AFFORDABLE HOUSING
CREA FOUNDATION, INC. DIVERSITY, EQUITY + INCLUSION
[ bee- ond , bih- yond ] preposition on, at, or to the farther side of beyond:
We have been on the scene of low income housing tax credit syndications for 20 years, working alongside investor and developer partners.
We have worked effortlessly at our mission to create accessible communities that uphold the dignity of affordable housing.
Today, CREA, LLC moves to the farther side of that mission, working toward a vision of affordable housing that everyone can be proud of.
In 2020, our leadership team asked the question - what’s next? The CREA Foundation, Inc. was on of the answers. In our efforts to close the gap and put a stop to the poverty cycle, we are taking next steps towards education. CREA FOUNDATION, INC. DIVERSITY, EQUITY + INCLUSION CREA is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive (DEI) community where our employees feel heard, valued and respected as unique individuals.
Keep reading to learn more about these initiatives and how CREA is going beyond affordable housing >>>
Overview + Purpose CREA FOUNDATION, INC.
Raise & manage resources to support programs & fund scholarships for individuals residing
Connect students with internship,
Provide support for volunteer efforts, such as community beautification & property improvement activities
vocational & one- on-one mentoring opportunities to assist in building skills & experience
in low-income communities
Next Steps 1
NONPROFIT APPLICATION
CREA submitted a 501(c)(3) application in November 2020 and is currently awaiting approval.
2
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / HEAD OF SOCIAL IMPACT
CREA is actively in the selection process of hiring an individual to serve as Executive Director of the CREA Foundation & Head of Social Impact, leading all philanthropy, volunteerism and community engagement efforts.
3
BOARD FULFILLMENT
Strategic planning is in process to identify potential board members to guide the success of the foundation.
Initial Steps DIVERSITY, EQUITY + INCLUSION
Engaged Hummingbird Humanity & Implemented DEI Culture Assessment
Initiated DEI discussion through 1-on-1 leadership interviews & small focus groups
Gathered feedback via an internal survey and a communication and representation review
Educational Strides OFFERED FOUNDATIONS & GENDER IDENTITY + SEXUAL ORIENTATION TRAINING
LAUNCHED MONTHLY DEI SPEAKER SERIES & DIVERSITY LEARNING CIRCLE
CREA’s DEI Foundations Training program topics include: • What is DEI & why is it important? • Identity (human iceberg model)
The diversity speaker series leverages storytelling as an opportunity to expand perspective and enhance understanding around DEI and the experiences of others. Speakers represent a variety of identities and cover a range of topics. Each speaker’s message centers around their unique story and lived experience. Want to experience it for yourself? Click the button below to hear from our January speaker, Jeffery Smith, who joined us for Black History Month.
• Unconscious Bias • Tools for Inclusion
A key element of the program is the “Who Am I?” exercise that focuses on building bridges of trust through stories and finding shared humanity in individual experiences. Another key objective is to provide a framework for all employees to allow for healthy, informal conversation about DEI topics beyond the learning space.
VIEW HERE
Progress With Purpose
2
1
INCLUSION COUNCIL
DEI 2.0 PROGRAM
Comprised of an adverse group of employees, the Inclusion Council will serve as an advisory board to leadership as CREA continues with DEI and social impact initiatives. This approach brings additional voices & insights into decisions that impact culture and community. As the group evolves, they may lead DEI and/or social impact initiatives, as well as serve as ambassadors of the company’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment.
CREA is exploring a DEI 2.0 training that will focus on understanding different experiences through the lenses of privilege and power, which will be paired with intersectionality and microaggressions discussion. Plans to incorporate values in the sessions, through interactive activities to bring the values to life, are also in the works. This program will help employees amplify the work CREA does to create communities where individuals thrive.
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DIVERSITY LEARNING CIRCLE 3
The Diversity Learning Circle is a space for small groups to learn about & openly discuss concepts, experiences and history related to diversity, equity and inclusion. It is designed for executives and leaders who are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for their teams, but are relatively new to diversity issues. Topics and content are foundational - designed to educate, build comfort, have difficult discussions, and inform commitments to action. Participatory discussions that teach new skills and lead to behavior change are: • noticing bias and exclusionary actions within yourself & others • thinking critically about what you are noticing • increased comfort in having discussions around diversity issues These skills will enable participants to identify and adjust for bias throughout the entire employee life-cycle, as well as increase inclusion within individual teams and company culture.
DEI IS A JOURNEY WITH MANY TURNS AND SWITCHBACKS. IT IS NOT A DESTINATION. IT IS A WAY OF THINKING AND ACTING UPON VALUES. Jeffrey Whiting CHAIRMAN & CEO
Contact us.
Indianapolis - Headquarters 30 South Meridian Street Suite 400 Indianapolis, IN 46204 317 634 4797
Austin 512 861 4080
Boston 617 549 4515
Chicago 331 716 0100
New York 212 405 2653
Portland 503 290 5034
San Diego 858 386 5199
Sarasota 727 329 5479
CREALLC.COM
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