Changes being considered at Life's WORC after videos show workers apparently mistreating group home residents

Administrators say they are considering putting security cameras inside common areas of the facility.

Kevin Vesey

Jun 6, 2023, 9:43 AM

Updated 333 days ago

Share:

At least three videos from February or March appear to show disturbing incidents that took place at Life's WORC, a group home in East Islip.
One video obtained by News 12 on Monday shows a worker apparently kicking a resident of the group home that houses adult men with autism.
News 12 is told that that worker has been fired.
There are also videos that appear to show disabled residents being pinned to the floor and being slapped.
Susan Gonzalez, the mother of the resident who was pinned down, says she is now desperately trying to get her son out of the facility.
"It's very disturbing," Gonzalez says. "Now I'm very terrified, the way they treat my son. I feel like he's not safe anymore."
CEO of Life's WORC Matthew Zebatto says they did contact police to file reports about the incidents. It will be up to the police department whether criminal charges will be filed.
There are already cameras outside the home, but now administrators say they are considering putting security cameras inside common areas of the facility.
"It obviously cannot be done in the privacy of your rooms, bathroom, it's their home," Zebatto says. "We would like it to be private, confidential. We need consent from parents if we are to put cameras in common areas. It is now topic number one that we are discussing."
The organization operates approximately 45 group home facilities. Zebatto called the one in East Islip a "problem home."
"It is a cultural aberration, it apparently has been operating rogue," Zebatto says. "So, the investigation will certainly go beyond the confines of the home, and I assume it will be concluded in the near future."
In 2019, a former employee of Life's WORC pleaded guilty to his role in an incident that left a group home resident hospitalized.
The organization says they take all allegations of abuse seriously and have a zero-tolerance policy.


More from News 12
0:51
Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

1:38
Steady rain, chilly Sunday on Long Island; warmer start to workweek

Steady rain, chilly Sunday on Long Island; warmer start to workweek

0:23
Suffolk police: Pedestrian struck, killed by car in Copiague

Suffolk police: Pedestrian struck, killed by car in Copiague

0:50
Hundreds of athletes compete in Special Olympics New York Spring Games at Plainedge High School

Hundreds of athletes compete in Special Olympics New York Spring Games at Plainedge High School

0:24
Police: Huntington Station man critically injured in Dix Hills hit-and-run

Police: Huntington Station man critically injured in Dix Hills hit-and-run

0:27
Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

2:06
New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

0:21
State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

0:45
Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

1:50
‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

0:46
Teachers participate at 15th annual 'GC for a Cure' 5K Run and Walk in memory of late educator

Teachers participate at 15th annual 'GC for a Cure' 5K Run and Walk in memory of late educator

0:53
Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

0:28
Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

2:15
Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

1:32
Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

0:38
Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

1:39
Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

1:58
Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

2:15
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

1:56
JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant