Diversity and Inclusion at the Home
Our country has a long history of social injustices . During the majority of 2020 , it was the leading news story , hot topic on social media , and top conversation between colleagues , family , and friends . Society has changed and become more sensitive to social injustices . Home of the Innocents began a journey to fully explore the issues that keep us from a truly equitable and inclusive culture .
In the summer of 2020 , we boldly declared that there is no tolerance for racism or discrimination in our organization . We are blessed with great diversity at the Home . We are a rich tapestry of genders , race , colors , religions , national origins , and sexual orientations . We are stronger as a result of our diversity .
Our Board of Directors has been committed to this work and focused on these discussions around diversity and inclusion for years . We started tracking diversity and inclusion with our Board of Directors , Associate Board , and various Board committees . We know our efforts to recruit and engage future diverse members of our community will take years to achieve .
Our Board and team employ our core values of compassion , wellness , excellence , and empowerment , along with our Sanctuary Model commitments in these efforts and to support one another .
The leaders of our Diversity & Inclusion Team Member Engagement Group and our Executive
Team have been hosting open discussions about systemic racism in our organization , in our community , and our country , and how we commit to being a part of the solution . Jenny Mullins , Vice President of Community Based Services , has welcomed these conversations . “ We ’ ve opened up the space to talk about traditionally very difficult topics . I ’ ll never forget the heartfelt thank you I received from a team member for opening up a conversation about race and community racial tension during one of our morning meetings ,” she shared .
Many team members are taking part in deep discussions about the racism many have faced their entire lives , the guilt of those just now waking to the reality of racism , and the desire we have to fix it and make changes .
Andrew Pierre , Residential Treatment Program Manager , welcomed the conversations with team members . “ We ’ ve come a long way and I do see a difference , but do we want to see a difference , or do we want to make a change ?” He asked .
A commitment to growth will help create a nonviolent workplace for everyone and focus on broadening our diversity at all levels . We all have a social responsibility to care for one another , to support one another , and to acknowledge the essential humanity of each other .
We are dedicated to making change for our clients , team members , and community .