Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement 

Fortitude’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement outlines our commitment to diversity, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.

Fortitude provides a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace – one where all employees, board of directors, volunteers and participants, whatever their gender identity, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation or identity, religion, socioeconomic status, physical ability, education or disability, feel valued, welcome, supported and respected.

We are committed to a non-discriminatory approach to provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement throughout our organization and programs. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.

We recognize diversity, equity and inclusion as part of our mission and that it is critical to ensure the well-being of our staff and the communities we serve.

We will strive to lead with respect and tolerance. We expect all our employees to embrace these values and to express them in workplace interactions and through everyday practices.

Founders DEI Statement

Fortitude exists to serve our participants and our community. Our mission is to instill in young adults the belief that they are valuable contributors to our program and to society.  Despite early life experiences or societal inequity, despite whatever messages they received that made them believe they were ever “less than,” … WE SEE THEM – THE WHOLE THEM. We celebrate who they are and who they will become!

We BELIEVE that all of the young adults in our program have the innate ability to make decisions that will benefit their lives and to make choices that give them deep and meaningful connection to others, making their lives more fulfilling. We believe they have the POWER to make a better life for themselves, and make the communities where they live stronger for their inclusion. That power does not come from the color of their skin, what they believe, where they come from, or the way they love another human being. It instead is derived from a need, not just for equity, but UNIVERSALITY.

At Fortitude, we go a step beyond making a professional commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity. We foster a culture of belonging where both staff and participants bring the authenticity of who they are to every interaction.  We intentionally build into every element of our program the expectation that ALL are regarded for their value, and ALL make a meaningful contribution. We are proactive in our efforts to dismantle the framework upon which bias has been built for centuries. We work hard to weave empathy, concern, and compassion for all people into all program interactions.  We try to help our participants design a life that is full of color and texture and all good things that make for a rich and vibrant life experience. 

To deny any person the characteristics that define them not only does a grave disservice to that individual, but it undermines the very foundation on which we have built this organization. From our leadership team and board to our community, our participants, and our donors, we proclaim proudly that we EMBRACE our UNIQUENESS, we LEARN from our DIFFERENCES, and in celebrating each and every individual, we are all the better for the experience.