WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF…..

YOUTH VOICES

Youth voices, perspectives, and contributions are necessary, valued and respected. We believe in youth and work with them to find expression of their own voice in their current and future endeavors. At TEENS, Inc. youth are included in governance, program development and implementation.

BELIEF IN POSSIBILITIES

We have an unending belief that with support, guidance and encouragement people can persevere and change the course of their lives for the better, despite potentially challenging and difficult circumstances.

RELATIONSHIPS

We understand that the work we do is founded on the relationships that we form and we believe youth need a variety of strong adult relationships in their lives. We value and care for each other, uphold high expectations and set firm boundaries.

HONESTY & INTEGRITY

In an effort to continuously improve both personally and as an organization, we are committed to speaking our truth and being true to ourselves. Whether it is with co-workers, youth or any other stakeholder, we understand that honest communication and follow through is essential to upholding personal and organizational integrity.

Together we are powerful.

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

This policy defines the TEENS, Inc. position on discrimination. This policy applies to all TEENS, Inc. employees and participants, programs and activities.

TEENS, Inc. follows an equal opportunity employment policy and employs personnel without regard to race, ethnicity, ancestry, creed, color, religion or lack of religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and / or expression, age, physical or mental disabilities, veteran status, marital or familial status, pregnancy, HIV status, citizenship, socioeconomic status and all other classes protected by law.

This policy also applies to internal promotions, training, opportunities for advancement, terminations, relationships with outside vendors and customers, use of contractors and consultants, community partners, and in dealing with the general public.

TEENS, Inc. values and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion and is committed to stewardship of the environment and social justice.

Adopted by the TEENS, Inc. Board of Directors 12/5/2019, Revised 3/19/2024

Mission Statement on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)

TEENS, Inc. recognizes that systemic injustice has caused significant harm to certain populations while others have benefited.  We are committed to building and sustaining equitable outcomes by instituting policies, practices and programming where all individuals feel they belong and are able to thrive.

We commit to the following:

  • Ensuring that all programs are safe and accessible to all individuals regardless of socio-economic status, or inherent or chosen identity.

  • Educating staff, board, youth and families we serve in the value of diversity, equity and inclusion.

  • Speaking up where we see potential inequities and injustices and holding each other accountable. 

  • Being vulnerable as we work to unlearn behaviors and patterns rooted in systemic oppression and racism.

  • Hiring and elevating the voices of marginalized people.

  • Purposely designing and instituting policies that acknowledge and work to remediate the impact of past injustices.

  • Designing outreach that draws in and honors diverse voices and experiences.

Our commitments are made in an effort to break the cycle of injustices and oppression with the ultimate goal of ending this painful part of history thus building an equitable and inclusive world where all people are treated with dignity. 

We’re In this Together!

Questions or Suggestions?