By: Dennis McCaslin -Editor and Publisher
Recent allegations against non-profit Oasis of Northwest Arkansas made by Javier Leiva on the Pretend Podcast have caused a stir in our community.
Determined to uncover the truth, I traveled to Bella Vista, Arkansas, for a firsthand look at the organization and its facilities, led by Executive Director LaDonna Humphrey.
What I found was a stark contrast to the venomous claims made on Leiva’s podcast.
Humphrey, despite the fact I arrived for my visit unannounced, welcomed me with transparency and openness, offering a comprehensive tour of both Oasis sober living homes. These residences were not only clean and well-maintained but they were also equipped with the appropriate number of beds, fully complying with capacity limits.
Contrary to the podcast’s claims, there were not--and never have been--38-50 women crammed into these homes.
Board members, current and former residents, and Humphrey herself confirmed this information. I spoke with multiple sources who verified the accuracy of the facility's operations and found no evidence to support the accusations leveled against the organization.
Another alarming claim from the Pretend Podcast alleged that cameras were installed in all of the bedrooms at Oasis homes. This, too, was blatantly false. Security cameras are present in common areas, focusing on entrances, exits, and shared spaces.
Their purpose is to ensure the safety of residents and to deter theft--standard practice in many transitional living facilities.
Leiva’s podcast relied heavily on testimonies from disgruntled former residents. During my visit, I spoke to current residents and regarding those who were featured on the podcast.
It became clear that the individuals highlighted were often in violation of the program’s rules, struggling with mental health issues, or having failed drug tests.
Sources told me these individuals were angry because they did not get their way in the program and had retaliated by spreading false narratives.
Suppose you have ever dealt with persons with substance abuse issues; in that case, you know striking out against the very people, programs, and sources that endeavor to help is a common practice for those in denial about the extent of their addictions.
One particularly egregious claim involved a former resident, Kaylin Snow, who alleged she was never given a baby shower. This was easily debunked. I reviewed photographs and documents proving Oasis hosted a baby shower for Snow, complete with decorations, gifts, and support from staff and residents.
I spoke with several current and past participants during my visit to Northwest Arkansas. To a client, the women whose lives have been impacted by Oasis spoke with deep-abiding respect for the program and Humphrey as well.
More than one woman either benefitting from or striving towards recovery spoke of their personal affection for Humphrey who displays concerned compassion with a firm hand in dealing with the day-to-day operations of the facility.
Further accusations about financial mismanagement were equally unfounded. I examined documentation proving that all funds collected through the Oasis Cash App and Venmo are deposited directly into the organization’s bank account.
There was no evidence to support claims that money was diverted elsewhere.
Humphrey offered me access to all facilities, board minutes, and financial documentation during my visit.
Throughout my investigation, one glaring issue became apparent: Javier Leiva failed to present a balanced story. on his sensationalistic and profit-driven "podcast".
His one-sided approach to storytelling is a disservice to his listeners and a blow to his credibility.
The work being done at Oasis of Northwest Arkansas is vital and impactful. The organization boasts a sobriety success rate well above the national average, offering women in recovery a genuine chance at rebuilding their lives.
The homes are safe, supportive, and filled with compassion--qualities that were glaringly absent from the Pretend Podcast's portrayal.
It’s clear the allegations made by Javier Leiva and his sources lack merit. Their falsehoods have caused undue harm to an organization that tirelessly supports women in recovery. I can only hope that Oasis of Northwest Arkansas pursues legal action to hold Leiva accountable for his reckless reporting.
The most egregious aspect of what I saw during my visit is the fact Lavia's relentless, bought-and paid-for-attacks have marginalized the support the well-deserved support the program deserves because of the unwarranted criticism that has been unjustly thrust upon them.
Let’s stand with them in their mission to provide hope, healing, and a brighter future for the women and families they serve.
