Our mission, as a leader in providing award-winning diversity programs
since 1995, is to proactively work towards eliminating prejudice and
encouraging respect for differences through educating children and adults
on the impact of biases.

We strive to help create schools, businesses, and organizations where all cultures are held
in high esteem, resulting in all people feeling welcomed and respected.  
 

JCC Diversity Belief Statements

• Each individual is worthwhile and unique.
• Differences are important and positive.
• Prejudice is learned and therefore can be unlearned.
• Prejudice is real, identifiable, and needs to be discussed openly.
• Individuals can learn to respect differences at any age.
• To reduce prejudice, individuals must be aware of their own biases and evaluate them periodically.
• Continuous reinforcement of prejudice reduction is essential to make a difference.
• Hearing stories changes hearts; it’s hard to hate someone whose story you know.

FAQs -------------------------------------

» Why do we do diversity?

Because we want to do our part in creating a vibrant York County; being a community that people sought out to live in. We desire that our community welcomes and embraces a variety of people and cultures. We want to have options for restaurants/foods, social events, faith experiences, volunteer opportunities, music, sports, books, etc. that represent an array of cultures and ethnicities that will broaden our awareness and appreciation for people and things that are different from ourselves.
 

» What type of programs do you present?

While the JCC is able to present key note addresses and assembly-style presentations, we find our interactive training sessions have the greatest impact on individuals.

Our programs are customized to meet your specific diversity concerns and are designed to:
• build awareness that diversity is more than differences in race and religion;
• help individuals have “ah ha” moments that lead to positive change;
• provide practical strategies and tools for individuals to take action on their biases;
• break down walls of misunderstanding and reduce “acts of hate” including stereotyping, labeling, ridiculing, name calling, discrimination, and violence;
• provide a safe environment for sharing diversity-related experiences and concerns;
• measure how welcoming and respectful schools, businesses, and organizations are;
• assist in creating a systemic change; shifting the culture (policies and processes) of  schools, businesses, and organizations; and the mindset (attitudes and behaviors) of individuals towards one where all cultures are held in high esteem; and
• educate and consult about diversity related topics, concerns, and issues. 
 

» What type of curriculum is used?

The curriculum we use is either developed or adapted internally or purchased from a resource that aligns with the JCC’s diversity beliefs. We have a database of activities, response sheets, video clips, songs, games, articles, and books, which we use to create a customized, age and topic appropriate training or presentation.
 

» Where do you present your programs?

We are able to conduct training sessions at any location or venue of the client’s choice, including hosting it at the York JCC based on space availability.
 

» What size groups do you accommodate?

While the JCC is able to customize our diversity programs for any size audience, we have found that smaller groups, between the sizes of 10 – 30, allow for the most meaningful and productive interaction and discussion. 
 

» Who do you present programs to?

The JCC presents programs to individuals of all ages, from age 5 to 85+, representing all races, religions, ethnicities, socio-economic levels, abilities, needs, appearances, and sexual orientation. We provide programs in school, business, and organizational settings to the whole of York County, as well as neighboring communities.

In addition to most of the York County school districts, we’ve assisted numerous businesses and organizations in achieving their diversity related goals, including York County Library System, Pressley-Ridge, YWCA York, Community Progress Council, Lutheran Social Services, York County Chamber of Commerce, Kinsley Construction, bmc (Beard Miller Company LLP), Hanover Area Family YMCA, Leadership York, and the United Way of York.
 

» How many people do you serve?

We serve approximately ten thousand children and adults each year.
 

» Is there a fee for your services?

Yes, there is a fee however thanks to funding from the United Way of York County, Women’s Giving Circle, and York County Planning Commission we are able to keep our fees lower than that of private consultants.
 

 » How do I go about scheduling a diversity program?

Contact Cathy Bollinger, Director of Diversity and Organizational Development at cathyb@yorkjcc.org or call 843-0918, ext. 121.