DEI at The Arc

At The Arc of the South Shore, we believe everyone deserves to feel valued, respected, included, and empowered to live a full and meaningful life. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are fundamental to our mission and are reflected in the way we support individuals, engage with families, collaborate with our employees, and connect with our communities.

Our commitment to DEI extends beyond the services we provide. We strive to create an environment where people of all backgrounds, abilities, identities, and experiences have opportunities to participate, contribute, and thrive. We recognize that every individual brings unique perspectives, talents, experiences, and strengths that enrich our organization and the communities we serve.

Our six core values: People First, Community, Transparency, Self-Determination, Diversity, and Respect, guide our approach to fostering an inclusive culture. We are committed to promoting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, supporting individual choice, removing barriers to participation, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to be heard, respected, and included.

Building an Inclusive Organization

We believe creating an inclusive community starts within our own organization. The Arc of the South Shore is committed to fostering a diverse and culturally responsive workplace where employees feel welcomed, supported, and respected. We value the unique contributions of our team members and recognize that different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences make our organization stronger.

Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy guides our organizational practices, including recruitment and hiring, professional development, employee engagement, training, and workplace culture. We encourage respectful communication, collaboration, teamwork, and meaningful participation from all members of our team.

Putting Our Commitment Into Action

We recognize that building a more inclusive organization is an ongoing effort that requires continued learning, reflection, and action. Through staff education and training, organizational initiatives, community partnerships, and opportunities for open dialogue, we work to strengthen our understanding of diversity and promote equity throughout our agency.

Our efforts include providing diversity awareness and implicit bias training, encouraging employee engagement through DEI initiatives, promoting culturally responsive practices, and creating welcoming environments across our offices and program locations.

Our Ongoing Commitment

At The Arc of the South Shore, inclusion is not simply a goal; it is an essential part of who we are and the work we do. We remain committed to listening, learning, and finding new ways to ensure that individuals, families, employees, and community members feel welcomed and valued.

Together, we strive to build a community where differences are celebrated, opportunities are accessible, and everyone has the ability to live, work, learn, and thrive.

For more information, please contact Brenda McCarthy, Chief Advancement Officer.

All are welcome at The Arc.