Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

St. Catherine’s Center for Children is committed to employing a diverse and inclusive workforce, one that is truly representative of the diverse communities and populations we serve, while mitigating implicit or unconscious bias.

We respect and appreciate the differences, originality, and the unique identities, perspectives, and characteristics each individual brings to the table. We believe that by increasing access and opportunity for all – especially those who are underrepresented and have been historically disadvantaged – we provide greater opportunities for our team, each employee within that team, and our clients to be more successful.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is at the very center of our efforts to build and maintain a culture where acceptance and appreciation of everyone is not only spoken about but felt by every, single member of our community.

Our Path Toward DEIB

With this commitment, St. Catherine’s has answered the call to adapt to positive societal changes and forward-thinking initiatives. Here is a timeline of our Agency’s progress:

July 1, 2022

Employee Handbook Updated to Include DEIB Language

DEIB section added
Gender references removed
Dress code updated to reflect cultural diversity

May 3, 2023

Inaugural DEIB Meeting with Consultant

Consultants introduced to the group
Initial groundwork laid for DEIB initiative
Discussed focus areas to frame where the Agency is headed regarding DEIB
Monthly meetings set to ensure constant forward movement of initiative

June 6, 2023

DEIB Meeting with Consultant

Revisited Agency’s mission statement
Discussions begin about updating job descriptions and accounting for lived experience when considering applicants
Decision made to incorporate Implicit Bias training, starting at the top of the organization
Reviewing demographic data and the need to balance it
Discussed inclusivity of Agency, and where it may have unintentional biases
Discussion regarding staff training needs
Process begins to update our policies and procedures to be all inclusive

June 13, 2023

Agency’s First DEIB Committee Meeting

Internal programs began meeting about implementing DEIB into SCCC culture and
Discussions regarding diversification of staff to look more like the communities we serve

June 23, 2023

DEIB Awards

Met with other organizations to see how DEIB is being implemented

July 18, 2023

DEIB Committee Meeting

Representatives from Board of Directors, Executive Leadership, Human Resources, and Training Department
Decision made to include relevant life experiences in lieu of education where applicable
Developing relatable life experience questions and considerations when discussing work histories during interviews
Review of job descriptions to be more inclusive begins
Adding a DEIB-related training to New Hire Orientation and supervisory training

August 15, 2023

DEIB Committee Meeting

Initial update of job descriptions to include DEIB language submitted
Consideration of adding more inclusive holidays to annual holiday calendar
Adding to DEIB Committee: call to action for more staff to join committee
Developing DEIB training in collaboration with consultant
Training Department trained in: implicit bias and racial trauma; looking at more trainings

September 19, 2023

DEIB Committee Meeting

Discussion to begin sharing Agency’s DEIB journey and intentions with new applicants
Acquisition of marketing materials and collateral to promote DEIB initiative

October 17, 2023

DEIB Committee Meeting

Juneteenth officially added to annual calendar as a paid holiday
Agency continues to update job descriptions as positions are prepared for posting
Agency’s marketing team creating a dedicated page for DEIB initiative on new website
Discussions begin about providing residential program staff with training and support regarding gender identity
Training Department enrolling in DEIB certificate programs with goal of other leaders also enrolling

Recruiting Through A DEIB Lens

St. Catherine’s embraces diversity in thought, background, and experience and insists on equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. To this end, we ensure that all employment opportunities are provided to qualified individuals irrespective of race, traits historically associated with race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), creed, color, national origin, ancestry/place of birth, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), reproductive health decision making, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, military status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, stalking, or sex offense victim status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Our DEIB efforts enhance our ability to accomplish this, while providing a workforce truly reflective of those we serve