Sunday, March 29, 2020

HOW TO HELP JOHN SAVANOVICH

The “Dirty Money “ documentary episode titled “Guardians, Inc.” (trailer below) is raising awareness of guardianship abuse all over the world.

People who had never heard of adult guardianship are both shocked and outraged that this abuse could and does happen in America to our elderly and adults with disabilities.

This excellent film documents that John Savanovich was targeted because of his age and because he was alone. People are reaching out to NASGA and wanting to help him.

We suggest the best way to help John is to show him that people care about what happened to him --- and that he is not alone. So, we ask anyone who would like to help him to send him a card. A deluge of cards will brighten and strengthen his spirit and surely give him an ear-to-ear smile too!

The address of the ALF where he now lives is: John Savanovich
c/o Traditions of Dedham
735 Washington St.
Dedham, MA 02026


If anyone would also be interested in writing the Gov. and Lt. Gov. of MA to inform them of the Dirty Money episode, (just in case they missed it!), here's the address:
Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karen Polito
MA State House
24 Beacon St.
Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor
Rm 280
Boston, MA 02133

Watch "Dirty Money," Season Two, Episode 5: GUARDIANS, INC.

86 comments:

USCLOVR said...

Hello! Is mail screened at the assisted living facility? If I sent money in a letter to John, would somebody "confiscate it" or would it get to him? Thank you!

NASGA said...

It is our understanding that John is in a very good facility and so his mail should not be confiscated. We can't promise it, but we believe the facility would not open his mail.

Unknown said...

What a Shame that this happens in the USA!

Krystal Anderson said...

I am sickened to have learned of this blindingly obvious LEGAL form of pure robbery!!! What happened to John should NEVER happen to ANYONE!!! It has prompted me to want to take action and help in any way I can! I am looking for volunteer opportunities and will MOST DEFINITELY write to the State Legislator demanding that John be made whole again. He deserves to have everything that was taken from him returned with interest and a very sincere apology from the scum bags who thought it was ok to devastate a man just because they think they can! There is a special place in HELL for people like that and your day couldn't come fast enough!!! I can't wait to dance on your graves!!!

StandUp said...

I hope mailbags of cards to Mr. Savanovich come to him every day.

Katie said...

We're a family from Poland. We would like to Express our deepest sympathy for John. We hope things go well for him. It's unbelievable how disgusting these so called legal actions taken by lawyers and doctors were. We'll definitely send postcards but if there' s anything else People from abroad could do please let US know

Anonymous said...

This is an absolute disgrace what they are doing to this man..the state needs to correct this horrible fake action taken advantage by a rotten attorney may that attorney live his own days in hell

Anonymous said...

Agree

Unknown said...

Is it possible to set up a just giving page to donate to John ?

NASGA said...

Unknown, unfortunately any proceeds of a giving page would end up in the hands of the guardianship instead of John's hands.

Unknown said...

We, a Dutch family, just watched the episode, and we were shocked! Though we are very down to earth people (even for Dutch standard), I could not stop shedding some tears for John.
We'll definitely send him a postcard, hope he receives lots of them. John, stay strong!

Amy said...

Does he have new representation that we can contact to support him that way? Who is his legal counsel? Is there someone local we could trust to coordinate? There are only 11 reviews at his current facility all in the last year that is an extremely low number.

Amy said...

Who is the State Legislator that can be contacted?

Unknown said...

John is a victim of the perverted society that US has become. He said it himself "this is America" which said it all. As a nation you really need to be taking a hard look at yourselves.

NASGA said...

Amy, here's who you should contact and thanks for doing so!

Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karen Polito
MA State House
24 Beacon St.
Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor
Rm 280
Boston, MA 02133

And here is John's address in case you wish to send him a card:
John Savanovich
c/o Traditions of Dedham
735 Washington St.
Dedham, MA 02026

Anonymous said...

Writing to Charles Baker won’t help. Ms Siegel had sent documents to him even on the case of her father. He is ignoring the issue and appointing corrupted lawyers that represent Jewish Family and Children who has guardianship of John currently,
Who are best friends with the corrupted lawyers the tricked John. And to make things worst, the judge overseeing John’s lawsuit against the guardian and lawyers, was the one that approved the sale of his duplexes. He needs help from Washington. I will write to Senator Elizabeth Warren. Maybe we can sign a petition for John before things get worst for him.

Anonymous said...

Hello,
I want to write John a letter, but I'm worried that it won't reach him given the current pandemic and the particular dangers faced by assisted living facilities. Is outside mail reaching current residents at ALFs? Thank you!

NASGA said...

We have not heard of facilities holding the mail because of COVID. I do believe early on, there was a scare about the virus perhaps surviving on mail, but that scare passed.

Anonymous said...

Shouldn't the American Bar Association have the ability to disbar the lawyers involved here? Obviously this needs a fix beyond just giving John his money + pain and suffering costs back. There should me multiple safeguards against this happening and if the American Bar Association does not (and obviously) is not disciplining and reining in it's rogue members, then they should lose their ability to oversight and accept oversight from (yet) another governmental body. And people wonder why government is so big (which it isn't - it's been gutted quite well), it's because of all the bad actors shown in the Netflix series Dirty Money. Doesn't help much to have guns if they just declare you incapacitated and take all your possessions away or charge you rent for years you weren't living in their apartment or terrorize you with construction 24/7 (reference to other Dirty Money episodes). Charlie Baker should be ashamed. It sounds as though he isn't doing anything to help and maybe actively hurting - he should be thrown out of office and audited to see if he was receiving favors for allowing dirty money to flow. Trump should look into this and set this right. And if he doesn't, what does that mean? Favors are flowing and this isn't what America should be. America was never ever ever the greatest and has made many terrible mistakes, but we all have great hopes for it which is why we are still strong. We have hope and that makes us strong. A life without hope has no strength. We all want - a strong, sensible, fair, kind America. Not one that steps on people or tramples our civil rights. Pressure is on the American Bar Association to give ethics lessons and jailtime for its rogue lawyers.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like we need to organize on a social media platform and share his story- go fund me, IG, fb etc.

annie said...

Hello,
Do you think it would be safer to send something like a grocery/Walmart gift card rather than money? I'm sure nobody has info on where he shops, but I'd like to help anyway that I could, even if it just helps him get some groceries and toiletries.

Thanks anyone for any info!

Avinash waghray said...

Hi - just recovered from shedding tears for John. I hope he is getting his medicine in time and can we please all raise money for him to indulge in anything and everything he wants to do. A big hug from me and my family in scotland . Peter Russell and all his croonies- you will rot in hell.
A card and a bottle of finest Scottish whisky is on it way. With love avi , Tabitha and Alfie (our pet dog)

Avinash waghray said...

I agree

Avinash waghray said...

I agree and would contribute generously for Mr Savanovich. I also think we need to hire the best attorney to fight his case and get Peter and his cronies brought to justice .

Avinash Waghray said...

Can I send a flowers , bottle of scotch and chocolates ? Also will pay for his medicines

NASGA said...

Annie, I think a gift card would be nice but you'd have to make sure the gift card was for a store within walking distance of John's assisted living facility. Maybe GoogleMaps would have that info!

NASGA said...

Avinanash, what's happened to John has really affected people and I believe he's getting lots of cards and letters, which should make his day.

It's nice of you to want to contribute to him, but your contribution would go right to the guardianship and not him.

We only know he has new counsel but we do not know who that is yet. Let's hope and pray it's a bull dog of a lawyer with strong spine and a working moral compass!

Anonymous said...

Is there no "Go Fund Me" to fund strong legal support for John to sue Peter Russell (to start)? He had his lifelong HOME stolen from him, his properties, his LIFE??? Would love for John to have satisfaction of seeing justice sooner rather than later.

Anonymous said...

I couldn't believe this story. I don't live in America but I want to help. It really seems that the law isn't functioning as a law should. How can this happen to someone...

TheDarkMuse said...

Hi. How do I adopt John? I feel like he should just come live with me and my husband and take care of our plants. I hate that he isn't happy. These people who are stealing from him should rot in hell.

Second Avenue said...

Just watched episode, Im actually so so gutted for this guy. Did anyone end up writing a letter or trying to donate to him? Please let me know cause I really want to do something about this.

Unknown said...

Agree

Unknown said...

totally agree. I am Dutch as well. This is bad for my heart, mood etc. I had to cry and praid for him. At one time I wanted to turn it off. OMG, what a society the US became!

Unknown said...

He needs to be reported to state bar ethics board.

Unknown said...

thats a great idea!

Unknown said...

Aren't you lovely. Good people are the majority!

Anonymous said...

Carol Hershey of PA Guardians has ripped off millions from many and ruined many seniors lives.
Now it appears her team is sending covid 19 patients who survive and putting them legally to sleep via hospice.

Anonymous said...

There's so much shit going in America and it's surprising that nothing much is being done. Super hypocritical society. I feel bad for John.

Yana said...

I wrote him a letter asking for ways I can help him. Just waiting for a response. Did anybody gat in contact with him? Please let me know...

Elena Kobylina said...

I only watched documentary couple days ago, I never knew or heard about the issue of guardianship in the US. And it’s f****g infuriating. All fellow Americans we must put a stop on this horrific system that takes everything from senior citizens. I don’t understand how the system made such a SCAM to rub the senior population and take all the life savings. That too me is absolutely equal to a day light rubbery with a gun shot by the government. How America is getting away with racism, bank & gold scams, Kushner real estate horrific doings and yet it seem to be doing “great again”. Wow. We must sue the government for their excel doings to the people. #scam #fraud #government #guardianship #guardian #senior #rubbery

Elena Kobylina said...

Let me know if you’ll find out Yana.

Francis said...

We have also sent a letter. If he responds, I will let you know! In the meantime you can sign this petition to make guardianship abuse a crime:
https://www.change.org/p/massachusetts-state-house-make-guardianship-fraud-abuse-a-crime


Unknown said...

I've never been so emotionally drained after watching this episode. I'm happy there is an address to mail him, has anyone else heard updated information on his situation?

Anonymous said...

I stopped by John's residence and met him in the court yard. His new attorney's name is Stephen Kuzma. The Judge refuses to allow Mr. Kuzma to represent him. I asked him, how can I help you? He said, everyone must contact governor Baker's office and demand an investigation of Peter Russell, David Schwartz, Lisa Cukier, Sacha Golden and others who stole his cash and properties. He told me, he contacted senator Markey and Elizabeth Warren's office but they refused to protect him. We should all contact these useless politicians and demand justice. John told me, he feared, the Judge might order him to be removed to a new location where no one can find him. He also mentioned a whistleblower (Jody?) who saved him and exposed the attorneys involved and took his story to Alex Gibney production, but refused to be mentioned in the movie. The female whistleblower has been threatened and harassed. John claims the whistleblower's child was followed, harassed, threatened and deposed.
It appears the Judge is going after John's support group. Friends, let's brain storm here and see how we can help this defenseless elderly against these crooks.

Unknown said...

Amen and amen!! I second, third and fourth that emotion yo the highest degree! Shame and hell brimstone to the greedy, selfish, ugly demon seeds involved in this tragedy done to this poor innocent old man. Who should be enjoying the latter years he got left. Oh and you can bet without one ioda of a doubt the sinister acts done by the people involved won't go unpunished!! I am just beside myself in disbelief of how anyone can be so cruel is beyond me that's for sure.
I will be praying and praying for this be recognized and set right. God send your mighty angels Lord of Heaven's Army come now!!! ��

Violeta De La Torre said...

How can we help John? What is needed to put these nasty attorneys and guardians behind bars forever. I will help in any way I can!!!

Anonymous said...

I wish I could help him so bad.
My gut has a pit of sadness rn.

God bless the poor people being taken advantage of.
This is terrible. Please someone help them

Unknown said...

Hi

I just finished watching the episode about John. My hart is breaking. I'm so glad many of you have already tried to help him. Did anyone found out witch shop is close by so we can send him a gift card or anything else that he needs? I'm Dutch so I have to figure out how it works getting a gift card from Walmart or something. It warms my heart to see people unite to help a fellow human being. #savejohn

Richi said...

Hi guys, I'm from California and saw Dirty Money episode of John and I'm enraged at how the system is allowing this to happen to him. I love the activity here and would love to get in touch with people that know more about this case. Let's build a work group for those that want to help. I'm willing to spend time on this raising awareness and advocating on his behalf. I made a FB group for those who want to begin putting the pieces together https://www.facebook.com/groups/213401340013276/

Richi said...

How can I get in touch with you? I am interested in brainstorming and building a mutli-pronged strategy to get John the financial, legal and political support he needs to beat this. I'm in California and can help.

J said...

Any updates on John? I sent him a letter, wrote Elizabeth Warren online, and am sending a letter to the governor today.

Anonymous said...

There is a Starbucks around the corner, not much else! I believe he can receive a package, so if you buy something online and address it to him it should get there

Unknown said...

Hi people!! any updates?

Anonymous said...

I was a "Trial Advocacy" LL.M. student in the US, I am a professional trial attorney, but I am not licensed to practice in the US. Let me know how I can help building strategies around. Same thefts go on with trusts in the US, so people are to be aware, and stay aware

Kadeda1 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kadeda1 said...

We must act. Its a horror show of a complicit network of judges, lawyers and even bank tellers, all waiting to get their cut and getting kickbacks from referrals when they see someone old with hard-earned money come in the bank. Investigative undercover reporting. Publicly out them and SHAME them. Apart from that, we must act simultaenously to change the law. We must get John out of that enforced incarceration called a home. We must get him his money back. We have to petition the US government. John has no one. At least Charlie has friends looking out for him. This could happen to a percentage of us - no WILL - happen to a percentage of us one day

tracy and andy said...

Wow...just Wow... how can this be happening in this day and age, I hope Karma deals out a good dose of revenge on these despicable low life excuses for human beings. I hope some rich person/s will buy back all his properties and businesses and find a way to give it back to him before it's too late, then they get it back when justice is served. All this fighting, worrying and isolation will be taking a very big toll on him and needs to happen sooner rather than later. Blessings to all the people fighting for him. I cried buckets watching this, I mean 'they' graciously allow him to have $300 every 20 days of his OWN money...wtaf? Wish I could help in some way ....I wish for all this to be put right for you John, sending blessings and love from Uk.

Anonymous said...

Thank god countries are not developed as America. If Development means this , I pray the world goes back to slow growth. this is inhuman and how can they sleep by doing such a heinous crime.

"Make America Sane Again"
before
"Make America Great Again"

Erika Korowin said...

I just saw the episode on Dirty Money and John's story broke my heart. He mentioned in the episode that he wasn't able to retrieve any photos or documents from his house. Does anyone know if all of his family keepsakes were destroyed? I wonder if there is any distant family or genealogists who could help recover something.

Unknown said...

You may e-mail Governor Baker using the following link:

https://www.mass.gov/forms/email-the-governors-office

If enough of us e-mail him, something will need to be done.

Anonymous said...

Did you know the other party is trying to sue the Dirty money TV producers. Please PRAY for John and all other senior citizens. These people are not just scumbags, but devil advocate.
please read the article and the full legal document.
please, if any of you can sent some money, to help to set up a legal fund for John GoFundJohnS. Maybe donate a smaller sum of money as a monthly supplement so John can buy nutritious food, vitamins or to see a doctor, is greatly appreciated.

Please write to all levels of government representatives and ask them to show concern about Guardianship abuse. Thank you.

https://needham.wickedlocal.com/news/20200918/defamation-lawsuit-against-netflix-linked-to-dirty-money-episode-with-needham-plot

Anonymous said...

https://www.bostonbroadside.com/horrors-of-guardianship/boston-broadside-cited-in-yet-another-court-action-broadside-reveals-certain-lawyers-vs-john-savanovich/

UPDATE: please read What had happened in court. Adding insult to injury, the judge is silencing John and he can only represented by a court appointed lawyer. The lawyer is billing John and use his own money to prove he is incompetent.
Please PRAY for John and may Jesus leads JOhn to truly helpful lawyer that will represents his best interest rathar than the govt's. Please pray for John may he has divine protection and the Lord delives him from evil, and from people who hurt him.May Jesus grant him justice and full compensation for all the money he had lost to dishonest people.Amen.
Thank you.

Unknown said...

We live 30 minutes from him!!! We want to visit him and take him out to shop for visits and to show we care.absoluty horrific what's being done to this man

NASGA said...

30 minutes is close! It's so nice of you to want to visit Mr. Savanovich and even take him out on little excursions. We would suggest you contact him in writing to see if he is agreeable to in-person meetings first.

We certainly intended to lift Mr. Savanovich's spirits with cards and we know many cards were sent. But, we don't know if he would feel comfortable with visitors whom he doesn't know previously, so we don't want to put him on the spot.

During the Dirty Money episode, he was able to come and go as he pleased. But, that may have changed with COVID. So if he is agreeable with visitation, you would still also need to check with the Assisted Living Facility to see if there are currently visitation restrictions due to the virus. There probably are and they will probably go on for a good while longer.

But you could still send Mr. Savanovich a card in the meantime!

Jon said...

Hi - have you ever spoken with John directly? I think i have some resources that can assist.

Please email me at jswanfeld@gmail.com

Thanks,
Jon

Patiess said...

Is there any way that we can make montery contribution to Mr. Savanovich and make sure you he is the one who receives it?

Jessie said...

Here is the link to help fund his attorney Lisa who he called crying for help. Lets help!
https://www.destination2justice.com/d2j-fund/

NASGA said...

Patless, thank you for caring!

Mr. Savanovich has no control or say over his money, so any money sent directly to him would go to his guardianship account.

NASGA said...

Jon, Thank you for the offer, but we have no direct connection to Mr. Savanovich's current counsel.

Anonymous said...

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2823346177719695&id=104794739574866

Anonymous said...

Hey guys and people who care. I am from London and I am horrified what is happening in this documentary, never heard or seen anything like this. Just signed a petition on fc about guardians.,but I feel you guys in America you have some great lawyers who could help John get his rights back? I think this is going on in front of our eyes just like that? So easy? Why,who can do anything about this? I havve read all the comments in this blog but there isnt real answer guys. Resolution? Share this story I will, then some more people can help.

NASGA said...

It is our understanding Mr. Savanovich does have a lawyer but that's all we know. We don't know who it is or how this lawyer came to be. Perhaps the court appointed him a lawyer. We just don't know.

But, yes, it's very easy to put someone in an unnecessary guardianship by pure allegations and innuendo. And it's like stepping in quicksand -- the harder one tries to get out, the quicker one sinks.


Anonymous said...

Good Morning to everybody

Maybe the best thing should be to contact directly to your new president. Biden looks a amazing human being.

The nexflix episode impacted me enormously.

What is most scary is that there are people with such little sensitivity and are capable of destroying your whole world without compassion.

Mr. Savanovich we are with you and we are everywhere in the world.

A big hug.



Justme said...

Does anyone know the address to the scum bag Russell. Can we bombard and hit his rating. Heck fill him with phone calls of shame on you. This is terrible, it can happen to anyone of us. How can the system be so out of touch.

Unknown said...

I live in Africa. When I saw this episode, on Dirty money Netflix, I couldn't stop crying. Looking at the desperate face of this old man. I didn't sleep, I dreamed about him. How can I help, from here?
Please let me know. Here is my email address

elodeon said...

Hi, I am writing from Sweden and I am currently watching the documentary. It is so devastating... I found myself in tears and I am not easily moved like that. He seems to be such a sweet, polite gentleman. I feel so much for him. I am ready to make a contribution as much as I can. Please tell me if it is OK to send a letter with some small amount of cash inside? Or is it better to send that kind of thing to his current attorney. I am not a believer but I will do my best to pray for him too. Still crying writing this.

NASGA said...

Hi Elodeon,

You are not alone -- we are hearing from people all around the world who have watched the episode and feel so badly for this gentle man.

We don't know if his mail is being opened (although I doubt the facility is opening his mail), but it's still taking a chance that he won't get it, if you send anything of value.

But sending him a card or a note to tell him how you feel about what's happened to him might just make his day!

Thank you for caring!

Anonymous said...

Bastards!!! This goes on frequently my mom was forced into guardianship and her rights stripped frim her and kept from family. Please stop this madness!!

Anonymous said...

Hello, I wanted to share the episode but sadly it has been taken down by Netflix. Do you know why? Wish there is something else we can do apart from writing to him and actually get him out of this horrible situation. What can be done? I feel so hopeless!

NASGA said...

Yes, Netflix apparently removed the episode and it's a crying shame because it was so well done and people watched it from all over the world. It raised so much awareness for this cause...

Vanity said...

Does anybody know where can I see the episode?

Carchidi said...

Met with John yesterday.
Friend since teenage years.

Joe
617.396.7076

Anonymous said...

Their domino have started to fall...
https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/albuquerque-couple-sentenced-federal-prison-ayudando-guardians-case

The Village said...

Can someone set up a cash app account for him?

NASGA said...

The Village, any account set up for John is administered by the guardianship and there's no way around that.

Anonymous said...

Warren is even worse. She’s not to be trusted in any matter