The mission of Transitions is to end poverty and homelessness for women and children. We believe in the inherent dignity and worth of individuals. We honor the right of every human being to seek their own path. We value the contributions of each individual, and see these contributions as the foundation of a healthy and vibrant community.

Inequities have resulted in oppression of many people throughout our society. This oppression is dependent upon humans being divided and grouped into perceived social identities. Some examples of social identities include race, gender, sexuality, class, ability, and age.

The focus of Transitions’ work reflects the reality that women, children, and non-binary people experience unique forms of oppression. This includes being disproportionately targeted for physical, domestic, and sexual violence, as well as specific types of social and financial inequities. Combining two or more of these identities creates overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination, known as “intersectionality.” We continue to understand more deeply and address the intersectional nature of inequities.

Transitions is committed to actualizing diversity, equity and inclusion. To do this, we will:

• Use and assess our mechanisms in addressing the root causes of systemic issues such as racism, gender oppression and all other inequities (i.e. developing and implementing partnerships with grass roots groups and others, advocating, speaking truth to power, strategic plan).
• Facilitate programs that are collaborative, respectful, and driven by participants’ needs (i.e. participant survey, participant advisory committee, job clubs, alumnae groups).
• Create environments where people feel empowered, safe and welcomed (i.e. Matters of the Hearth, New Leaf Alum groups, Miryam’s House Alum groups and community meetings, Resident Action Project Groups).
• Contribute to the growth of compassionate and supportive communities by living Transitions’ values.

Transitions recognizes that building and sustaining diversity, equity, and inclusion requires an ongoing and evolving process. To continue to embed equity into our work, we will engage in honest conversations, seek guidance from staff, participants, and the community, and continuously educate and challenge ourselves to further justice and equity.

What is a DEI statement?

A DEI statement is a statement that addresses how an organization’s values, structure, organizational culture, and services are shaped by a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Definitions:

DIVERSITY: Psychological, physical, and social differences that occur among any and all individuals; including but not limited to race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability, and learning styles.

EQUITY: The guarantee of fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate structural, systemic, and individual barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. The principle of equity acknowledges that there are historically underserved and underrepresented populations. Justice is an essential value for providing equal opportunities to all people.

INCLUSION: The act of creating safer environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued for their authentic self. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in the words/actions/ thoughts of all people.

INTERSECTIONALITY: the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender as they apply to an individual or group, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage. LGBTQIA+: Those that identify as Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or those questioning their gender identity or sexuality), Intersex, Asexual, Two Spirit, or other ways not represented by a traditional dual gender (i.e. male/female) hierarchy.

NON-BINARY: A gender identity and experience that embraces a full universe of expressions and ways of being, moving beyond the male/female gender binary.

HISTORICAL, INSTITUTIONAL, AND SYSTEMIC INEQUITY: An understanding that inequities experienced today in society are the result of patterns that have been historical, are embedded within policies, procedures and practices institutionally, and because of their pervasiveness, are experienced across entire systems (i.e. education, government, housing, etc.).

GENERATIONAL OPPRESSION: The compounding effect of inequity that has been experienced by multiple generations of individuals.

AGEISM: The system of prejudice and discrimination that marginalizes people based on their age. This can be perpetuated through stereotypes of youthfulness versus life at an older age and through oppressive policies that subordinate and exclude older folks.

ABLEISM: The pervasive system of discrimination and exclusion that oppresses people who are differently abled, including differences in mental, cognitive, emotional, and/or physical abilities, through attitudes, actions, or institutional policies and/or practices.

SELF-DETERMINATION: Recognizing the freedom, rights, and needs of individuals to be free to make their own choices and decisions.

CLASSISM: Prejudice against or in favor of people perceived as belonging to a particular social class.

RACISM: The systematic subordination of people from marginalized racial groups based on their physical appearance, ethnic or ancestral history, or cultural affiliation. Racism is considered a deeply pervasive, systemic issue perpetuated by members of the privileged racial group holding dominant social power over others.