In a recent exposé, the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center Association (WMYCA), a nonprofit organization led by Kirk Menendez, has come under scrutiny. The WMYCA, originally founded in 1944, has allegedly been plagued by disturbing financial mismanagement under Menendez’s leadership.
Per the publication, and despite being a respected community institution, the nonprofit lost its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in May 2020, Menendez continued to present it as a charitable organization.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) records reveal the WMYCA’s absence from the 501(c)(3) registry, indicating that it was no longer qualified for tax-exempt status after failing to meet filing requirements.
Further complicating matters, the WMYCA’s substantial assets, estimated at over $113,000 in 2016, is alleged to disappear without explanation. This raises questions about the organization's financial oversight, especially considering that Menendez installed his wife and daughter as financial officers after the departure of the previous treasurer.
The alleged lack of transparency surrounding these changes could be seen as deeply troubling, suggesting a disregard for both ethical practices and community trust.
Additionally, according to the report, Menendez appears to have personal financial troubles, including multiple mortgages on his properties and a pending lawsuit for unpaid debt, have fueled concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
These issues have raised the question of whether Menendez’s potential financial desperation influenced his actions as president of the WMYCA, potentially leading to the mishandling of its funds and the deterioration of its nonprofit status.
The timing of these issues aligns with Menendez’s transition from government service to leadership at the WMYCA. His previous tenure in Miami City government, which ended in 2016, was marked by similar allegations of mismanagement. The recent revelations about the WMYCA raise broader concerns about Menendez’s competence and his ability to handle public office responsibly.
In light of these findings, the community deserves answers. The former nonprofit leader, now a candidate for mayor, has yet to publicly address the situation.
We have reached out to Commissioner Menendez several times for a statement regarding the WMYCA's financial records and his stewardship of the organization via email and telephone, but have not received a response back.
