JRI takes on the challenges that seem impossible, challenges with a level of risk and complexity that other public and private entities have been unwilling or unable to address. For those in the deepest need without advocates or resources, JRI is the resource of choice.

JRI has not pursued a strategy of following trends, but has instead initiated programs and developed models that have set trends and shaped systems. JRI does not grow through serially developing similar programs; instead, we operate a few exemplary programs of each model. Our work has compelled the development of more improved, more effective, more easily workable, and more solidly replicable models. In addition, we have increased the diversity and stability of our agency through merger, acquisition and partnerships that further our community goals and strengthen our services.

 

"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." 

~Dr. Martin Luther King 

 

JRI’s DEI Mission Statement 

At JRI, we actively commit to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion. We ensure everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to our collective success. We enthusiastically cultivate an environment where differences are not only welcomed but also celebrated, where every voice actively contributes to the value of our organization. We pledge to proactively create a workplace culture that champions fairness, respect, belonging, and the pursuit of happiness for all through ongoing proactive measures, continuous education, and continuous introspection. Our DEI mission informs and drives every aspect of our organization, from specific DEI goals and initiatives to our dynamic approach to hiring practices, leadership development, and community engagement. 

 

Senior Director of DEI Statement

I am excited to offer you a glimpse into the unfolding transformative Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) journey at JRI. This journey moves beyond mere talk, indicating our preparedness for authentic and meaningful change. Our recognition of the necessity to advance DEI is deeply rooted in the belief that diverse voices and experiences are essential catalysts for innovation. 

With an organization dedicated to servicing individuals and communities, we have observed the profound impact that embracing this commitment can have in realizing the social justice vision set forth when our organization began five decades ago. This readiness is about tapping into the rich perspectives within our workforce and the communities we serve. 

We recognize that innovation is our ally in pursuing a just society. DEI transcend mere policies and procedures; they involve nurturing an environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging, irrespective of background. Equity ensures an equal shot at success for everyone, regardless of location. Inclusion is not a catchphrase; it entails ensuring every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute authentically. 

Your role in this journey is paramount. Every action, whether grand or subtle, contributes to shaping a workplace that mirrors the diversity of our world and fosters innovation. This commitment is not merely organizational but a collective commitment from each of us.  

Please stand with me as we drive lasting change. Let us champion transformation, paving the way for a future embodying diversity, equity, and inclusion. Your partnership is integral to creating an impact that resonates through time, shaping our organization for generations ahead. 

Jenese Brownhill, LICSW 
Senior Director of DEI 

 

Driving our DEI Efforts 

I. Collective Responsibility  

We actively cultivate a workplace culture that values and appreciates the distinct identities of each individual. We adopt a holistic approach that encourages collaboration across departments by embracing Collective Responsibility. Our dedicated teams work seamlessly to integrate DEI commitments into our policies, ensuring that they are not just words but embedded principles guiding our everyday actions. We track our progress diligently through metrics and accountability, holding ourselves responsible for driving tangible change within our organization. 

 

II. Training for Inclusion and Awareness 

Our comprehensive training programs prioritize education to foster awareness and cultural competence among our team members. Through targeted inclusion strategies, we guide fair practices, address barriers, and actively foster collaboration. This commitment demonstrates our dedication to creating a workplace where every voice is heard and valued. From diversity workshops to unconscious bias training, our inclusive approach ensures that our team has the knowledge and skills to contribute to a diverse and collaborative work environment. 

 

III. Advancing Racial Equity 

At the heart of our organizational strength lies our investment in individuals and the diverse perspectives they bring. In Advancing Racial Equity, we strategically promote Workforce Diversity through a comprehensive approach: attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse workforce. This includes: 

• Actively seeking diverse talent  

• Implementing unbiased screening 

• Offering inclusive onboarding 

• Continuously improving our hiring practices 

 

Championing Racial Equity: Our Proactive Initiatives and Impactful Strategies

A. Promoting Workforce Diversity and Inclusion 

We strategically attract, develop, and retain a diverse workforce. Actively seeking diverse candidate pools ensures our talent pool mirrors the richness of the clients and communities we serve. Through unbiased screening, inclusive onboarding, and continuous improvement, we build a workplace that thrives on diversity, fostering creativity, and delivering exceptional service. 

B. Continuous Improvement 

Through continuous improvement, we refine strategies to ensure effectiveness, contributing valuable insights to the broader conversation on diversity and inclusion. 

We drive ongoing innovation for a diverse and inclusive environment by leveraging metrics. 

C. Leading from the Inside Out: Our Guiding Principle for Meaningful Change 

We extend our commitment beyond internal boundaries, raising awareness and collaborating with external organizations to develop a more inclusive and equitable world by focusing on the following: 

• Social Justice Advocacy: Actively engaging in raising awareness around the needs of our clients and communities at the state, local, and legislative levels. This commitment ensures equitable cost reimbursement and quality care for clients and the broader community. 

• Strategic Partnerships: Our partnerships reflect our commitment to DEI. Collaborating with external organizations, we foster joint initiatives and projects to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world. 

• Supplier Diversity: Focusing on the community, we prioritize diversity in our supplier relationships, contributing to economic inclusivity and supporting businesses that share our values.

 

Trauma Informed Care

JRI programs incorporate trauma informed care. They support youth, adults and families to navigate challenges and meaningfully contribute to society. Services assist those affected by homelessness and health disparities, and those at risk through substance abuse, mental or physical health concerns, violence, and sexual exploitation. The goals of all programs are 1) excellence of service and 2) the advancement of the field, through knowledge sharing, research, and development of new models of care.

The ARC Framework

The Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency (ARC) framework is a core-components treatment model, developed to provide a guiding framework for thoughtful clinical intervention with complexly traumatized youth and their care giving systems.  Drawing from the fields of trauma, attachment, and child development, the framework recognizes the importance of working with the child-in-context, of acknowledging the role of historical experiences and adaptive responses in current presentation, and of intervening with the surrounding environment – whether primary caregivers or treatment system – to support and facilitate the child’s healthy growth and development.  Rather than identify step-by-step intervention strategies, the framework identifies 10 key “building blocks”, or intervention targets, key skills/goals within each domain, developmental and cultural considerations, and potential applications across settings.  The ARC framework, developed by Kristine M. Kinniburgh and Margaret E. Blaustein while at JRI, is recognized by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) as a promising practice.

Building Communities of Care (BCC)

BCC curriculum was developed by experts in the fields of mental health, education, trauma treatment, and residential and community based care. It is being utilized in programs spanning many levels of care, from sub-acute facilities to outpatient treatment. BCC is uniquely designed to provide a clear, systems-based approach to therapeutic work and crisis intervention, while still allowing for a great deal of individualization on the program and client levels. BCC is a trauma-informed, systems-based training approach to working with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings. It is a “train-the-trainer” based model, and is delivered to participants in 16 – 24 hours, depending on topics covered. It can be delivered with or without physical intervention content.

The JRI Continuum

JRI invests in ongoing development, and regularly acquires unique organizations to enhance its service continuum. These programs provide best of breed qualities that get strengthened and incorporated as specialized agency resources. This strategy fills service gaps, while increasing operational efficiencies and economies of scale. It supports community need, reduces overhead and administration costs, and ensures JRI’s capacity to retain a skilled workforce.

Permanency

Families and lifelong connections are often the most important social network in a person's life and can have an enormous impact on the effectiveness on the services, treatment, education, permanency and supports a person receives and continued success after the services close. JRI understands the importance of individuals having a stable, permanent setting from which they can develop their identities and values. JRI strongly believes this setting should be with the individual’s family whenever possible. Therefore, Permanency a first and foremost goal throughout an individuals’ stay in our care. Family is broadly defined by each person served to acknowledge and include who the person self identifies as family and permanent connection. Permanency is defined as a safe, committed, supportive and caring relationship that is intended to be life-long between a young person and adult. Because of the importance of families and permanent connection, each program is designed to encourage extensive family engagement and permanency planning throughout an individuals' stay. Permanency planning places emphasis on working with persons to identify and strengthen natural community supports, lifelong connections and transitional planning to adult servicing agencies as appropriate. 

Language Accessibility

JRI is fully committed to communicating effectively and in partnership with clients, families, and our community partners. We are committed to providing the tools necessary to support this effective communication. This includes but is not limited to ASL services, translation services, interpreters, and written information in other formats. If you or your family/team require access to these tools/ services, please contact the Program Director or Program Clinician. Alternatively, you may circle the language needed on this form and provide to any member of the team who will then link you to services. If ASL services are needed, please let us know.

Learn more about our Language Accessibility