Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Policy Statement
There is an unfortunate and obvious connection between overt disenfranchisement, racist policies, and injustice and the fact that more than 50% of those experiencing homelessness are Black while making up only 13% of the total U.S. population. Homelessness is marked, defined, and caused by disparities rooted in exclusion and discrimination. Intentionally addressing these dynamics is essential to ending homelessness. Family Promise of the Poconos, Inc. is committed to addressing these issues and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access (DEIA) as a priority. As part of this process, the following is our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access Policy Statement.
Family Promise of the Poconos, Inc. values and celebrates the unique attributes, characteristics and perspectives that make each person who they are. We believe our strength lies in our diversity among the broad range of people who volunteer, work and are served by our organization. We consider diversity, inclusion and access a driver of our effectiveness and seek out diversity of participation, thought and action. It is our aim, therefore, that our stakeholders reflect and embrace these core values.
Family Promise Core Six Core Values:
The DEIA Policy Statement and all our DEIA work is rooted in our core values:
Hospitality: Not only is this demonstrated through our programming for our guests, but Family Promise also demonstrates this to volunteers and staff.
Empowerment: Family Promise empowers all stakeholders – family members, volunteers, donors, community members, businesses, and government officials – to effect change in their communities so families can achieve economic stability and children can access a brighter future.
Empathy: Empathy is at the center of all Family Promise does, time is taken to understand all perspectives. This ensures excellent service delivery to our guests and a productive and enjoyable work environment.
Community: Family Promise builds bridges among people and brings resources together.
Dynamic: Family Promise is future-focused and nimble.
Innovative: Family Promise is innovative and entrepreneurial.
Diversity and Inclusion Framework
Family Promise of the Poconos, Inc. strives to support the larger homelessness and housing sector through its thought leadership, trauma-informed services, and core values. By modeling excellence regarding diversity and inclusion, Family Promise is better situated to respond to the unique needs of the community.
Support Key Stakeholders
Family Promise of the Poconos, Inc. engages all stakeholders in our community. Volunteers, congregations and organizations, public and private sector partners, staff and board, and the families impacted by services all have the potential to offer insight and expertise on a broad range of strategies related to diversity and inclusion initiatives. Family Promise is also committed to working collaboratively to forge key partnerships locally, statewide, and nationally to strengthen the integrity and impact on our community.
Create DEIA-Informed Programs and Resources
Family Promise of the Poconos, Inc. provides holistic programs and solutions for family homelessness and housing insecurity, ensuring that a child’s housing status does not determine their future. Furthermore, Family Promise’s work will promote excellence in the homelessness sector. Our efforts to prioritize diversity and inclusion emphasize:
Standards, Evidence-Based, and Best Practices
Trauma informed and Resilience-Oriented Care
Advocacy and Awareness
Engaging Individuals with Lived Experience
Family Promise of the Poconos, Inc. believes individuals experiencing homelessness are key stakeholders to engage in our work. We seek to include their knowledge and expertise in meaningful roles such as board membership, staff, or volunteering.
Approaches for Our Work
To support the expansion of DEIA, Family Promise will:
Integrate diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion into Family Promise practices, procedures, and programs. We will pursue inclusivity and cultural competency through substantive learning and transparent policies, and we will model best practices.
Build awareness in the field by continuously drawing attention to the rationale, the opportunities, and causes of homelessness and poverty.
Offer professional development opportunities and resources to the organization’s leadership to ensure the best practices are implemented.
Support individuals with lived experience to have meaningful and powerful opportunities.