ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Former residents of Vista Maria gathered Tuesday evening in Allen Park for what organizers described as the largest survivor meet-up since a lawsuit was filed accusing the Dearborn Heights nonprofit of years of abuse and systemic failures.
The meeting at The Prestige Banquet Hall brought together women who say they endured physical, psychological, and sexual abuse while living at the all-girls facility as minors.
The lawsuit, filed April 13, alleges Vista Maria staff subjected residents to psychological and physical abuse and sexual abuse, including assault, molestation, nonconsensual touching and harassment, along with unsafe conditions and negligence.
The original plaintiffs named in the suit are Sophia Knoblauch and Sarina Jensen, along with four additional former residents referenced in the complaint, some of whom were minors when placed at the facility through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and court orders.
Attorneys for the plaintiffs have said they expect additional former residents to join.
Janene Tague, who previously shared her experience with Local 4, attended Tuesday’s gathering and is being added as a plaintiff, according to attorney Moose Scheib.
Tague said she lived at Vista Maria from September 2007 to July 2008 and described being physically restrained and improperly medicated by staff.
“It needs to stop,” Tague said. “Profit over the well-being of vulnerable I don’t even want to say children individuals, needs to stop.”
Scheib, who represents the plaintiffs, said survivors are also planning to meet with state lawmakers in Lansing this week to push for changes to Michigan’s civil statute of limitations for child abuse cases.
“It’s 10 years from the age of majority,” Scheib said of the current time limit. “In most states, it’s 18, so it’s 10 years from your 18th birthday where you can come forward with abuses that happen in your childhood.”
With allegations now coming to light years or even decades later, Scheib said he believes former residents should be able to bring civil claims at any age.
“We don’t think that there should be some imaginary line in the sand to come forward,” he said. “Either way, you still have to prove your case.”
Local 4 has reported extensively on Vista Maria since early 2025, when a 16-year-old resident went missing from the facility and was later found after several weeks, prompting deeper scrutiny.
State records reviewed by Local 4 documented allegations, including threats, verbal abuse, and inappropriate relationships involving staff and residents, as well as concerns about restraints and reporting requirements.
Vista Maria ended its residential program in 2025 but continues operating other services, including foster care and independent living programs, according to the organization.
Vista Maria said in a statement that it has been notified of the lawsuit and is reviewing the allegations.
“Vista Maria has been formally notified of the lawsuit and is reviewing the allegations,” the statement said. “We take matters involving the safety and well-being of youth very seriously, and we will address these claims through the legal process. Because of privacy and confidentiality laws, we cannot comment on specific individuals or circumstances. We remain fully committed to transparency within the bounds of the law, cooperation with appropriate authorities, and continued support for the youth and families we serve.”