At Corazón Latino, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission and values. We are dedicated to creating and upholding an environment that celebrates diversity and ensures equal opportunities for all. Our established grievance process reflects this commitment, offering a structured and fair approach to resolving complaints, affirming our adherence to the principles outlined in 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7. Through this process, we strive to sustain a community where every member feels esteemed, understood, and integral to our collective success.

Grievance Process

  1. Submission of Grievance:

    • Any employee or program participant may submit a grievance within 30 days of the alleged incident.

    • Grievances should be submitted in writing via the designated online form on our website or sent to Karina Martínez at karina@corazonlatino.us

  2. Acknowledgment of Receipt:

    • The Grievance Officer will acknowledge receipt of the grievance within 5 business days and provide the complainant with information about the next steps.

  3. Investigation:

    • An impartial review of the grievance will be conducted. This may involve interviews with the involved parties and a review of relevant documents.

    • The investigation will be completed within 30 days of the acknowledgment of the grievance.

  4. Resolution:

    • After the investigation, the Grievance Officer will communicate a decision in writing to all parties involved.

    • The decision will outline any steps to be taken to resolve the grievance and will be issued within 15 business days following the completion of the investigation.

  5. Appeal:

    • If the complainant is dissatisfied with the decision, they may appeal to the Executive Director within 15 days of receiving the resolution.

    • The Executive Director will review the grievance and the investigation’s findings and make a final decision within 30 days of the appeal submission.

  6. Documentation:

    • All grievances and related documents will be filed and maintained in accordance with applicable regulations and confidentiality laws.

  7. Non-Retaliation:

    • Retaliation against any individual who files a grievance is strictly prohibited and will be subject to disciplinary action.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, and submit your completed form or letter to USDA at program.intake@usda.gov.