degree audit - wordpress.com · 2015-08-20 · degree audit inbox x lilah shahid 11/17/14 to...

degree audit

Inbox x

Lilah Shahid <[email protected]>

11/17/14

to cremy720

Hello Ms. Remy, I hope this email finds you in good health. I just faxed to you the DEGREE AUDIT and a copy of my SCHEDULE for the JANUARY 2015 TERM. This information will complete my application. If you have any questions, I can be reached at 954.496.1907 or you may reply to this email. I look forward to hearing from you. However, if I do not hear from you within 2 days I will contact you regarding the status of the application. Thank you, Lilah Shahid 1 out of 2 people will be diagnosed with a chronic disease during their lifetime.

I teach people how to live healthier. I offer antioxidant juices and I teach daily Yoga.

Log on at www.healthwithardyss.wordpress.com for more information.

Remy, Carine <[email protected]>

11/17/14

to me

tel:954.496.1907

http://www.healthwithardyss.wordpress.com/

I have received the documents you faxed. The case will be submitted to my supervisor for

review. As you know the case was denied because you did not provide the documents in time.,

and there is no guarantee that the case will be approved.

Carine Remy

Broward County Commission

Family Success Administration Division

Community Action Agency

900 N.W. 31st Avenue, Suite 3100

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

954-357-5807. Fax 954-357-5768

Under Florida law, most e-mail messages to or from Broward County employees or officials are public records, available to any person upon request, absent an exemption. Therefore, any e-mail message to or from the County, inclusive of e-mail addresses contained therein, may be subject to public disclosure.

____________________________________________________________________________________


11/19/14

to Carine

Ms. Remy,

tel:954-357-5807

tel:954-357-5768

Yes, I am aware that you give applicants approximately 10-14 days to submit requested documents after the initial meeting. And I did go over that time frame. The reason being is that you informed me that you were required to see (and make a copy of) my actual social security card. My social security card was recently stolen and so I had to request a new replacement card. This mailing process takes at least 14 days. I did keep you informed of the process and the time frame in which I would receive the card. Was this request for the actual paper social security card mentioned on any of the orientation documents? And a time frame of 10-14 days to present it? Had I known this was a requirement, I would have ordered and secured the card prior to the initial meeting. Surely the Action Agency understands that 10 or 14 days from the initial meeting would not be enough time to order and receive this card from the social security administration. Documents have to be submitted timely, yes. However, requests made also have to be reasonable. Also, would you provide clarification for the approval process: Why do you say there is no guaranteed approval? If an applicant meets the requirements, then what exactly would prevent approval? Please explain. http://www.broward.org/HUMANSERVICES/FAMILYSUCCESS/Pages/CommunityActionAgency.aspx Thank you, Lilah Shahid --------------------------------- 1 out of 2 people will be diagnosed with a chronic disease during their lifetime.

I teach people how to live healthier.

I offer antioxidant juices, nutritional supplements and healthy coffees. I also teach daily yoga.

To find out more log on at www.healthwithardyss.wordpress.com

http://www.broward.org/HUMANSERVICES/FAMILYSUCCESS/Pages/CommunityActionAgency.aspx

http://www.broward.org/HUMANSERVICES/FAMILYSUCCESS/Pages/CommunityActionAgency.aspx



11/19/14

to me

The orientation is an overview of the program, and time frames may not have given. You were given a copy of the disposition with a time frame to return the required documents. The fact that you had to order a copy of your social security card does not negate our time frame policy. There is no guarantee of approval because your case was already denied.


11/19/14

to Carine

Ms. Remy According to you the case was denied because you did not receive the social security card within 10-14. I admit, you did not and for reasons I have already explained. Now you have it (social security card). I do not see this as a reason for further denial or delay. I am sure any reasonable person would agree. According to U.S. Federal law. Applicants who meet the criteria are eligible. The approval process is only a matter of applying, already established Federal guidelines to the application. These guidelines are set by our lawmakers. There is no room for arbitrary decisions based on personal county employee's whims. The question is; do I meet the criteria. I do. Therefore approval follows. This is not my opinion, these are laws set by federal and county governments. What I am stating is written into law. I have already referred to CAA by laws.


11/20/14

to Monfort, me

Your intake date was 10/9/14 and your application was denied on 11/7/14. You were given more

than the 10 days allowed to provide your social security card and credit audit. You failed to need

the deadline. It seems that you should focus on becoming more stabilized before you take up the

challenge of school. You are currently homeless and your income, if any, is insufficient. It is

our recommendation that you concentrate on your housing and income before

education. Furthermore you don’t possess the tools required to take online courses, a

computer. As you were advised CAA does not purchase computers.

Once you become more stable and can show proof that you have a computer your case will be re-

assessed for assistance.

Sincerely.

Carine Remy






954-357-5807. Fax 954-357-5768

_____________________________________________________________

tel:954-357-5807

tel:954-357-5768


11/20/14

to Carine

Ms, Remy, My housing situation has absolutely nothing to do with my education application to the Action Agency. Housing situations are not considered for tuition assistance division of the CAA program. What you are expressing is not supported under CAA by laws. There is an income standard, with I do meet. Therefore, I qualify. However, if you find my current housing situation an issue, the Action Agency has a housing assistance program, perhaps here is where you, as the case worker would refer me to it. I believe your responsibility as a case worker is to provide referrals and use CAA resources to assistance Broward County residents in regaining self sufficiency. Attempting to block education resources from qualifying applicants (is illegal) does not constitute "assisting in regaining self sufficiency". If you believe additional CAA resources are need in this case, then by all means, suggest the resources and make the necessary referrals. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank You, Lilah Shahid


11/20/14

to sunshine33136, me, Monfort

Your case has been discussed with my supervisor Monfort Alexis and the following decisions

have been made.

It has been determined that because your status is so tenuous you must become stable by concentrating on housing and employment.

It has been determined that the kind of support you require at this time is employment and housing.

CAA will work with you to obtain employment and then housing, as those are barriers that must

be removed before education can seriously be considered.

You may contact my supervisor, Monfort Alexis at 954-357-5029 with any concerns you may have.

C. REMY

CMII

Carine Remy






tel:954-357-5029

954-357-5807. Fax 954-357-5768


12/3/14

to Carine

Ms. Remy, I appreciate your assistance in removing the barriers -that you have identified- to my economic success. And I look forward to working with you in order to remove all the barriers that you have identified. Since you mentioned that the CAA, Community Action Agency has the resources to stabilize employment for applicants, specifically in my case, I assume at this time, you have a listing for employment (a job) that will cover Broward County's cost of living, above the poverty level. For the issue of employment, it is the understanding of our society that if one cannot gain employment that is sufficient to maintain a household above the poverty level. That person has to update their skills and increase their education level (and/or start a business). This is the purpose of the Action Agency; to work within our society’s goals, to pay for a short term education program I.e. community college/vocational school, when citizens decide that additional education is an appropriate measure. Ms. Remy I should mention to you, that nearly 2 years ago, while I was living in my townhouse, I came to the action agency for education assistance, the same assistance that I have applied for through your office. At that time, I was given false information. At a later date I will let you know the name of the Action Agency worker (case manager). This case manager told me that only people who were already enrolled in classes qualified for tuition assistance. And so this person (case worker) denied assistance. As you know, this is false information. And denying assistance to qualified applicants is illegal. Perhaps if the CAA bylaws were followed then, I would not be in touch with the CAA (you) today, for tuition assistance. Possibly the workers at this office are going in circles. The Action Agency purpose is to create self-sufficiency, ask yourself is your decision in line with the Action Agency's purpose? Are you removing the education barrier? Or are you creating one? Also, I do have a "job" I am a distributor with Ardyss International. At this time, I am in the beginning phase of prospecting. I noticed that you mentioned that I should contact your supervisor and escalate this issue. I will. And as you know all emails sent to government offices are public record.

tel:954-357-5807

tel:954-357-5768

Also, just to remind you, there is a Florida State tuition waiver for "people who lack a nighttime residence i.e. homeless" If you remember, I spoke to you about this State statute. And, I submitted this fee waiver to Broward College last semester. The existence of this State statute should confirm in your mind, our society's expectation for people to increase their education level and contribute to society no matter what. This is confirmed in my mind. And this is done in our country with or without other presumed "barriers". Classes begin over a month from now, Ms. Remy that gives the Action Agency, (you) more than enough time to address the barriers you have identified. Again, Ms. Remy thank you for your assistance and I look forward to working with you. Lilah Shahid

----------------------------------------------------------

1 out of 2 people will be diagnosed with a chronic disease during their lifetime. I teach people how to live healthier, I offer antioxidant juices and I teach daily Yoga.

Drinking antioxidant juices and practicing yoga consistently, corrects and prevents chronic disorders.


12/4/14

to me

You are required to register with Career Source Broward for employment, as well as other

employment agencies. If you are currently employed please provide proof of employment along

with copies of paystubs or a letter from your employer verifying your income.

Carine Remy






954-357-5807. Fax 954-357-5768


12/8/14

to Carine

Thank you for contacting me, I was awaiting a reply from you. Yes, I am registered with Career Source, formerly known as WorkForce One, I have been for a number of years. I frequently visit one of the branches for small business and prospecting resources. I did speak with Mr. Alexis, the supervisor for the Community Action Agency, (as you suggested) several times last week. I did express to him that I look forward to meeting with you, as soon as possible in order to address those "barriers" that you have identified and that the Community Action Agency (CAA) has the responsibility and the resources to address. Once “barriers” for economic success, self-sufficiency have been identified by a CAA case worker, the Community Action Agency has the responsibility to remove these barriers, if these “barriers” are addressable by the CAA. These “barriers” that you (CAA case worker) have identified are addressed by this agency. The Community Action Agency receives federal funding for addressing the “barriers” you have mentioned. For clarity, the barriers you have identified are Housing and Employment. As I have expressed to you, in a previous email, I do have a "job", however, I just started this "job" and I am in the prospecting phase and this 1099 position (independent contractor) is commission only. You may log on at www.healthwithardyss.wordpress.com to view specific information about my business. If I understand your reasoning correctly, your submission is; if a client is not employed, then he or she should not pursue an education. Pardon me, if I am misunderstanding your message but if I am, please clarify.

tel:954-357-5807

tel:954-357-5768


Since employment is not a requirement for eligibility, and yet you have identified employment as a "barrier" for continued education, I am assuming that you have a job listing that is available for clients; jobs that will sustain a Broward County household above the poverty level. To my knowledge, at this juncture in our economy (high unemployment rate and low paying jobs), additional education or an updating of skills is required. But since your office has listings for jobs that do not require specialized training or education, that are above Broward County's poverty level, I look forward to reviewing this list with you. And I look forward to your guidance in order to immediately remove the housing "barrier". Again, as you know neither housing nor employment is considered for this CAA education program. Income is considered and I meet the income requirement as well as all other CAA eligibility requirements for this particular program Your office has received all required information from me. And so, at this time I do not expect any delays in tuition payment to the College I have chosen. Also, as I have mentioned to Mr. Alexis, my classes begin next month and so fees for my classes are due at this time. I look forward to speaking with you. Lilah Shahid

--------------------------------------------

1 out of 2 people will be diagnosed with a chronic disease during their lifetime.

I t e a c h p e o p l e h o w t o live healthier.

I offer antioxidant juices, nutritional supplements and healthy coffees. I also teach daily yoga.

Drinking antioxidant juices and practicing yoga consistently, corrects and prevents chronic disorders.

log on at www.healthwithardyss.wordpress.com for more information.


12/8/14

to Carine


Would you also include your supervisor's, Mr. Alexis email address in your reply, so I may forward copies of our discussion directly to him, in order to keep him in the loop.

12/8/14

to Shatara, me, Monfort

Monfort Alexis’ e-mail is [email protected]

Please note that your life, your actions, your employment and education are 100% your

responsibility, no one else’s.

The barriers in your life were present before you applied for assistance and they are not for this

agency to remove. You are the only one that can remove these barriers.

Community Action Agency may assist by providing resources, but what you do with these

resources are solely your responsibility.

I have requested verification of income and you have referred me to a website, I require copies of

pay stubs, or a letter from your employer..

You have registered for online classes, but stated at the time of intake that you neither possess

nor have access to a computer.

Going to school stressed and worried and without the proper tools makes it hard to focus and to

maintain academic continuity. That is why you should first concentrate on housing, then

employment, then possibly education, in that order.

mailto:[email protected]

I also need to know how you plan on completing your class work without a computer.

Although you have advised that you have a fee waiver for tuition, you have not provided

documentation to that effect,

your schedule reflects a credit of $48.00 and a balance of $1991.20.

I am also requesting the name and phone number of your homeless counselor.

Carine Remy






954-357-5807. Fax 954-357-5768


Jan 22

to Shatara

tel:954-357-5807

tel:954-357-5768


Jun 10

to Shatara

Hello Ms. Piedrasanta,

As advised by you, I have submitted the income verification information. I submitted an official letter from the social security office, detailing my employment status and income earned over the last 12 months. Still Ms. Remy is not cooperating; Ms. Remy has asked me to call you or Mr. Alexis to be reassigned to a counselor. Isn't Ms. Remy employed as a counselor at the Action Agency, why is she refusing to do her job? If she would like, another counselor to process the application of a client that has been assigned to her, why doesn't she facilitate this transfer herself?

Her behavior is not making any sense to me. If a client submits an application, a counselor can only request the information that is required to complete the application. There is a list of documents that can be requested as well as claimed information that must be verified. I do not understand what Ms. Remy is doing. Ms. Piedrasanta, would you contact Ms. Remy and clarify with her, what needs to be done at this point in order to process my application? If another application needs to be submitted, that's fine. This is not a personal issue with Ms. Remy or with Mr. Alexis, I do not know either of them. My goal is to utilize the Action Agency (CAA) Job/career training program which is Federally funded, with the intention of furthering my career. This is the purpose of this program. I do qualify for this program (I am eligible under the income requirement) and I intend to make use of this community resource.

The money allotted to this Action Agency (CAA) does not belong to Mr. Alexis, although during the orientation he made the comment that "[he] decides who gets the money". Mr. Alexis is mistaken with his thinking on this subject. Our Federal government has determined who qualifies for assistance under this program. Clear guidelines for qualifying for this and all programs at the CAA have been established and published by the Federal government for all to see. Mr. Alexis as acting Director, can only apply these mandates to the applications the Broward CAA receives. Mr. Alexis and Ms. Remy actions, regarding the processing of client applications, have to be in line with Federal laws governing the CAA.

I can be reached at 954.496.1907 or you may reply to this email. I look forward to hearing from you.

Ms. Shahid

Complaint Resolution

Inbox x

Piedrasanta, Shatara

Good afternoon Ms. Shahid, I have reviewed your case, including the email cor...

Jan 27

Good afternoon Ms. Shahid, I have reviewed your case, including the email cor...

Piedrasanta, Shatara <[email protected]>

Jan 27

to me

Good afternoon Ms. Shahid,

tel:954.496.1907

I have reviewed your case, including the email correspondences that your provided with your

request. Please find the attached Appeal/Grievance Investigation Form, which contains the

findings, recommendations, and follow-up that is needed.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns, or if additional assistance is needed.

Best Regards,

Shatara Piedrasanta

Shatara Piedrasanta, MSW

Broward County Community Action Agency

Edgar P. Mills Center

900 NW 31 Avenue, Suite 3100, Fort. Lauderdale, FL 33311

Office: 954-357-5801; Efax#: (954) 357-5768

www.broward.org

Under Florida law, most e-mail messages to or from Broward County employees or officials are public records, available to any person upon request, absent an exemption. Therefore, any e-mail message to or from the County, inclusive of e-mail addresses contained therein, may be subject to public disclosure. Attachments area Preview attachment Appeal_Grievance Investigation_1-27-15.pdf

Appeal_Grievance Investigation_1-27-15.pdf 419 KB

tel:954-357-5801

tel:%28954%29%20357-5768

http://www.broward.org/

https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=75807152eb&view=att&th=14b2cb0bf40f725b&attid=0.1&disp=safe&zw











Reply Forward


Feb 17

to Shatara

Hello Ms. Piedrasanta, Thank you for your prompt reply. I apologize for the delay I did receive your first email requesting my attention. I should mention that at the time of this initial application there was no income from my Independent Distributor position with Ardyss. I could not submit what did not exist. I am sure I made this clear to the case manager. I am still in the prospecting and learning phase of this business. So, I have not made any income from this business yet, this is a 100% commission based relationship I currently have with Ardyss. However, since I am also registered with Career Source Broward, a small monthly payment that assist with transportation is applied to my account. Verification of this can be provided. The Action Agency purpose is to supply school supplies. All materials for your major/program is provided. As far as the computer, during orientation I mentioned to Mr. Alexis (the Director for the Edgar Center) that my computer was stolen from my house. My major is Accounting. Mr. Alexis said that calculators are provided but that laptops are not. Now in this case, I will be registering for mostly online classes, this is more convenient and economical for me since I will need to earn income while I am taking classes. The cost of a basic laptop is under $200.00. this includes tax. Online classes are also more economical for the Action Agency because instead of paying for hard cover text books costing between $100.00-$150.00 each, e-books can instead be purchased for a small fraction of the text book price. Many of these e-books are free. see link below http://www.broward.edu/academics/online/Pages/default.aspx Also the cost of the accounting calculator can be deducted from this laptop price.

http://www.broward.edu/academics/online/Pages/default.aspx

Text books for a semester can easily total over $1,000. Also the Action Agency pays for uniforms for the vocational schools (cooking) which is a material or supply outside of text books. However, if the case worker (Ms. Carine) insist on spending more for the paper text books over a laptop/e-books, and this is acceptable to the Action Agency Board members, then for now this will be accepted. But what is most economical and efficient in terms of how money is spent should be considered. The more money the Action Agency saves per client, the higher the number of Broward County residents can be provided with services. Thank You again Ms. Piedrasanta, I will review the form you emailed and I will submit any income verification and all other information that I do have at this time. And I look forward to working with the case manager assigned to this case in the future. Ms. Shahid