A nonprofit organization run by Yolanda Hill, the wife of North Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, is currently appealing an order that requires the nonprofit to repay over $100,000 in federal funding. The nonprofit, called Balanced Nutrition, was ordered to repay the money after a state investigation revealed several issues with the organization’s financial documentation. The case has stirred political controversy, with claims of political motivations and a legal battle that could significantly affect the future of the nonprofit.
Background of the Nonprofit
Balanced Nutrition was a nonprofit based in Greensboro, North Carolina, and it primarily focused on helping childcare facilities apply for and receive federal funding to provide meals to children. Yolanda Hill, who previously led the nonprofit, was highly involved in its day-to-day operations. Mark Robinson, who is now the Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina, and the couple’s children also worked for the organization. In his book, Robinson mentioned that the nonprofit’s success helped him transition from his previous career into politics.
For several years, the nonprofit seemed to thrive, receiving government funding to support its cause. However, problems began when state authorities launched an investigation into its operations.
The State Investigation and Findings
In the summer of 2024, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) conducted a thorough review of Balanced Nutrition. The results of this review were troubling. The department found that the nonprofit was “seriously deficient” in its handling of necessary documentation, which is critical for administering federal programs. The investigation uncovered that multiple documents were missing, and some claims had been filed for payments to childcare centers that had neither requested nor received the money.
As a result of these findings, DHHS ordered Balanced Nutrition to repay $132,118.86 in federal funds. The amount was later reduced after discussions between the nonprofit and the department’s attorneys. In January 2025, DHHS lowered the repayment amount to $101,142.05 and gave Balanced Nutrition a deadline of 30 days to pay the sum.
The Appeal Process
In response to this order, Yolanda Hill and the nonprofit’s representatives filed an appeal to the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings. This agency handles disputes involving state government decisions. A hearing was held last week, and the nonprofit hopes the appeal will overturn or reduce the amount they are required to repay.
However, the outcome of the case remains uncertain. The Office of Administrative Hearings has kept the details of the case confidential, with the agency’s chief hearings clerk, Maria Erwin, stating that the case is “sealed.” As of now, no further information has been released to the public.
Political Controversy
When the repayment order was first issued by DHHS, Mark Robinson’s campaign for governor quickly responded, calling the action politically motivated. Robinson’s supporters argued that the decision to investigate and order the repayment came from a state agency led by Democrats, suggesting that it was part of a political attack against him and his family.
Interestingly, the appeal is now being handled by an agency led by Republicans. The state’s chief administrative law judge, Donald van der Vaart, who was appointed by the Republican-led North Carolina Supreme Court, is overseeing the case. Furthermore, one of the newest administrative law judges, Brian LiVecchi, served as Robinson’s chief of staff before resigning in September 2024. Though LiVecchi is not the judge assigned to this particular case, his previous connections to Robinson’s office have added to the perception that political ties could play a role in the proceedings.
Next Steps and Impact
As the appeal process continues, the future of Balanced Nutrition hangs in the balance. The nonprofit’s leaders are hoping that the state’s new administrative law judges will consider the case without political bias and arrive at a fair resolution. For now, Yolanda Hill’s nonprofit is left to wait and see whether the repayment order will be upheld or reduced further.
The case highlights the challenges faced by nonprofit organizations that rely on government funding. It also underscores the potential for political conflicts to arise when state investigations involve public figures, especially those involved in high-profile campaigns.
For now, the appeal process remains ongoing, and the nonprofit’s leaders are continuing to prepare their case. As this legal battle unfolds, it will be interesting to see what implications it has for future funding and oversight of similar organizations in North Carolina.
Conclusion
The appeal filed by Balanced Nutrition, led by Yolanda Hill, continues to attract attention. The case raises important questions about the relationship between politics, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations that receive federal funding. As the appeal process continues, North Carolina residents will be watching closely to see how the state’s legal system handles this case and whether any political factors come into play.
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