SPANISH Copy of DEI November & December Newsletter
DEI November & December Newsletter (4)
What Happened This Quarter?
During the months of November and December, we kept moving forward with the goals we set back in October. A lot of the progress right now is going to be gradual, since we’re still shifting from building the foundation to actually shaping where we want to go next. This period is more about tightening what we’ve already started, figuring out what’s working, and making small adjustments that make things smoother for everyone. It might not feel dramatic day-to-day, but these steps are what set us up for bigger changes and a more solid direction as we keep moving forward.
Staff Spotlight
O’Mayra has been a relief staff member at Opportunity Works for many years, and her impact is felt across the organization. She consistently creates a welcoming and inclusive environment, treating everyone with kindness, respect, and care regardless of background, culture, or role. Her calm presence and willingness to step in where support is needed reflect the values of equity and belonging that DEI work strives to uphold. Whether she is assisting during a busy shift, supporting newer staff, or simply making others feel seen and supported, O’Mayra exemplifies what it means to foster a truly inclusive community at OW.
Q: Why do you think it is important to have an inclusive environment?:
A: When working with different people you gain confidence and security
Q: What do you do to display cultural awareness?
A: I display cultural awareness by learning everyone’s culture and treating them equally. By learning their culture you show respect and validate their customs.
Updates
Starting this quarter we will be making a few additions to the newsletter. These include both staff and peer spotlights that highlight members of our community who show the qualities that DEI represents in their day-to-day actions. We will also be adding a cultural spotlight section that shares information about a holiday or tradition taking place that month. The goal is to make the newsletter not only informative, but also a place where we recognize the people and cultures that shape our environment.
Peer Spotlight
Melvin of the Community Works program demonstrated what it truly means to embrace diversity this month. When his friend was being discriminated against, he stepped in without hesitation, showing resilience, courage, and a genuine commitment to the supportive environment we strive to build every day. Moments like these remind us that creating a safe space goes beyond policies and conversations. It comes from people choosing to stand up for one another. His actions help foster a safer, more respectful environment for everyone at Opportunity Works.
Q: Why do you think it is important to have an inclusive environment?:
A: It’s important because you can get different ideas and perspectives from others
Q: What do you do to display cultural awareness?
A: I display cultural awareness by treating everyone equally
Cultural Spotlight
The Thanksgiving event at the end of the month was a meaningful reflection of our community and culture at Opportunity Works. Staff, peers, managers, and visitors all came together, each contributing in their own way, creating a space that felt welcoming and inclusive. Moments like these strengthen our culture by reinforcing connection, mutual support, and a sense of belonging. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible. The care and collaboration behind the scenes were evident and played an important role in creating a positive experience for all.
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July is Disability Pride Month, commemorating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which remains extremely important to this day.
According to the CDC, about 61 million adults in the U.S. live with a disability, with the highest percentage concentrated in the South. Amongst the American disabled community:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in many areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and many public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications.
In 2008, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) was signed into law and became effective on January 1, 2009. The ADAAA made a number of significant changes to the definition of “disability.” The changes in the definition of disability in the ADAAA apply to all titles of the ADA, including Title I (employment practices of private employers with 15 or more employees, state and local governments, employment agencies, labor unions, agents of the employer and joint management labor committees); Title II (programs and activities of state and local government entities); and Title III (private entities that are considered places of public accommodation).
https://adata.org/learn-about-ada
Our peers are voting on Facebook right now!
Enjoy our staff department submissions 🙂
Go team!!!
In honor of The Exchange Club of Haverhill’s mission, Opportunity Works is showing solidarity and spreading awareness during the Month of April. April is child abuse prevention month, as well as autism awareness month. Every Monday in the month of April, our programs are seen wearing BLUE to spread awareness to STOP the atrocity that is child abuse.
