Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
Celebrating and serving our diverse community with dignity and respect
Celebrating and serving our diverse community with dignity and respect
At Dekomforter Resource Foundation, we believe that diversity is our strength and inclusion is our responsibility. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone—regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, or socioeconomic status—feels welcomed, valued, and supported.
Our mission to serve children, seniors, and families extends to all members of our community. We actively work to remove barriers, challenge biases, and ensure equitable access to our programs and services.
This commitment is not just a statement—it's reflected in our daily operations, our hiring practices, our board composition, our program design, and our community partnerships.
The foundation of our inclusive approach
We celebrate the rich tapestry of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives in our community. Our programs reflect and honor this diversity.
We recognize that equal treatment doesn't always lead to equal outcomes. We work to provide resources and support based on individual needs.
We actively create spaces where everyone can participate fully, contribute meaningfully, and feel genuinely welcomed and respected.
We foster an environment where everyone feels they are an essential part of our community and their presence truly matters.
Concrete actions that demonstrate our commitment
Our board, leadership team, and staff reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively recruit and support individuals from underrepresented backgrounds at all levels of our organization.
We offer programs and materials in multiple languages including Spanish, Mandarin, and others. Translation and interpretation services are available to ensure language is never a barrier.
Our facilities are fully accessible to people with disabilities. We provide accommodations such as ASL interpreters, large print materials, and assistive technology upon request.
Our staff receives ongoing training in cultural competency and implicit bias. We design programs that are culturally responsive and honor diverse traditions and practices.
We partner with organizations serving diverse communities including LGBTQ+ centers, immigrant support groups, disability advocacy organizations, and cultural community centers.
Every program is designed with diversity in mind—from the images we use to the examples we share. We ensure all participants see themselves reflected in our materials and activities.
Tailored support for all community members
Specialized support including ESL resources, cultural orientation, and connection to immigration services. We welcome all families regardless of immigration status.
Safe, affirming spaces and programs for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. Our staff is trained in LGBTQ+ cultural competency and we use inclusive language.
Fully accessible programs and facilities. We provide accommodations and adaptive equipment to ensure full participation for people of all abilities.
Programs designed to honor diverse aging experiences and cultural traditions. We address unique needs of seniors from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Inclusive programs for children with and without disabilities, from all backgrounds. We celebrate neurodiversity and provide individualized support.
We respect and honor all religious and spiritual traditions. Our programs are secular while being sensitive to diverse faith practices and observances.
Transparency in our progress toward equity and inclusion
We publish annual diversity reports detailing our progress, challenges, and goals. We believe in transparency and accountability as we work toward becoming a more equitable organization.
"As a Spanish-speaking family, we were worried about accessing services. But Dekomforter had bilingual staff and all materials in Spanish. We felt truly welcomed and understood."
Program Participant
"As a senior with mobility challenges, I appreciate that every workshop location is accessible and staff always ask about accommodations I might need. I never feel like a burden."
Workshop Participant
"As a transgender parent, I was nervous about accessing family services. The staff used my correct pronouns from day one and made my whole family feel safe and accepted."
Family Services Recipient
"As a recent immigrant, I didn't know where to turn. Dekomforter connected me with resources in my language and helped me understand the systems here. They treated me with dignity."
Resource Center User
We recognize that DEIB work is never finished
All staff participate in ongoing DEIB training, including implicit bias, cultural competency, and anti-racism education. We commit to lifelong learning.
We regularly seek feedback from diverse community members through surveys, focus groups, and advisory councils to ensure we're meeting needs.
We collect and analyze demographic data to identify gaps in service and track our progress toward equity goals. We hold ourselves accountable.
We actively seek partnerships with organizations led by and serving communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups.
We create spaces for difficult conversations about race, privilege, and systemic inequity. We welcome feedback and commit to addressing concerns.
Our strategic plan includes specific, measurable DEIB goals with timelines and accountability measures. We report progress publicly.
We believe that creating a truly inclusive community requires all of us. Whether you're a volunteer, donor, partner organization, or community member, we invite you to join us in this important work. Together, we can build a community where everyone belongs.