Zrinski Issues Apology Over "Friends of Gracedale" SNAFU

Blogger's Note: Yesterday, I told you that that Northampton County had instructed "Friends of Gracedale," a nonprofit organization that raises funds for the nursing home's residents, to "cease and desist". It had even been barred from conducting a fundraiser at the facility. This was based on the incorrect assumption that its "tax exempt" status had been revoked.  Last night, NorCo Exec Tara Zrinski issued an apology on her Substack page. Here is what she said:

To the residents of Northampton County, to the families who rely on Gracedale, and to the volunteers of Friends of Gracedale, I owe you that responsibility and an apology.

Since day one of this administration, we have been operating in what can only be described as crisis mode, drinking from the same hoses we are using to put out fires we did not start. From regulatory pressures at Gracedale, to staffing challenges, to uncertainty surrounding Medicaid reimbursements and state budget delays, not to mention the crisis emerging from Northampton County Jail and litigation I’m not even allowed to talk about, we have been forced to react to urgent, often daily issues while simultaneously trying to stabilize operations and set a long-term course. That is not an excuse—it is context.

I entered this role believing that with a strong team of seasoned professionals in both the Solicitor’s Office and county administration, we could hit the ground running. That belief was predicated by confidence, not arrogance, but also a little ambition. In hindsight, that ambition outpaced the reality of the challenges before us. Four years seems like a very short time to douse a thousand flames with a single hose.

Gracedale, as many in this community know, is both a point of pride and a constant test. It is, in many ways, the gift that keeps on giving—rewarding when we succeed, but unrelenting in the demands it places on us when we fall short.

When it was brought to my attention that Friends of Gracedale may not have had an active 501(c)(3) status, I took that concern seriously. Given the regulatory environment surrounding Gracedale, already operating under heightened scrutiny and a provisional 2 license, my immediate priority was to protect the integrity, reputation, and legal standing of the facility.

I did not independently verify that information. That is my fault. Instead, I relied on what was presented and trusted that it had been properly vetted before it reached my desk. The matter was referred to the Solicitor’s Office, and based on their recommendation, a cease-and-desist letter was prepared. There was an added sense of urgency due to a planned vacation by the Solicitor, and the letter was approved under the assumption that all necessary due diligence had been completed.

Compounding the situation, we believed the letter had been sent via certified mail on June 25. It had not been. When no response was received, we operated under the mistaken belief that Friends of Gracedale was either choosing not to engage or, worse, ignoring the letter. A Second Notice was sent out, prompting our favorite blogger to add fuel to an already smoldering flame with a leaked screenshot of the letter embedded in an accusation that this administration is both inept and motivated by a “hostile takeover” of Friends of Gracedale. Neither is wholly true, yet the blog relies on loaded phrasing and selective interpretation of events at Gracedale to support this dismissive narrative.

Nonetheless, I can admit that this series of missteps was a failure in process and, ultimately, a failure in leadership.

I am not willing to allow these missteps to hold the administration captive, though. Instead, I wish to acknowledge what happened, express my regret for the confusion, and resolve to repair any harm caused.

However, let me be clear: at no point was this administration motivated by retaliation or hostility toward Friends of Gracedale; quite the opposite. I, the administration and the Solicitor’s office, recognize and deeply value the compassion and generosity that volunteers bring to Gracedale’s residents. Their contributions enhance lives in meaningful ways.

At the same time, concerns had been raised internally about governance practices, financial recordkeeping, and the absence of formal legal guidance for the organization. In a highly regulated environment like a county-owned nursing facility, those concerns cannot be ignored. They must be addressed carefully, collaboratively, and correctly.

In this instance, we did not get that balance right.

It is accurate that my requests to merge Friends of Gracedale with the Gracedale Strategic Plan were denied. We attempted to encourage a partnership—one where a County-led development team could assist in structured fundraising while allowing volunteers to continue focusing on what they do best: supporting residents. That effort was met with understandable skepticism. Trust is not built through urgency or assumption; it is built through communication and transparency. On that front, we have work to do as well.

The fact is I remain fully committed to keeping Gracedale county-owned and fulfilling our moral obligation to the residents who call it home. That commitment was made publicly at the State of the County Address and will continue to guide every decision we make.

But progress is rarely linear. Too often, it feels like for every two steps forward, we take one step back. Admittedly, this was one of those moments where we have taken four or five steps backwards. We understand earning the public trust and the trust of Friends of Gracedale will require work, but; I also believe that honesty goes a long way to redemption.

As County Executive, I know that asking for forgiveness is not something the public expects. The expectation is steadiness, accuracy, and sound judgment at all times. I strive for that standard every day. But I am, and my staff is also human; when we fall short, we must acknowledge it plainly.

I have chosen to do that here and now.

We will correct the record. We will improve our internal processes. We will work to rebuild trust with Friends of Gracedale and the broader community through our continued transparent communication.

At the end of the day, this is not about any one office, organization, or individual. It is about Gracedale and getting it right for the residents that call it home now and the community that relies on its future.