PBN Diversity Equity & Inclusion 2024
SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCY MORE THAN 150 EMPLOYEES: Family Service of Rhode Island
AS SOCIAL UNREST began to unfold during the COVID-19 pandemic, the leadership team at Family Service of Rhode Island found an opportunity to delve into diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives.
In the spring of 2020, the Providence-based social services nonprofit formed its equity and justice committee dedicated to creating DEI-related programs and initiatives to deepen Family Service’s work within the community. One outcome was the organization creating the new role of vice president of equity and community development, which was filled by Kinzel Thomas.
Thomas began his career with Family Service in 2013 as a case manager. Given his experience on the front lines, he understands the topics that need to be addressed.
As one of the state’s foremost providers of social and behavioral health services, Family Service’s 300 employees serve vulnerable populations faced with countless obstacles. But that doesn’t stop Thomas and his team from engaging in this critical work with their 6,300 clients.
In fact, he sees it as an opportunity to support youths that live in his community, facing the same barriers that he did, Thomas says.
The children and families that participate in the organization’s programs and services represent the rich cultural tapestry of Rhode Island. Many of them have been confronted firsthand with DEI-related issues, which is what makes this work even more critical.
“I’m certainly looking forward to [Family Service] having a greater impact on the communities we serve and continue to push the envelope for equity internally and externally,” Thomas said.
Family Service’s DEIB efforts begin with recruiting a robust workforce that reflects the organization’s client base. The employees represent a wide range of cultures and ethnicities speaking a variety of languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and American Sign Language.
Once on board, staff members can learn and grow with the organization, as well as contribute to its culture and strategic direction. A network of 10 employee-led committees helps engage Family Service’s employees in addressing a number of topics while also providing leadership opportunities at all levels.
“These efforts create opportunities for staff to meaningfully engage in DEIB work, and also promote high quality of care and an inclusive service environment for our clients,” Thomas said.
This kind of staff engagement helped create a separate internal reporting process for equity incidents. Family Service’s online form allows employees to report incidents of inequality or discrimination to be reviewed by a team that determines how to resolve the incident.
Three years ago, Family Service implemented the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award to recognize an employee who demonstrates leadership in advancing equity, who advocates for equitable treatment of vulnerable populations and who shows commitment to equity and social justice in their personal and professional lives.
In terms of caring for its clients, Family Service’s team has identified a number of critical issues impacting diverse communities, but it has chosen to focus more intently on mental health and wellness. As such, Family Service was recently accredited as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic.
Minority communities are often not included in discussions about mental health challenges and substance use disorders. Family Service officials say this new designation will open up the discussion and the expansion of much-needed services, including crisis prevention and public education.
“The certification as a CCBHC is more than just a designation; it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make generational change to the behavioral health system in our state,” Family Service CEO Margaret Holland McDuff said. “It allows us to expand our reach, improve the quality of care and, ultimately, enhance the lives of the individuals and families we serve.”
Implementing this national model of coordinated behavioral health care will assist Family Service in better addressing individuals’ critical needs facing these issues, ensuring they receive needed support and services. Family Service is committed to improving people’s lives, understanding that the results also enrich the larger community.
“[Addressing people in need] comes with a lot of challenges, both personally and professionally. But the end result will ultimately benefit the communities we serve,” Thomas said.
