Commitment to Diversity
DEIA Statement
Partnership 4 Kids believes in equity and inclusion for all.
Partnership 4 Kids takes great pride in its partnership with, employment of, and service of a diverse array of individuals in the Omaha Metropolitan area. Our commitment to incorporating staff and mentors from various cultures and backgrounds is rooted in the belief that it enhances our ability to address the unique needs of each student we serve. At P4K, we deeply appreciate and nurture the distinct perspectives that each member of our team brings, fostering an environment that encourages respectful collaboration across all aspects of our work.
We are steadfast in our dedication to establishing an inclusive and expressive atmosphere where every individual, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, age, or disability—feels a sense of belonging and freedom to express themselves. Through these collaborative efforts, we aim to create a community at Partnership 4 Kids that reflects the richness of diversity and exemplifies the principles of inclusion and respect for all.
DEIA Committee
We have established an internal, employee-run committee dedicated to the oversight of all the organization’s DEIA efforts. This committee has created and maintains a comprehensive manual detailing our DEIA policies, procedures, and recommended approaches. The committee consults on curriculum development, communications, marketing, etc. to ensure alignment with the organization’s DEIA ideals. They have established quarterly (at minimum) DEIA-focused trainings for staff, updated organization print materials with language that is more inclusive, and added the option for staff, students, and volunteers to list their preferred pronouns on application intake paperwork.
The purpose of the DEIA Committee is to promote a culture of respect, understanding, and appreciation of differences among our staff, volunteers, and the communities we serve. The committee is responsible for developing strategies, implementing initiatives, and monitoring progress in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Objectives include:
- Encourage the recruitment and retention of diverse staff and volunteers, ensuring representation from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives
- Identify and address disparities within our organization, ensuring fair treatment, opportunities, and resources for all individuals
- Cultivate an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and supported
- Improve accessibility to our programs and services for individuals with disabilities, accommodating various needs and abilities
- Maintain a DEIA Committee for the purposes of ensuring DEIA policies and the organization commitment to DEIA are upheld
Our DEI Committee Advisor
Janelle Butler Postsecondary Supervisor 402-210-5051 jbutler@p4k.org
Committee Structure
Chairperson
Oversees the committee’s activities, leads meetings, and serves as the primary contact between the committee and the organization’s leadership.
Members
Comprised of staff, volunteers, and community representatives, the committee members collaborate to achieve the stated objectives.
Advisors
Representatives from different departments within the organization provide guidance and support to the committee.
P4K completes an annual evaluation during the spring/summer months of each year. Feedback allows the organization to make informed program changes.
DEIA Library & Resources
The organization maintains a comprehensive DEIA library and provides a variety of resources to staff, students, volunteers, and families. Staff members are encouraged to access the organization’s DEIA library as a tool for additional education and insight.
We host internal training sessions and also encourage our staff members to participate in DEIA training sessions and seminars throughout the community. To date, these internal trainings have included topics such as unconscious bias, code switching, historically Black colleges, and Indigenous heritage and erasure. Several staff members have also participated in Omaha’s LeadDIVERSITY program.
Our LeadDIVERSITY Advocates
Cheryl Murray Kerst Director of Development 402-930-3082 cmurray@p4k.org
Damien Coran Program & Curriculum Supervisor 402-557-6379 dcoran@p4k.org
Translators & Interpreters
Bilingual staff members ensure that we can engage and support students and families for whom English is not their first language. By translating flyers, messages, phone calls, and even speeches, we can break through the language barrier to serve our students and their families.
Do you need a translator?
Reach out to our Bilingual Team!