Our Commitment to Inclusion
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
At WestCare, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are not merely objectives—we view them as the foundation upon which our entire organization is built. We honor the dignity and respect every person deserves, recognizing the value of uplifting the human spirit in all we do.
We are committed to creating a welcoming, affirming, and inclusive culture that permeates everything we do, ensuring that all personnel and every individual we serve feels seen, heard, and respected. Above all, we want every person who connects with WestCare—whether through employment or services—to experience an undeniable sense of belonging, knowing that they matter here.
We are also committed to counteracting unconscious bias and fostering a culture of psychological safety, where differences are not just acknowledged but embraced. This commitment extends across every aspect of our work, as we strive for excellence in both the continuum of services we provide and the ways we engage and support our workforce. By embracing diverse perspectives, we enhance our ability to deliver exceptional care and create a thriving workplace for all.
Equity and opportunity are foundational to our mission. We are dedicated to removing systemic barriers and ensuring fair treatment for everyone, fostering an environment where growth and advancement are accessible to all. Through meaningful collaboration and empowerment, we invite every individual to contribute their unique voice, driving innovation and engagement. Together, we harness the strength of a diverse workforce to achieve impactful outcomes that uplift both our organization and the individuals, families, and communities we serve.
Our Essential Priorities
Fostering Welcoming and Affirming Environments
We are building the most welcoming, affirming, and inclusive environments for all those we serve and employ. Every interaction with WestCare will reflect our commitment to cultural humility, compassionate leadership, and respect for each person’s lived experience, ensuring that all feel a profound sense of belonging.
Advancing Inclusion
Through continuous learning, self-reflection, and courageous conversations, we are committed to recognizing and addressing areas where inequality exists within our organization, our field, and the communities we serve. We will actively pursue equitable practices in hiring, promotion, service delivery, and community engagement, aligning with best practices in diversity management and principles of inclusion.
Building Capacity for Growth
Our commitment to growth is dynamic and ongoing. We will ensure that all personnel have access to the resources and development opportunities they need to thrive. By investing in organizational and leadership development, knowledge sharing, and inclusive decision-making, we will foster personal and professional growth, empowering our workforce to lead with empathy, accountability, and resilience. This approach not only strengthens our internal culture but also ensures the sustainability and growth of WestCare. As we cultivate a capable and diverse workforce, we position ourselves to adapt to future challenges, innovate, and continue delivering exceptional care to the communities we serve.
Accountability and Transparency
We hold ourselves accountable to the individuals and communities we serve, our personnel, and our stakeholders. We will do so with integrity, consistently following through on our commitments. Our progress in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging will be measured with transparency, data-driven insights, continuous feedback, and a focus on continuous quality improvement. We will use feedback and fair practices to meet our goals and improve our efforts.
Our Commitment in Action
WestCare champions two pivotal committees that work in tandem with our Leadership Team to advance our DEIB commitment.
The WESTCARE Board of Directors’ Diversity, Race, and Social Justice (DRSJ) Committee
The purpose of this committee, composed of volunteer members of WestCare’s Board of Directors, is to advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equality, ensuring that all clients, staff, and community partners are treated with respect, honor, and fairness. The DRSJ Committee plays a critical role in shaping WestCare’s unwavering commitment to social justice, driving transformative change across our organization.
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Staff Workgroup
This staff-driven committee, composed of volunteer staff representing a cross-section of our vast organization, is dedicated to advancing WestCare’s commitment to building the most welcoming, affirming, and inclusive environment. The group’s purpose is to ensure that the voices of our diverse workforce are heard, valued, and acted upon, creating an environment of belonging for all. This committee is committed to continuous dialogue and collaboration in addressing issues of equity, inclusion, and intersectionality, empowering every member of WestCare to contribute to our shared vision.
Moving Forward Together
In all that we do, WestCare remains steadfast in our commitment to fostering an environment where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are not just ideals, but living principles. As we continue this journey, we build upon the meaningful progress we’ve already made, ensuring each step forward strengthens our foundation of inclusion and belonging. We recognize that in an ever-evolving world, there is much work ahead, and we understand that this journey is a continuous process, not a one-time event. Through our collective efforts and the leadership of our dedicated committees, we are shaping a future where every individual is valued, empowered, and supported. Together, we will continue to drive meaningful change, ensuring that everyone who connects with WestCare feels a true sense of belonging.