In continuing to expand and amplify its WIDE efforts (welcoming, inclusion, diversity, and equity), Cornerstones of Care has entered into an agreement with Lexicon Strategies, an Atlanta-based social impact firm with a background in DEI program development and implementation. Lexicon Strategies will begin work on June 1.

Starting in 2020, Cornerstones of Care formed its WIDE Committee, developed a diversity statement, provided team members with educational resources, and expanded awareness of its longstanding position as an affirming organization. The WIDE Committee’s early progress highlighted the need to identify a consultant to broaden and enhance efforts.

A DEI commitment isn’t only the right thing to do, but it’s also good business. Six in 10 U.S. adults say they won’t work for organizations that don’t speak out against racial injustice, according to a recent Edelman Trust Barometer survey

The team of experts Lexicon Strategies assembled has led DEI strategy and implementation efforts for a variety of organizations across the country. Cornerstones of Care’s Chief Development Officer Chad Harris, who serves as WIDE Committee co-chairperson, says Lexicon Strategies offered a partnership in growing the organization’s DEI commitment.

“Lexicon Strategies recognized what we’ve accomplished so far and will help us build upon this foundation to create a path forward as our co-collaborator in achieving our WIDE 2.0 priorities,” Chad said.

In addition, Lexicon Strategies impressed the search committee with its experience in working with non-profit organizations and its understanding of trauma-informed care. The first step will be to meet with Cornerstones of Care leaders, team members, and other stakeholders. The Lexicon Strategies proposal outlined five areas of enhancement:

• Targeted training for managers and other senior leaders
• Analyzing data to understand the client and stakeholder experience
• Recruitment and retention of team members
• Key community engagement
• Board development

Cornerstones of Care President and CEO Merideth Rose called the selection of Lexicon to support this work a big step forward in Cornerstones of Care’s growth as an organization. Rather than viewing Cornerstones of Care’s DEI work in parallel with the organization’s other goals, it is the platform that impacts all future work.

“We talk about our three Ps that inform our commitment to children and families: purpose, people, and presence,” Merideth said. “Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as our Sanctuary commitment to trauma-informed care, is inherent in all that we do.”

Lead consultant from Lexicon Strategies, Ryan Roemerman shared, “Lexicon is excited to get to work. We’ve assembled an expert team who have the required experience to ensure Cornerstones of Care has a sustained impact in creating safe and healthy communities.”

The consultant team will consist of Roemerman, a partner at Lexicon Strategies, who has served as a consultant for state, national, and global organizations that advance equity and social impact. He is an expert in program development, leading innovative projects from concept to practice, and providing technical assistance for organizational transformation.

Jenna Ortiz, a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practitioner, coach, operational strategist, and systems guru. She is the founder and principal consultant for Dynamic Transformations, a consultancy that guides groups of all sizes and experiences toward more empathetic and efficient work environments.

Tim T. West, an educator, youth advocate, poet, hip-hop artist, and author, leveraging a broad and diverse set of skills and interests to advocate for marginalized communities. He is a facilitator for DEI experiences at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights where he also leads the LGBTQ Institute.

Lexicon Strategies will begin a discovery phase in collaboration with Cornerstones of Care leadership throughout the summer. The firm will outline the plan to Cornerstones of Care managers at an August Leadership Summit.