Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

JFS’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs promote a diverse and inclusive environment for all people including Latinx, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, underserved populations and individuals with a range of disabilities both within our organizational structure and with our clients. DEI is a foundational component of who we are at JFS.

To ensure JFS is providing culturally relevant services in a climate of inclusion, we have DEI committees at the staff and board levels. Both the Board and staff committees are charged with creating a culture of inclusion by promoting the acceptance and appreciation of the uniqueness of all people. Our staff committee actively promotes ongoing education and activities that strive to maximize knowledge of, sensitivity to, and inclusion of all cultures and backgrounds represented among clients, volunteers and staff.

“JFS’ work of DEI is a commitment to learning and to maintaining an openness for understanding and respecting each other’s culture and abilities, offering a path to inclusion for all as valued members of the human race. At JFS, all voices are heard, empowering staff and community to build stronger bonds as we work together toward an equitable community and world.”
– Vickie Perry
JFS DEI Officer

The position of Diversity Officer was established at JFS in 2024. Vickie Perry, an employee of nine years currently working in Human Resources and Co-chair of the Anti-Racism Committee since 2020, obtained a certificate from Cornell University’s DEI program and serves in this role. Her initial duties include researching and applying best practices to standardize our processes for onboarding, training, evaluating, and delivering support equitably to each staff member to foster their success with the agency. Additionally, she will develop systems for reporting, promoting community cohesion, and submitting recommendations as needed.

Based on current events, work groups may be established on an ad hoc basis. For example, in August of 2020, our staff saw a need for an Anti-Racism Committee (“ARC”) as a committee of the DEI program – to focus on certain race-related matters. The ARC was started following the murder of George Floyd and much civil unrest throughout the country. The ARC addresses issues of racism to facilitate a deeper understanding of racial diversity by researching, developing, and proposing practices for ongoing training and education to ensure an environment of respect and racial equity in all agency engagements. Recognizing that diversity and inclusion are essential to one of our core values, tikkun olam (healing the world), our ARC works to address long-existing racial injustices and disparities affecting minorities individually and in our community. The ARC endeavors to elevate the level of cultural competence within the agency, strengthening JFS’ ability to achieve its mission.