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Title VI Complaint Policy

Policy Statement: The Belle Center is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance on the grounds of race, color, or national origin. This commitment is in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations.

Scope: This policy applies to all programs, activities, and services provided by The Belle Center that receive federal financial assistance.

Procedure for Filing a Title VI Complaint: Any person who believes they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin may file a written complaint with The Belle Center. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discrimination.

Complaints should be submitted to:

[Title VI Coordinator’s Name] [Title VI Coordinator’s Contact Information]

Alternatively, complaints may be submitted to any staff member of The Belle Center, who will forward the complaint to the Title VI Coordinator.

Contents of the Complaint: Complaints must include the following information:

  1. Complainant’s name, address, and contact information.
  2. A detailed description of the alleged discrimination, including the date, time, and location.
  3. Any supporting documentation or evidence.

Investigation: Upon receiving a complaint, The Belle Center will promptly initiate an investigation. The investigation will be conducted in a fair and impartial manner. The Belle Center may request additional information from the complainant or other relevant parties.

Resolution: Upon completion of the investigation, The Belle Center will issue a written determination. If a determination of non-compliance is made, The Belle Center will take corrective action, which may include training staff, revising policies, or other appropriate measures.

Appeals: Complainants dissatisfied with the resolution may appeal to the appropriate federal agency overseeing the funding of the program or activity in question.

Retention of Records: The Belle Center will retain all records related to Title VI complaints for a minimum of three years.

Public Notice: The Belle Center will widely publicize this Title VI Complaint Policy, including information on how to file a complaint, through its website, public meetings, and other appropriate means.

Non-Retaliation: No person shall be subjected to intimidation or retaliation for filing a Title VI complaint or participating in any Title VI complaint proceeding.

Review and Update: This policy will be periodically reviewed and updated as necessary to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Effective Date: This Title VI Complaint Policy is effective as of 10/1/2025.

The Belle Center, 104 Maryland Street, Buffalo, NY 14201, Lucy A Candelario, Title VI Coordinator, 716-845-0485, Ext 202, lcandelario@thebellecenter.org 

Filing a Complaint

Step 1: Filing a Complaint Any person who believes they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin should follow these steps:

  1. Complaint Submission:
  • Submit a written complaint to The Belle Center’s Title VI Coordinator within 180 days of the alleged discrimination.
  • Include the complainant’s name, address, and contact information.
  • Provide a detailed description of the alleged discrimination, including the date, time, and location.
  • Attach any supporting documentation or evidence.
  1. Alternative Submission:
  • Complaints can also be submitted to any staff member of The Belle Center, who will forward the complaint to the Title VI Coordinator.

Step 2: Initial Review Upon receiving a complaint, The Belle Center will initiate an initial review:

  1. Acknowledgment:
  • The Title VI Coordinator will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within a specified timeframe.
  1. Additional Information:
  • The Belle Center may request additional information from the complainant or other relevant parties to facilitate the investigation.

Step 3: Investigation The Belle Center will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation:

  1. Investigation Process:
  • Assign an investigator or team to examine the details of the complaint.
  • Interview relevant parties and gather evidence.
  • Ensure the investigation is completed within a reasonable timeframe.
  1. Documentation:
  • Maintain detailed records of the investigation process, including interviews, evidence collected, and any corrective actions taken.

Step 4: Resolution After completing the investigation, The Belle Center will issue a written determination:

  1. Determination:
  • If non-compliance is found, The Belle Center will detail corrective actions to be taken.
  • Provide the complainant with a copy of the determination.
  1. Corrective Action:
  • Implement corrective actions promptly, which may include training staff, revising policies, or other appropriate measures.

Step 5: Appeals Complainants dissatisfied with the resolution may appeal:

  1. Appeal Process:
  • Provide information on how to appeal the decision.
  • Federal Transit Administration is the federal agency overseeing the funding of the program for filing an appeal.

Step 6: Public Notice The Belle Center will ensure public awareness of the Title VI Complaint Policy:

  1. Public Communication:
  • Widely publicize the Title VI Complaint Policy through the organization’s website, public meetings, posting in the vans, and other appropriate means.

Step 7: Non-Retaliation Ensure protection against retaliation:

  1. Non-Retaliation Assurance:
  • Explicitly state that no person will face intimidation or retaliation for filing a Title VI complaint or participating in any complaint proceeding.

Step 8: Record Retention Maintain proper records:

  1. Document Retention:
  • Keep all records related to Title VI complaints for a minimum of three years.

Step 9: Policy Review and Update Regularly review and update the policy:

  1. Policy Review:
  • Periodically review the Title VI Complaint Policy to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Make updates as necessary.

Step 10: Effective Date 10/1/2025 with needed corrections or changes to be posted to maintain compliance with Title VI.

ERHDC Complaint Form

ERHDC Complaint Form