DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

United Way of Greater Lorain County aspires to be a model of diversity and inclusion. In order to fulfill our mission, we celebrate human differences and nurture an environment where people feel supported, listened to, and able to do their personal best.

It is our intent to demonstrate these goals by having a governing board, staff, and volunteers that reflect the many faces, and walks of life, which proudly make up our community.

Valuing diversity includes respecting and appreciating each person regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, military status, pregnancy, familial status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Inclusion and diversity brings together people with unique individual backgrounds to collectively and more effectively address the issues facing our communities.

It is our expectation, therefore, that our partners, strategies, and investments will reflect these core commitments and principles. Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of what it means to Live United and advance the common good; to be a diverse and inclusive system is fundamental to achieving our mission and goals in health, education, and financial stability. Therefore, United Way of Greater Lorain County will only invest in collaboratives, agencies, programs and services that ascribe to the same commitments and principles.

Individuals will only be excluded from employment and program participation based on bonafide occupational or program qualifications. The qualification should relate to an essential job duty or program requirement that is considered necessary for operation of the agency or program. Furthermore, in order to establish the defense of the bonafide occupational or program qualification, the agency must prove that the requirement is necessary to the success of the agency or program and that the excluded group or class of employees or participants would be unable to perform the job duties or participate in the program safely and efficiently.

An example of a bonafide occupational qualification is mandatory retirement age for bus drivers and airplanes for safety reasons. An example of a bonafide program qualification is a documented disability for a participant in an employment training program designed for individuals with disabilities.

This policy does not apply to agencies specifically designated for receipt of gifts by individual or corporate donors through United Way of Greater Lorain County.

If you have any questions, concerns or comments regarding our Diversity and Inclusion please contact us at 440-277-6530.