Creating a safe space
At Circle of Care, we recognize, respect, and celebrate the valuable differences that each of us brings to our organization and the community. We are committed to advancing health equity and fostering an inclusive environment for our employees, students, volunteers, clients and their caregivers.
We recognize that systemic barriers and forms of discrimination can impact how people experience both care and the workplace, as well as dedicated to identifying and removing these barriers and embedding equity into all aspects of our work.
We are committed to:
- fostering a respectful and psychologically safe environment that is free from harassment and discrimination
- creating an inclusive culture where individuals feel valued, heard, and able to contribute
- identifying and reducing barriers that impact employees, students, volunteers, and clients and caregivers
- delivering equitable, person-centred services that reflect the diverse needs of our community
- supporting ongoing education and learning opportunities that promote cultural awareness and understanding of diverse experiences
Diversity includes, but is not limited to, age, ethnicity, physical and mental disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, race, family status, religion, culture, language, socioeconomic background, and lived experience.
Responsibilities of the client
Circle of Care clients and their families (caregivers) are also expected to contribute to creating a safe, compassionate, and inclusive environment, treating all volunteers, office staff, and frontline staff with respect and dignity. We do not tolerate disrespectful behaviours or comments of discrimination, including racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, or ableism towards any clients, staff, or volunteers. We are committed to ensuring that individuals who raise concerns are treated with respect and are not subject to retaliation.
Land Acknowledgement
Circle of Care acknowledges that we are on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.
We are committed to continuing to learn, reflect, and take meaningful steps to support culturally respectful and inclusive care for Indigenous communities.
