“There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.” –Desmond Tutu
Empowering underserved individuals and communities is crucial to the mission and vision of LSA Family Health Service. To live up to our mission, we strive to center Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in everything we do at LSA.
Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity is about who is represented and what differences are celebrated. Engaging with diversity looks like considering who is left out of the picture and examining our own biases.
Equity is about treating all people fairly and ensuring that everyone can expect an equal outcome regardless of how they identify. Equity goes beyond representation to consider what support and resources are available to everyone.
Inclusion is about ensuring that everyone can have an active voice in the conversation. Inclusion goes beyond merely representing people and ensuring an equal outcome to demand that each person can participate and be heard.
Diversity in East Harlem & at LSA Family Health Service
East Harlem is a diverse and culturally rich neighborhood. East Harlem is:
- 43% Latino
- 30% Black
- 14% White
- 10% Asian
Beyond race, East Harlem is also a rich mosaic of ethnicities, religions, languages, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We strive to celebrate the intersectionality of every person who comes through our doors!
Diversity also lives within our team. Here are some facts about our hardworking staff:
- 90% of LSA staff identify as People of Color
- Over half of LSA staff live in or are from East Harlem
- Two-thirds of our staff are first or second generation immigrants
- 90% of our staff speak Spanish
- 65% of our Board and Management are women
DEI In Action: Today, Tomorrow and Into the Future
Every day at LSA, we are making progress towards building a more inclusive and empowering community for all.
When we partner on a tenement rent strike, offer nutritious foods to someone in need, or provide mental health services to women and families in our community, we are lifting up the voices of our neighbors to build a stronger and healthier East Harlem. This is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in action!
As we continue the work, we will also consider more ways to be fully welcoming to all those who enter our space. From the LGBTQ+ community to the newest asylum seekers and immigrants who call East Harlem home, and to people from all religious and national backgrounds, we are always working to build a longer table. It is our goal to continually uplift more people, and to give their voices the power to be heard. Together, we can build bridges where there are gaps, and by doing so, we can lift up the entire community!
