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Seven Hills Foundation

Celebrating Diversity

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Seven Hills celebrates its culture of diversity and inclusion with both its staff of 4,600, and the individuals supported throughout the organization. We believe that "Strength Grows from Diversity." Our employees come to Seven Hills from 58 different countries and bring a richness of diverse backgrounds, talents, and experiences, which embodies the culture of acceptance that drives Seven Hills' mission and vision.

Our cultural competency as an agency does not begin and end with the recruitment of bilingual staff. Seven Hills has an agency-wide commitment toward understanding the language, beliefs, communication styles, actions, and values of all people.

Seven Hills supports a Diversity Committee of staff members who are guided by a mission and vision:

Mission

“To provide and encourage sharing and learning through promoting a culture of respect and developing a community of inclusion of all forms of diversity.”

Vision

"To be a model of progressive enlightenment which nurtures, dignifies, and values individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs, while promoting an inclusive and respectful work environment."


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"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday observed as a National Day of Service. Dr. King’s transformational leadership and life’s achievements are remembered and celebrated on this day. It is a time to remember the injustices that Dr. King fought. A time to remember his fight for freedom, equality, and dignity of all races and people through nonviolence. 

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fair housing legacy

After two generations of celebrating the life of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it can be easily forgotten that segregation existed outside of the American South. In April of 1967, congress debated for years over controversial housing registration. The speech, titled, “The Other America,” spoke about the culture, education, freedom, and dignity that the lack of prosperity and opportunity minorities faced. Dr. King discusses the need for Congress to pass fair housing legislation, saying that maintaining the existing circumstances would lead to unprecedented social instability. Dr. King wanted to prevent discrimination and help bring people of all races together, including those where they live. It was not until Dr. King's passing that they passed the Fair Housing Act of 1968, also known as the Civil Rights Act. 

Watch video, The ‘Other America’ >


Juneteenth 2022

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Honor… Reflect… Celebrate


History of Juneteenth
This year, Juneteenth is celebrated on Sunday, June 19, 2022, Juneteenth is a significant day in the history where there was defining moments of the ongoing fight for freedom, justice, and equality of African Americans. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of legal slavery in the United States. This holiday marks America’s second Independence Day. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, the news did not reach enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, until June 19, 1865. The newly freed people in Galveston celebrated after the announcement, and the following year, they organized their first of what became the annual celebration of “Jubilee Day” on June 19th in Texas. Over time, the annual celebration spread from the Black community in Texas to the rest of the United States. Juneteenth celebrations focus on education, history, self-improvement, culture, and pride. Although long celebrated in the African American community, this monumental event remains largely unknown to most Americans according to The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth | National Museum of African American History and Culture. 

Seven Hills Foundation and staff members of the Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Council work to honor and celebrate the diversity and inclusion of over 4,000 staff who bring a richness of culture and perspectives to our organization.

Today, we are reminded to embrace and demonstrate our Core Values of Respect and Kindness, Integrity, Teamwork, Innovation and Service to others. Let us continue to learn from each other, practice empathy and kindness, and understand that our experiences are very different from one another.

Pause and Reflect
Why all Americans should honor Juneteenth - YouTube


Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP)
Juneteenth Virtual Event: “Remembrance, Celebration, and Respect for All Cultures.”
Seven Hills is a proud partner of ADDP Circle of Leadership Sponsor on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for this year’s Juneteenth event that was held on June 15, 2022, and supports future diversity initiatives. Download the presentation materials here.

Decobe Launch!
Seven Hills is excited to introduce a new learning management platform that will offer various interactive trainings in areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We look forward to enhancing awareness, engagement while understanding the value of an inclusive workforce that meets the needs of both our staff and individuals supported across all Affiliates. Stay tuned!

How to celebrate Juneteenth
An essential element in celebrating the struggle for freedom that ended the historic practice of slavery was the festivities in the black and brown communities. These celebrations have widely spread and often include religious services, inspirational speakers, supporting black and brown businesses, parades and block parties, dancing and music, cookouts, and family reunions.

Black Freedom experience virtual program, “Lift every voice” BlkFreedom | Juneteenth Virtual Celebration
Support Black-Owned Businesses at BuyBlack.org

Juneteenth Flag raisings are a popular way to mark the significant day. It has been a tradition since 1997, with the creation of a flag that depicts the lone star of Texas rising over a new horizon. A Juneteenth flag raising ceremony wouldn't be complete without a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, and the playing of the national anthem.



Attend Juneteenth Flag raising at Worcester City Hall, Worcester, MA on Saturday June 18, 2022.


Women's History Month

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The month of March is a time to celebrate and honor the contributions of incredible women that have made dynamic strides and impacted history, culture, and society. Throughout Seven Hills Foundation & Affiliates we have women leaders contributing at every level. Our women leaders are providing nursing, education, direct support, counseling and administrative expertise that improves people's lives.

The month of March is a time to celebrate and honor the contributions of incredible women that have made dynamic strides and impacted history, culture, and society. This month grew out of a celebration in Santa Rosa, California that led to a women’s march to elevate the vital role they play in American History. March 8th is a special day selected as International Women’s Day. This day is recognized globally to encourage women to be strong and determined in the fight for equal rights as the journey continues. Women’s History Month is time to engage youth, uplift women leaders, advocate for gender equality, and fair protection of all human rights.

The 2022 National Women’s History Theme: “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope”

Wear purple on March 8, in recognition of International Women's Day and to support the global theme: “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”. Internationally, purple is a color that symbolizes women and honors the contributions women have made through all walks of life. The combination of Green, Purple and White colors is meant to represent women’s equality.

Reflect and celebrate Women’s History Month

National Women's Historic Museum: Check out current virtual events, online exhibits, and resources to learn more about why Women’s History Month is significant to our history and carried on into today’s society. Click here to visit!

Womenshistorymonth.gov: The Library of Congress (more to explore): Celebrate Women’s History Month with highlighted events, video files, photographs, manuscripts, rare books, and more. Click here to visit!



 

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Celebrate National Hispanic Month 2021 | September 15—October 15

National Hispanic Heritage Month is a period from September 15th to October 15th in the United States that honors and recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic and Latino Americans that have impacted our history, culture, and achievements of the United States. National Hispanic Heritage month has been celebrated nationwide through festivals, art shows, conferences, parades, community gatherings, and much more. This month, we invite you to learn more about what makes this 30-day celebration so meaningful. Together, we can all show our gratitude to the Hispanic and Latino communities in this country, this month and every day.

Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month

Support local and other Hispanic & Latino-Owned businesses!

Rhode Island Restaurants

Support Your Local Hispanic-Owned Businesses!

        • Lucy’s Cake Shop, 256 Park Ave, Worcester, Ma 01609
        • Sazon Latino, Chandler St., Worcester, Ma 01069
        • El Patron, 192 Harding St., Worcester, Ma 01064
        • Brisa, 12 Boylston St., Worcester, Ma 01605

Hispanic Influencers

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Roberto Enrique Clemente Walker is a Puerto Rican professional baseball right fielder who played 18 seasons in Major League Baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Clemente was the first player from the Caribbean and Latin America to win a World Series as a starting position player, National League Award, and World Series Award. Major League Baseball renamed its annual Commissioner’s Award in his honor. Now known as the Roberto Clemente Award, that is given to the player who “best exemplifies” the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement, and individual’s contribution to his team. He often did a lot of charity work and delivered baseball equipment and food to those in need.

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Sonia Maria Sotomayor is an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. She was nominated by President Barack Obama on May 26, 2009, and has served since August 8, 2009. She is the third woman to hold the position. Sotomayor is the first Hispanic woman, and Latina member of the Court. During her tenure on the Supreme Court, Sotomayor has been identified with concern for the rights of defendants, calls for reform of the criminal justice system, and making impassioned oppositions on issues of race, gender, and ethnic identity.


Learn more about today's guest panelists in the program guide. Download it here.