The oppression of people in our community has led to a critical moment of reckoning locally, nationally and globally. Society’s demands for equal rights and human dignity have been loud and they have resulted in changes, but there is still much work to be done. We hear the urgent calls for equity and inclusion each day and we have a responsibility to create the change needed so all identities can pursue the wholeness of life.
We believe being diverse, equitable and inclusive are essential components in delivering the quality programs and services that are the hallmark of our heritage.
We are an all-inclusive social services agency committed to building communities and a workplace where all are enabled to realize the wholeness of life. To advance our mission, we bravely lead innovative ideas and work to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion are ever present resulting in empowerment for our clients and members of the communities in which we serve.
To achieve this goal the P.E.E.R.S. Advisory Council was created. P.E.E.R.S., which stands for Promote, Educate, Empower, Redefine and Support, is a group of employees across all departments uniting us through intentional diversity, equity and inclusion objectives in an effort to create an environment where we can learn from each other by embracing our differences.
- Provide DEI 101 training to all staff
- Incorporate into New Employee Orientation
- Ensure everyone in our organization is given the opportunity to live their true identity each day
- Host 1 diversity event each year
- Provide strategies for communication to create awareness and build a better understanding across social identities
- Offer support when issues of inequity, exclusion, marginalization and social injustice are identified
- Commit to sharing knowledge and lived experiences for the benefit of the entire agency
- Cultivate an inclusive and accepting environment
- Create educational opportunities
- Provide materials that allow for self-exploration and awareness of social identities
- Recommend resources to build capacity for deeper understanding of other cultures and social identities
- Offer ongoing support and training
- Recognize staff for embracing inclusive culture and sharing lived experiences
Dr. Karla Scott is currently a professor in the Department of Communication at St. Louis University. Dr. Scott began her journey with Hoyleton as an observer and facilitator but her role quickly evolved into one of counsel on strategies and initiatives to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion within our agency.
Dr. Scott was directly involved in the implementation of Hoyleton’s PEERS Advisory Council. Dr. Scott was recently honored as the 2021 Empowerment Champion at the Hoyleton Honors banquet on May 13, 2022
Learn how to communicate effectively with your peers
Evaluate and challenge yourself on awareness of social identities and cultural constructs
Resources to build capacity for dialogue
Our diversity, equity and inclusion vision at Hoyleton can only be realized with the strength and support of our community. We invite you — your family, business, church congregation and community — to join and support our DEI journey. Whether donating to help us build capacity or downloading a resource to further your own understanding and advocacy, your actions matter. Together we can create a region that enables everyone to experience the wholeness of life that God intends.