Maryhaven's Cultural Diversity Council was established in 1992 to promote the understanding of the cultures of both our staff and patients by promoting cultural competency. The knowledge encompasses understanding of differences and respecting the individuality of our co-worker and patients. Our initial efforts were focused on opportunities for learning through a variety of culturally based trainings. We are facilitating our own learning groups through a process known as the Racism Dialogues, which we began with the help of the YWCA.

Our continuous goal is to involve all employees to create an environment that naturally empowers all. Members of the Diversity Council are resource persons for other organizations seeking assistance in the development of their program, and we have recently been recognized by the University of Texas as one of the top 70 organizations in the country providing culturally competent services to their patients. Out of those 70, Maryhaven is one of six organizations whose program will be included in a guidebook published by the University on how to develop a culturally competent organization.

Cultural Diversity Committee Members.

Angela Stewart, Chair of Cultural Diversity Committee, Benjamin Arnold, Bruce Jones, Carol Powell, Charles Williams, Dianna Henderson, Grant Schroeder,  James Alexander, Jennifer Johnson,  Melony Ross, Mike Gersz,  Paige Allen, Rhonda L Reed, Rose Knorwood, Sofia Mohamed, Sokoto Fulani,  and Steve Albanese.