grievances and complaints

Introduction & background

FVAMC will handle all complaints swiftly and confidentially to the extent possible considering the need to take appropriate corrective action. Lodging a complaint will in no way be used against the person pursuing it (Complainant/Plaintiff). Because of the damaging nature of harassment to the victims and to the entire FVAMC community, aggrieved persons are strongly urged to use this procedure. However, filing groundless or malicious complaints is an abuse of our policy and will be treated as a violation.

During the complaint process, the privacy of the information received, the privacy of the individuals involved, and the wishes of the Complainant/Plaintiff will be protected to as great a degree as is possible. Complainant/Plaintiffs will be expected, however, to use their names at the time the complaints are filed. The expressed wishes of the Complainant/Plaintiff for confidentiality will be considered in the context of the egregiousness of the complaint, any legal obligation of FVAMC to act on the charge, and the right of the charged party to obtain information. Utmost care will be given so that persons experiencing trauma be protected from further emotional harm. In addition, any notes or documents written by or received by the person(s) conducting the investigation will be kept confidential to the extent possible and according to any existing state or federal law.

No hardship, loss of benefit, or penalty may be imposed on employees, volunteers, and community members, or any person in response to:

  1. Filing or responding to a bona fide complaint of discrimination or harassment.
  2. Appearing as a witness in the investigation of a complaint.
  3. Serving as an investigator of a complaint.

Retaliation or attempted retaliation in response to lodging a complaint or invoking the complaint process is a violation of FVAMC policies. Any person who is found to have violated this aspect will be subject to sanctions up to and including termination of employment. Volunteers found to have violated any aspect of the policy may be asked to step down from service in specific roles, withdraw from leadership positions, and/or terminate relationship with FVAMC.

Grievance & complaint commitee (GCC)

FVAMC has established a Grievance and Complaint Committee (GCC) composed of a diverse group of community representatives to address all grievances and complaints. Based on the severity and nature of each complaint, the GCC may refer matters to the Board of Trustees for further review. To facilitate this process, the Board has designated a member to serve as the liaison between the GCC and the Board.

Complaint Procedure

  1.  Complainant must complete the FVAMC Community Complaint Form (MS Word | PDF).
  2. The GCC Chairperson will perform an initial review of the complaint within 3 business days to determine nature and severity of the complaint.

 If a State or Federal Law violation or criminal activity is suspected, or if FVAMC or any of its members are suspected to be in danger, the GCC Chairperson will immediately notify the FVAMC Board of Trustees Liaison, who will then follow appropriate procedures to ensure safety and security of FVAMC and its members.

  1. In all other cases, the GCC will meet within 14 business days of the receipt of a completed FVAMC Community Complaint Form to review the complaint and consider appropriate next steps. If needed, a member of the committee may be assigned to contact the complainant to gather any additional information.
  2. In its review of the complaint, the GCC will consider all pertinent information, FVAMC bylaws, and any potential violations of State or Federal law or potential of criminal activity while it deliberates an appropriate recommendation. The GCC will operate within the following procedural guidelines:
    • The GCC will utilize a 2/3 majority decision when making a recommendation.
    • The GCC Chairperson or delegate will notify the FVAMC Board of Trustees Liaison that a recommendation has been reached and forward the Committee’s recommendation with all supporting documents for the Liaison’s review.
    • The Board of Trustees Liaison will review the recommendation in light of the Committee’s deliberations and render a decision, in consultation with the Board of Trustees if warranted.
    • Upon final review of the GCC recommendation, a delegate of GCC, or the Board of Trustees Liaison if warranted, will communicate FVAMC’s decision to the Complainant.
    • A copy of the Grievance Committee findings and recommendations will be kept on file with FVAMC.
    • In the event that any member of GCC has a conflict of interest related to the complaint, such individual shall recuse themselves from any participation in the investigation.

GCC Members

Rashed Ahmed has been a dedicated member of FVAMC since its inception. He resides in Avon with his wife, Saima, and their three children. Currently, he serves as Vice President and Head of Investment Reporting and Market Data at Hartford Investment Management Company (HIMCO).

Rashed holds a Master of Science in Finance from Suffolk University, as well as an MBA in Marketing and both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Luma Chalabi is an Attorney at Law and currently serves as the Assistant Principal at FVAMC Academy. She has been, along with her husband and two children, an active member of the community since 2016. Her extensive legal background and commitment to education make her a valuable asset to the community.

Amal Arshad Gilbert was born in Kuwait to Palestinian parents and came to the US to pursue higher education. She received a BSc in Civil Engineering and a Master of Civil Engineering from North Caroline State University. Amal worked in Transportation Design in Florida before moving to Connecticut in 2000. Her commitment to high quality education for children had her switch paths to join academic support services in the school system which enabled her to devote more time to her family.

Amal has been an active volunteer at Palestine Museum US (Woodbridge, CT) since its launch in 2018 and currently serves on the board. Amal and her husband, Don Gilbert, and have two grown daughters. They have been members of FVAMC since 2012.

Shaik Imam Javid is a Senior Data Science Advisor at Cigna Group. He holds a Bachelors degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from India and a Masters in Data Science from UConn. He loves traveling , sports, socializing and making friends. He has been an active member of the FVAMC community for more than 6 years.

Ayesha Siddiqui is a licensed mental health counselor with a profound dedication to serving underserved communities. As the Director of Clinical Operations at UHC, she actively advocates for mental health awareness and access to care. Ayesha balances her professional commitments with her role as a mother to three children. Originally from Florida, she now resides in Connecticut, where she continues to make a meaningful impact in her field.