The Durham-based nonprofit, CJF America, which is accused of failing to pay its employees, has a history of making unfulfilled promises in Siler City.
The man behind the Durham-based nonprofit accused of not paying its employees left his mark on another North Carolina town: Siler City.
People there say they also had strange experiences with the group.
Courtney Jordan, the namesake of the Courtney Jordan Foundation and CJF America, which WRAL Investigates has reported on extensively, used to have an office in downtown Siler City.
Local news reports from 2022 scrutinized an initiative of his called StartUP Siler, described on its website as "a major initiative of CJF America" aimed at helping startups get off the ground. Jordan rented office space downtown.
The group, including CJF America President Kristen Picot, made bold claims of investing millions in the community. In a YouTube video, Picot said they were "allocating funding for a scholarship for women in STEM."
A CJF America spokesperson provided a statement to WRAL Investigates.
“StartUP Siler was created to expand opportunity in rural North Carolina by providing local entrepreneurs with mentorship and resources,” the spokesperson wrote.
The The Chatham News & Record reported that Jordan backed four candidates running as a joint ticket for Siler City elected office in 2022. That included two relatives of Picot running for commissioner seats, and CJF America Chief Financial Officer Nick Gallardo for mayor. None of their bids for office were successful. The publication reported StartUp Siler used its social media platforms to create posts for "Unity 2022," the four Jordan-backed town board candidates.
The Chatham News & Record reported the candidates pledged “to create a privately-funded $100 million affordable housing loan fund for the town, along with promises to cap costs for residents who are in rental properties,” yet none of the came to fruition.
“Mr. Gallardo’s run for office reflected that same commitment to public service,” the CJF America spokesperson wrote.
Gallardo was the one WRAL Investigates tracked down on Aug. 1 in a Raleigh park, asking why his employees were owed thousands.
"I understand the situation," Gallardo said then. "So, what we’re doing is working with our attorney and our HR specialist to handle the situation. We are completely aware of what’s going on with everybody and we’re making sure that we address the situation appropriately."
WRAL Investigates tried reaching out to the four candidates who ran as a joint ticket for Siler City elected office but did not hear back.
CJF America employees who have spoken with WRAL Investigates say they still have not been paid.
State records show StartUp Siler was dissolved by the North Carolina Secretary of State last year, because the group didn't file an annual report.
WRAL Investigates has reached out on numerous occasions by email to Picot and Jordan asking questions and seeking interviews, and has not received a response. WRAL Investigates has also tried to reach them by phone, and in person, visiting addresses linked to their companies, and has not been successful.