Erie County Pulls Funding From Save the Michaels Over Fiscal and Operational Concerns

Addiction services provider faces accountability and oversight questions, county seeks alternative arrangements for continuity of care.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Erie County has decided to pull funding from Save the Michaels, an addiction services provider, due to "significant concerns regarding longstanding fiscal and operational issues" that raised questions about accountability and oversight. The county cited a 2024 state audit that found the organization's founder and former CEO gave himself a $25,000 raise and loaned himself $40,000 without proper approvals. The county will conduct its own audit and is working to ensure continuity of care for residents who relied on Save the Michaels' services.

Why it matters

This decision highlights the importance of fiscal responsibility and proper oversight for organizations providing critical addiction recovery services. It raises questions about the governance and management practices at Save the Michaels and the county's role in ensuring accountability for taxpayer-funded programs.

The details

According to the county, Save the Michaels has faced "longstanding fiscal and operational issues" that raised concerns about accountability and oversight. A 2024 audit by the state's Office of Addiction Services and Supports found that the organization's founder and former CEO, Avi Israel, gave himself a $25,000 raise and loaned himself $40,000 without proper approvals. The county will now conduct its own audit and is working to implement alternative arrangements to ensure continuity of care for residents who relied on Save the Michaels' services.

  • On February 26, 2026, Erie County confirmed it is pulling funding from Save the Michaels.
  • In 2024, a state audit found issues with the organization's fiscal practices.

The players

Erie County

The local government entity that has decided to pull funding from Save the Michaels due to concerns over fiscal and operational issues.

Save the Michaels

An addiction services provider that has faced accountability and oversight questions, leading Erie County to withdraw its funding.

Avi Israel

The founder and former CEO of Save the Michaels, who was found to have given himself a $25,000 raise and loaned himself $40,000 without proper approvals, according to a 2024 state audit.

Kevin Hardwick

The Erie County Comptroller who said the county will be conducting its own audit of Save the Michaels.

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What they’re saying

“Erie County has significant concerns regarding longstanding fiscal and operational issues at Save the Michaels that raised accountability and oversight questions and ultimately informed the County's decision not to continue funding.”

— Erie County (WKBW)

“Contrary to the reports that are citing outdated and inaccurate information, Save the Michaels operates within the laws and rules of this state. We have helped tens of thousands of Western New Yorkers find and sustain their recovery. We are requesting that the Erie County government provide us with the opportunity to respond to any concerns they may have.”

— Save the Michaels CEO & Board of Director President (WKBW)

What’s next

Erie County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick said the county will be conducting its own audit of Save the Michaels.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the importance of fiscal responsibility and proper oversight for organizations providing critical addiction recovery services. It raises questions about the governance and management practices at Save the Michaels and the county's role in ensuring accountability for taxpayer-funded programs.