Equity and Inclusion at Rose Brooks

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In 1998, Rose Brooks Center staff established a Diversity Connections Committee to address the unique needs of clients from diverse backgrounds. Through the years, the Diversity Committee has continued to create and implement policies to improve and sustain diversity
development, as well as equity and inclusion goals in all areas of the agency. This includes, but is not limited to: providing services for immigrant and refugee survivors; creating a Black Leadership Advocacy Council; implementing tools for equal access for persons with limited English proficiency; offering Trauma Informed Care and Universal Design for Accessibility training; publicly proclaiming Black Lives Matter; creating an Equity and Inclusion Committee; and more.

These committees exist to ensure that every aspect of the agency – along with every program, department, team, policy, procedure, form, decision, etc. – is actively working to shift the agency toward enacting its commitment to ending the different intersectional oppressions which impact victim-survivors of domestic violence.

We invite you to read more below about our commitment to advancing principles and practice of equity and inclusion throughout Rose Brooks Center, including our partnership with the Health Forward Foundation, the Jackson County Community Mental Health Fund, and local equity and inclusion expert consultants to diversify our staff and board of directors.

Work Continues

Through the results of staff equity and inclusion surveys, and discussions within Diversity Connections committees and the executive team, we know there is a continued need for the guidance and expertise of an equity and inclusion expert to facilitate the work of identifying the presence of white supremacy features in current policy and practice, examining antidotes or alternatives to white supremacy culture, and applying tangible alternatives to care coordination and all other aspects of our organization. With funding from Health Forward Foundation, Rose Brooks Center is working with two community-based equity and inclusion experts. Nicole Jacobs Silvey, president and founder of Connection Coach KC, is providing a combination of consulting and coaching to facilitate activities with the board, staff and leadership. KaMille Washington, owner and founder of Beyond the Mosaic works more directly with HR and outreach strategies for volunteerism and recruitment.

Hand-lettered Audre Lorde quote painted by Harriet Faith

Hand Lettered Audre Lord Quote Painted By Harriet Faith “When I Dare To Be Powerful – To Use My Strength In The Service Of My Vision, Then It Becomes Less And Less Important Whether I Am Afraid. Audre Lorde was a poet, feminist and civil rights activist; born in February 1934 in NYC to Caribbean parents. Her poetry began to be widely published in the 1960’s.

Rose Brooks Is Here

Rose Brooks Center

Rose Brooks Center is about saving lives. Read letters from the CEO, stories about featured programs, and more here.

Bridge Program

Serving patients experiencing domestic violence in the safety of local hospitals and clinics.

Children's Programs

Offering a wide variety of services to support the emotional and physical well-being of children who are healing from domestic violence.

Community Training

Since 2001, Rose Brooks Center has been providing quality domestic violence education to the Kansas City community and beyond.

Court Advocacy

Advocating for and guiding survivors through complex court systems.

Economic Empowerment

Helping survivors repair the effects of economic abuse through credit repair, budgeting, and education.

Emergency Shelter

Providing a safe sanctuary where individuals, families, and pets are welcomed, wrapped in support, and can begin to heal.

Employment Advocacy

Employment Advocacy includes developing job interview skills, job search, and ongoing support to survivors in maintaining employment.

Hotline

Providing confidential support, information, individual safety planning, resources, and more. The 24-hour Hotline is 816-861-6100.

Housing

Helping survivors find safe, affordable housing and gain economic stability within a safe home, free from violence.

Onsite Clinic

On-site medical and healthcare services within the safety of emergency shelter.

Pet Shelter

An on-site state-of-the art pet shelter for dogs, cats, and other family pets.

Police Advocacy

Providing advocacy services for victims of domestic violence and education for officers to improve victims safety.

Project SAFE

A school-based violence prevention program working to end the cycle of domestic violence by providing support to youth dealing with violence at home or communities.

Volunteer

Stories about our incredible volunteers and the work they do to support our mission.