Choices for Youth reviewing harassment allegation

A non-profit organization in St. John's dedicated to helping young people is looking into allegations of harassment by a high-level member of the organization, after an anonymous email was sent to media.

In a statement, Choices for Youth's board said it just received a copy of the emailMonday, and is reviewing the claims made in it.

"The board takes allegations of this nature very seriously. The allegation does not relate to any youth or clients of Choices for Youth."

In another statement released earlier Monday, the organization said the allegations are a "deep concern" to the organization and its board of directors.

"At this time we have no knowledge of the alleged harassment described in the anonymous email and have received no information from any client, community member, media agency or otherwise," the statement said.

"As a professional services agency with a 28-year history, we will always take appropriate actions in the event we became aware of such behaviour within our organization."

Harassment, abuse of power allegations

CBC News has also received the email but has been unable to verify the claims at this time. The email identifies the individual with Choices for Youth but CBC has decided not to publish the name at this time.

The allegations describe bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, mismanagement and abuse of power.

The writers of the email, signed "Desperate Whistle-Blowers,"say their concerns were brought to the board but were ignored.

Choices for Youth aims to end homelessness and improve the lives of vulnerable young people through finding them employment, a safe place to sleep, and food to eat.

Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador