DEI Policy

Purpose: Geel Community Services, Inc. is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our people are the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, and unique capabilities that our employees and volunteers invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture but our reputation and achievements as well.

Scope: This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, clients, and stakeholders of Geel Community Services, Inc.

Policy Statement:

1. Commitment to Diversity:

   • Geel Community Services is committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which all employees and clients feel valued, included, and empowered to succeed.
   • We embrace and encourage our employees’ and clients’ differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our employees and clients unique.

2. Equity:

   • We strive to create an equitable environment where everyone has access to the same opportunities for success.
   • Policies, practices, and resources are developed and implemented to ensure fairness and equal access to all services and employment opportunities.

3. Inclusion:

   • We are committed to maintaining a culture that is inclusive and welcoming for all.
   • We recognize the importance of diverse perspectives and strive to incorporate these perspectives in our decision-making processes.
   • We provide training and resources to help employees and clients understand and respect different perspectives and backgrounds.

4. Rehabilitation and Support Services:

   • Our residential programs are designed to provide rehabilitative and support services to adults suffering from mental illness, focusing on inclusivity and respect for all clients.
   • We ensure that our services are accessible and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, promoting their sense of self-worth and independence.

5. Recruitment and Retention:

   • We actively seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce.
   • Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications, without discrimination or bias.
   • We provide equal opportunities for training, promotion, and advancement.

6. Community Engagement:

   • We work to create strong, collaborative relationships with the communities we serve.
   • We engage with community members to understand their needs and perspectives and incorporate their feedback into our services and programs.

Implementation:

• The Human Resources department, along with the DEI Committee, will oversee the implementation of this policy.
• Regular training sessions and workshops will be conducted to educate employees and volunteers on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Feedback from employees, volunteers, and clients will be regularly sought and used to improve DEI initiatives.

Accountability:

• All employees and volunteers are responsible for upholding the principles of this policy.
• Any instances of discrimination, harassment, or exclusionary behavior will be taken seriously and addressed promptly.
• The organization will regularly review and update this policy to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.

Conclusion: Geel Community Services, Inc. is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. By embracing and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we can better support our clients, enrich our organization, and contribute to the well-being of our community.