, raising questions about its legal and tax ramifications.

These challenges have led to a forensic audit and significant shifts in Crosswinds’ leadership, including the resignation of multiple board members and the recent departure of its new CEO after a brief tenure.

The internal communications, as reported by FLORIDA TODAY, reveal a complex and unfolding situation since May, with many questions still unanswered.

The Florida Network of Youth and Family Services has issued a strong warning to Crosswinds’ board of directors, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these concerns. A letter from Amy Orman, the network’s chief operating officer, outlines numerous issues, including poor performance metrics, financial instability, and workplace problems.

Crosswinds now finds itself at a crucial crossroads, with its future funding and operations hanging in the balance. As the organization confronts the network’s demands, the future of this once esteemed charity is uncertain, raising concerns about its capacity to continue serving the community’s vulnerable youth.