Hillside Strong: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
In Hillside’s field of human services, a DEI commitment is vital. The communities we serve are richly diverse, and meeting their needs requires approaches that honor their individual experiences and perspectives. Research shows that people are more likely to engage in and benefit from services when they feel seen, valued, and supported.
As a large employer with a diverse staff, we also have a commitment to the people who choose to work in support of Hillside’s mission. That’s why Hillside pledges to foster trust, reflect the communities we serve, and strengthen relationships through culturally responsive practices. This is not a one-time initiative but an ongoing promise—to learn, to act, and to create lasting, positive change together.
Hillside’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
Hillside creates an inclusive environment where we leverage our diversity to build a strong, equitable community.
Hillside’s Commitment to Youth, Adults, and Families
We support employees in using their lived experiences to connect with the youth, adults, and families we serve because we recognize the importance of how a cultural match can help improve trust in Hillside’s ability to deliver services.
Family Peer Advocates like Amanda Marie demonstrate why DEI is incredibly important to our work and the success of the youth, adults, and families we serve. Watch Amanda’s story below.
DE&I in Action
A diverse and inclusive community requires many points of view. Hillside’s DEI commitment brings employees together at all levels of the organization to ensure their voices are heard. These activities are fundamental to our effectiveness as an organization. The shape of the work continues to evolve, but our dedication to DEI is unwavering, for the benefit of our employees, those we serve, and the communities we call home.
Staff can participate in these optional committees as part of their workday:
- Executive Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Committee (EDEIC) supports innovation and employee contributions to achieve DEIB goals
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Committee monthly meetings provide open forums for robust discussion and thoughtful activities to enable streamlined collaboration and impact across the agency.
- Our DEIB Speaker Series is designed to educate, inspire, and engage employees in meaningful conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Affinity groups are an opportunity for staff to meet throughout the year to share vital thoughts and perspectives.
- Employee Engagement Council meets monthly to discuss emerging issues, review staff feedback, and collaborate on opportunities to strengthen the overall employee experience.
