Commitment to Diversity

Cultural Competency

Our commitment to diversity and cultural competency:

At Walker, we recognize that the success of our mission depends, in part, upon therapeutic and academic environments that are nurturing and culturally responsive to the clients we serve. This requires us to develop and uphold standards for providing services that are ethnically and culturally reflective of employees and clients that comprise the Walker community.

Walker maintains a culturally competent workforce that is reflective of the cultural diversity of our service population. We strive to maintain culturally responsive admission procedures, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions that recognize, enhance, and strengthen cultural identity, dignity, and esteem.

Cultural awareness is a way of life that extends beyond what our eyes can see. At Walker, we are all stakeholders, responsible for making sure the work that we do with clients and colleagues is always culturally sensitive.

If you have questions or concerns about cultural competency in Walker programs or services, please contact Monique Marshall Veale, Walker Cultural Competency Liaison, by e-mail or by telephone at 781-292-2072.

Walker has developed several initiatives that seek to create a work environment that values and supports our staff both professionally and personally:

Cultural Competency Work Group

The Cultural Competency Work Group is committed to promoting cultural competency through the education of staff, students, and client families. The group is a representation of departments and divisions across Walker, and works to create an understanding and dialogue among the many represented cultures. Diversity is reflected in all areas of the agency and we are taking further steps to create a workplace environment that fosters respect, appreciation, and inclusiveness. To learn more about the Cultural Competency Work Group, please contact us.

Affinity Groups

Affinity Groups at Walker are support groups that meet informally to discuss specific issues that are important in the lives of staff members from throughout the Walker community. Groups are created according to the needs and interests of staff members, and can meet according to a flexible schedule that accommodates the members’ other commitments and responsibilities. Affinity Group meetings offer employees a safe and non-judgmental place to give and receive personal support that can result in a more balanced and productive work life. To find out more about Affinity Groups at Walker, contact us.

CARE Team:

Culture
Awareness &
Respect for
Everyone

The CARE team was created to promote cultural awareness and help teach everyone at Walker about the painful consequences of racial slurs and hateful words. Through information sharing and activities, the CARE team is working to create a more respectful and tolerant Walker community.

Workplace Mentor Program

The Workplace Mentor Program matches new Walker employees with experienced staff members who can provide guidance and support. Beginning a new job is full of challenges, and the Workplace Mentor Program is designed to provide a setting where Walker team members can provide leadership, inspiration, motivation, and coaching to new employees outside of the traditional supervisory relationship. With the support of the Workplace Mentor Program, employees at Walker can connect to the Walker community, share knowledge, and achieve professional success.

Culture Appreciation Calendar

• January: Celebrate Your Heritage
• February: African American/Caribbean Heritage Month
• March: Women’s History Month
• April: Interfaith Appreciation
• May: Asian American and South Pacific Heritage
• June: LGBT Pride Month
• July: Unity Day Celebration
• August: International Celebration
• September: Hispanic Heritage Month
• October: Filipino Heritage Month
• November: Native American Heritage Month
• December: Family and Friends Celebration Month