January is known as a time for vision. It is a season to look ahead and make commitments for the new year. However, before we move forward, there is benefit in reflection. At Henrico CASA, we are using this time to meditate on our core values, remembering what is most important to us. Our core values are our agreed upon beliefs and we want to diligently apply them in our present and future decision making.
Join us this month as we walk through each of our values.
Value 2: Diversity, equity, and inclusion
The children we serve come from all parts of Henrico County. We believe our volunteers, management and staff, and our Board should reflect that diversity and should feel safe and comfortable in their roles.
We serve any child who has been identified to have experienced abuse or neglect, regardless of their demographics. Since our program began in 1994, we have accepted every single child referred to us by Judges in Henrico’s Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
We see child maltreatment happen to children regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, gender, age, or socioeconomic status. Unfortunately, child abuse knows no boundaries. The children and families we work with experience a myriad of risk factors such as poverty, mental health concerns, substance abuse issues, and domestic violence.
Similar to the children and families we serve, CASA volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We consistently assess and strengthen our volunteer recruiting practices to ensure we are reaching all of Henrico County. While volunteers represent a diverse group, their commonalities are a heart for children and a desire to support local families in crisis.
Together, we are all working towards the health and well-being of our community.
There is a sense of unity in reflecting on our values, because these are shared beliefs among friends to our mission. What are you doing in 2023 to show that you value diversity, equity, and inclusion?
