Work/Home Life Boundaries

Like many of us, Cornerstones of Care’s Human Resources Manager Reza Soleymani-Alizadeh used to be pretty lousy at setting boundaries around work.

“I was putting in overtime and talking about it proudly,” said Reza. “I was staying up until 10 p.m. doing work and checking emails, and I realized that wasn’t something to be proud of.”

Before his transition to Human Resources, Reza spent nearly a decade working various roles in the social services sector, including counselor, youth case specialist, and director of a small residential facility. While in direct service, he saw firsthand how a lack of personal and professional boundaries at work contributed to burnout and turnover.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Reza took a hard look at his priorities and realized that he needed to be intentional about boundaries so that he could be fully present for the things that mattered most to him, including his wife and children.

Now, Reza is a vocal advocate for boundaries in the workplace and is known around the office for being transparent and open about his boundaries and encourages others on his team to do so, too.

As we move forward from June’s Pride Month and Juneteenth, let’s remember that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are valued in social services and something that organizations must commit to all year long.  

Although efforts may be made to address inequality in nonprofits, there are gaps in our work that make it clear that more must be done. For example, black children in metropolitan Kansas City comprise 17 percent of the child population yet are 34.5 percent of the area’s foster care population, according to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Missouri Children’s Division, and the Kansas Department for Children and Families. 

This disparity, both locally and nationally, is complex and requires a multi-pronged approach from all levels of an organization. 

At Cornerstones of Care, our DEI work took root in 2020 when we formed our WIDE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Diverse, and Equitable) Committee. Over three years, the WIDE Committee centered DEI work at Cornerstones of Care by developing our diversity statement, engaging a social impact firm to expand our DEI efforts, and embedding DEI principles, training, and conversations in every facet of the organization. 

Too often, an organization’s commitment to DEI is evaluated as a numbers game, focusing solely on representing diverse individuals on the board or in leadership positions. 

“To truly demonstrate a commitment to DEI, an organization must go beyond these surface-level metrics. It must look at the underlying systems and structures contributing to inequality and actively work to dismantle them.”

An organization genuinely committed to DEI will demonstrate key characteristics and practices. Here are some worth considering: 

1. Leadership Commitment: The organization’s leadership embodies an ongoing commitment to DEI and practices what they preach daily. 
2. Diversity Training: The organization provides regular training opportunities for employees to learn about diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence.  
3. Diverse Hiring Practices: The organization develops recruitment and hiring practices that cater to individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. 
4. Equitable Policies: The organization has equitable policies and practices that ensure all employees are treated fairly and have equal access to opportunities and resources. 
5. Open Communication: The organization promotes open communication and feedback among employees regarding their experiences and ideas related to DEI. 
6. Community Engagement: The organization actively engages with and supports diverse communities and seeks out partnerships that promote equity and inclusion.



Ultimately, an organization’s commitment to DEI should be measured not just by the numbers but by the stories of the people within it. We believe in fostering the creation of inclusive communities where children, families, and team members thrive in an environment of safety, respect, and the freedom to express their unique identities authentically. 

Upcoming Continuing Education Courses

Cornerstones of Care is proud to be a leading provider of high-quality, affordable professional development courses, which are presented by experts in a variety of behavioral and mental health subject areas. Our continuing education classes afford professionals the opportunity to expand their knowledge, experience professional growth, and complete required continuing education.

Cornerstones of Care Job Highlight: Aftercare Case Manager

The Aftercare Case Manager coordinates and partners with the family, the family’s support system, and members of the assigned team to safely maintain children in their homes and assist family members with the adjustment of reintegration. The Aftercare Case Manager also provides case management services for adoption cases as required by the contract, licensing, funding body, and accreditation requirements. The Aftercare Case Manager demonstrates creative service delivery, strong time management skills, and excellent decision-making ability.

Put Your House In Order: An Educational Workshop

Attend our workshop on July 27 to learn how to make your intentions clear for loved ones if something happens to you or help your parents put their affairs in order. No matter your stage of life, this educational discussion will show you how to record your life’s wishes, reduce the guesswork and burden on family members, and create peace of mind and order. 

Topics Include:

• How to organize your financial affairs and gather important documents.  
• How to have open conversations with loved ones about sensitive but important decisions. 
• How to put together a will or trust that reflects your wishes. 
• What you’d like to include in your service of remembrance. 
• How to acknowledge the people, memories, and dates that have been significant in your life.  

1-844-824-8200 | cornerstonesofcare.org