From the Desk of CEO Judy Halper: August 2022

One of my fellow CEOs at a Jewish Family and Children’s Service in another state shared with me the various diversity and inclusion practices her agency was embarking upon in their effort to create an environment that was increasingly welcoming to staff, clients, volunteers, and other stakeholders. This is a topic that comes up regularly among CEOs of JFCS agencies, and among many of our employees. There is a genuine desire to further develop a sense of belonging that extends to all who enter our spaces.

My colleague told me about LOVE….which stands for Living Our Values Everyday. She explained that when organizations such as ours are true to our values and make them explicit and transparent, we are establishing strong foundations. This ensures that our organizations will remain both culturally sensitive to our original Jewish communities, as well as welcoming spaces for all people regardless of cultural, racial or religious identity.

Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis established the following five values several years ago amid a strategic planning process:

• Compassion – providing highest quality care and support through all stages of life
• Inclusion – treating people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, religions, and abilities with dignity and respect
• Innovation – anticipating community needs and responding with excellence, effectiveness, and creativity
• Integrity – working in a manner that is consistently ethical and accountable
• Collaboration – establishing lasting partnerships in the community to broaden our impact and inform our work

 

As the New Year, Rosh Hashana, approaches, I am committed to Living Our Values Everyday. I want everyone who engages with this wonderful organization to be aware of our values and experience how it informs the service we provide.