A Message from Archway’s CEO     
July 2, 2020

Good morning,
We’ve been taking some time to listen and learn over the past few weeks. As an organization, we recognize that it is our responsibility to be accountable in setting a powerful example for our employees, residents, clients, students, industry, and community as a whole. At Archway Programs, we embrace every person and every family. Our organization strives to cultivate a culture where diversity, equity and inclusion are part of our identity. We stand in solidarity with all communities in the fight against discrimination, inequality and prejudice, and believe that we have a responsibility to utilize our platform, our voice and our personal passion to fight against these injustices. This is a movement, one that deeply impacts all of our communities, and we know that a statement alone is not enough. We are listening. We are learning. We are supporting. And we know that we must take action, together.  

Fostering a culture that makes sure everyone belongs through diversity, equity and inclusion is one of our core values and a top priority. Throughout our 55 year history, we are proud of the strides Archway has made in driving positive change, embracing each other’s differences and improving lives. However, there is much more work to be done on our part to support and develop innovative partnerships in our communities. It’s important to us that our actions be intentional and sustainable. Archway commits to not being complacent and recognizes that we have much more to do to tackle the underlying causes of structural inequality and to encourage more diversity at our organization. We don’t have all of the answers, however our Executives and Leadership Team have been reviewing our policies and practices as we work together to combat injustices.

Archway is forming a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee . The members of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee are dedicated to these areas of action. We will be hosting opportunities for our Archway community to come together, either virtually or in person, and will soon be sharing resources to our website to help our Archway community navigate these challenging times so we can continue to work on change. Archway’s DEI Committee will meet frequently and share input and valuable insight that will be incorporated into the organization-wide strategic plan, and assist with internal training and workshops for staff and clients – but it won’t stop there. We must continue to get better, be better and do better.
Defining Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Archway

DIVERSITY is about recognizing, respecting and valuing differences. Archway commits to increasing diversity, which is expressed in myriad forms, including race and ethnicity, mental or physical ability, (dis)ability status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, political perspective, national origin, language, culture and/or religious commitments.

EQUITY is the guarantee of fair treatment, advancement, opportunity and access for all individuals while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups.

INCLUSION means authentically bringing traditionally excluded individuals and/or groups into processes, activities, and decision/policy making in a way that shares power and ensures equal access to opportunities and resources.
Help Archway Take Action

We cannot do this critical work alone. It’s important to Archway to hear your input and we want you to know that we are listening.   The DEI Committee will consist of Archway employees, board members, in addition to both Co-Chairs which include: Ron Reid, Career Center Job Coach/Home Economics Instructor (Archway Upper School) and Denise Milazzo, Executive Director of Human Resources (Admin). If you're eager to help diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice work move forward at Archway Programs, please email Denise at Denise.Milazzo@archwayprograms.org  or Ron at Ron.Reid@archwayprograms.org to be added to Archway's DEI Committee. Please respond no later than Friday, July 31st, 2020. You will be contacted soon after this date with information on upcoming DEI Committee meetings.

Let us remember to lift each other up during these unsettling times, and if you haven’t done so already, please take time today to pause and reflect on how you can create a more inclusive mindset in your daily life.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
George Richards, CEO
Archway Programs
O: 856.767.5757
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