People, Culture and Social Impact

At JRI, we believe culture is not just what we say—it's how we show up.

We are a human service nonprofit rooted in the pursuit of social justice. That means we work every day to build a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to do meaningful work. Respect, dignity, and compassion are the foundation of how we care for our communities—and for one another.

Creating a healthy, mission-driven culture takes intention. It shows up in how we listen, how we lead, and how we make space for every voice. This isn't just an ideal—it's a lived experience we're committed to building together.

Three women smiling, standing close together indoors.

The Heart of JRI’s Commitment to Leadership in Social Justice

At JRI, leadership in social justice is more than a goal—it’s a promise we renew every day. We understand that justice doesn’t come without challenge, and that real progress requires reflection, courage, and accountability.

We’re committed to a culture where fairness, belonging, and opportunity aren’t just values—they’re realities. Where everyone’s voice matters. Where respect is unconditional. And where people are empowered to bring their full selves to the work.

Our commitment is reflected in:

Our Culture - An environment where dignity is a right, support is real, and every individual knows they belong. it reflects our commitment to dignity and respect.

Our Mission in Action - Bold programs and decisions shaped by the lived experiences of those we serve and those who serve.

Our Impact - Measurable change that centers the stories and strengths of people too often overlooked.

We don’t pretend to have all the answers—but we are united in building a future where justice is not just a word, but a shared, powerful reality.

Our Culture Commitment

Our Culture
Commitment

At JRI, our commitment to dignity, respect, and opportunity is the foundation of both our workplace and our impact. We:

Celebrate Difference – We create a workplace where differences are not only welcomed but valued, because diverse perspectives strengthen our mission and the communities we serve.

Ensure Opportunity – Everyone deserves the chance to thrive and contribute to our collective success.

Champion Fairness and Belonging – We hold ourselves accountable through ongoing learning, reflection, and action.

Live Our Values – From leadership development and hiring to employee training and community partnerships, our values shape every part of the organization.

This commitment informs and drives every aspect of our organization—from leadership development and hiring practices to employee training and community partnerships.

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Leading with Purpose:
A Timeline of Culture and Social Impact

Honoring our journey to build a values-driven, people-centered workplace

B. 2016 - Present:

Addressing Systemic Barriers

Our journey began in earnest in 2016 with a focus on building an inclusive culture. Over the years, we have deepened our efforts, integrated culture into every part of the organization, and evolved our approach to meet the moment—with greater sustainability and long-term impact.

Culture Subcommittee

Initiated a 3-year, 65-item action plan covering workforce and client services.

2019:

Strategic Planning

2020:

Expanding Support

Employee Resource Groups (ERG)

Launched: Listen, Learn, Lift, and more.

Training Enhancements

Updated Cultural Responsiveness training curriculum.

Employee Resource Group (ERG)

Created inclusive groups open to all employees, focused on fostering connection, professional growth, and support. These groups promote engagement and collaboration aligned with our organizational values and commitment to fairness for everyone.

2021:

Launched Employee Engagement Groups (EEGs)

2022:

Deepening Engagement

Employee Experience Survey

Added culture-related questions for feedback on workplace fairness and respect.

Feedback Mechanisms

Introduced Peer Navigator role and Speak Up: Report Something.

Anti-racism Initiatives

Adopted JRI’s Organizational Respect & Anti-Bias Statement.
Formed Anchor & Monitoring Team (A&M).

Thoughtful Hiring and Promotion

Implemented strategies for transparent opportunities.

Retention and Advancement

Updated job descriptions and interview processes to promote fairness and clarity.

Senior Director of People, Culture, and Social Impact

Created a role to oversee strategies for respect and opportunity.
Implemented Employee Well-being Initiatives.
Added cultural considerations.

Fair Policies and Practices

Revised policies to ensure fairness for all.

Recruitment Enhancements

Implemented thoughtful recruitment strategies.

Accountability Metrics

Refined reporting tools and expanded self-identification options for transparency.

Professional Development

Enhanced development curriculum for career advancement.

2023:

Enhancing Practices

2024:

Celebrating Progress

Culture Champion Awards Initiatives

Launched to recognize cultural contributions.

Comprehensive Culture Assessment

Completed a second assessment for future planning.

Culture & Community Newsletter

Released inaugural newsletter for communication.

The Work of Social Justice
Is Never Done

Our commitment to building a stronger, more just workplace and world is ongoing. We know progress takes intention, effort, and humility. Here’s how we continue to grow:

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Collective Responsibility

A values-driven culture belongs to all of us. Across teams, departments, and roles, we strive to ensure that principles such as dignity and opportunity guide the way we lead, support, and serve.

Education and Awareness

Our training programs equip staff with the knowledge and tools to foster understanding, empathy, and cultural awareness. Learning is how we connect more deeply—with each other and with those we serve.

Group of people smiling, posing together indoors, some with signs.

Group of Program Rise staff standing inside in front of a wall with a sign that says "JRI Health".

Continuous Improvement

We assess our efforts with care—gathering feedback, analyzing outcomes, and refining strategies to ensure alignment with our mission and real needs.

Building a Strong and Inclusive Workforce

We’re intentional about creating a workplace that reflects excellence, access, and shared growth. This means:

Expanding outreach to attract wide-ranging talent
Reviewing hiring and onboarding practices for fairness and clarity
Providing mentorship and support for career growth
Refining systems to ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive

At JRI, culture isn’t a set of policies—it’s how we lead, how we show up, and how we support one another in service of our mission.

Leadership

As Senior Director of Human Resources, I’m proud to help steward a workplace where values like dignity, fairness, and opportunity aren’t aspirational—they’re operational.

This work is deeply human. It’s about creating an environment where people feel seen, supported, and able to grow—regardless of role, department, or background. It’s about aligning our internal culture with the transformative impact we seek to have in the world.

Every step we take—big or small—shapes a culture where innovation is sparked by lived experiences and progress is grounded in shared responsibility.

This is not the work of a single department. It’s a commitment we all carry—together.

We will continue to build a culture that honors people, sharpens our purpose, and strengthens our impact. That’s the path forward—and I’m honored to walk it with you.

Jenese Brownhill, LICSW

Senior Director of Human Resources

People, Culture and Social Impact