Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging - January 14, 2022

Celebrating MLK Day

The Steps We Take

Dear Goodwin Living Family,

The steps we take are intentional. They show and tell the story of an organization that lives its mission to support, honor, and uplift, while doing so through the lens of our value of Individuality. Our value of Individuality states: We believe that each person is of sacred worth. We celebrate the uniqueness and diversity of the members of our community. The steps we take are just that, steps on our journey for Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion that will continue for decades to come.

Since we established our Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee in July 2020, well-led by Goodwin House Alexandria Associate Executive Director Theresa Thomas, we have experienced many positive steps.

For example, we welcomed the frequent educational and informative “DEI Friday Thoughts;” we established a calendar to normalize our diverse celebrations throughout the year such as Diwali; we increased job position availability within the organization so everyone has a chance to better pursue their desired career path; we sought and continue to seek out diverse organizations to provide education about who we are in hopes of welcoming more of their members as future residents, members of Goodwin Living At Home, and beneficiaries of our community based services; we set up DEI leadership training last year which this year will be extended to all employees.

Of significance for Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, Goodwin Living elevated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day as an official Goodwin Living paid holiday, to honor his life and legacy as the visionary and chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement.

Grateful to be taking our steps together,

Rob Liebreich
CEO and President

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The Goodwin Living DEI Committee is a group of staff and residents who together serve a mission to educate, embrace and empower a workplace of diversity, equality and inclusion. Our vision is to seek open and honest communication and collaboration that will inform and celebrate the cultural, ethnic and sexual orientation of all members of our staff without bias.