At MHC, person-centered care and respect for the intersectional identities of all are foundational to our mission of partnering with individuals, families, and communities to create environments that support long-term health and wellness. We are dedicated to fostering inclusive environments that embrace differences, celebrate uniqueness, and provide equitable opportunities for all.
In 1908, Clifford W. Beers founded the Connecticut Society for Mental Hygiene, now known as Mental Health Connecticut, Inc. (MHC). Our organization was born from the failures he faced in the mental health system and a need for change.
Change is a powerful force that drives our organization to evolve continually to meet the diverse needs of those we serve. We meet people where they are, embracing their intersectional identities and celebrating their distinctive qualities. Our commitment to change is rooted in a desire to enhance our practices and deliver the highest quality care to our community. We acknowledge the failures in our societal foundations and believe that through advocacy, education, and support, we can foster positive transformation and make a meaningful impact.
To better understand how change has fueled our efforts over the years, we’ve outlined key areas where MHC’s dedication to person-centered is reflected in our day-to-day work.
Mental Health Connecticut recognizes that combating racism and inequity is an ongoing commitment to society and a lifelong practice within our community. To ensure this work is a movement of progress and not a moment in time, the work requires both vigilance and patience in order to listen, learn, and take action. We pledge to work against racism in all its forms for the safety and wellbeing of our employees, program participants, and the communities we serve across the state of Connecticut.
Mental Health Connecticut recognizes that combating racism and inequity is an ongoing commitment to society and a lifelong practice within our community. To ensure this work is a movement of progress and not a moment in time, the work requires both vigilance and patience in order to listen, learn, and take action. We pledge to work against racism in all its forms for the safety and wellbeing of our employees, program participants, and the communities we serve across the state of Connecticut.
MHC is an equal opportunity employer and committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek out and recruit talent from a wide range of backgrounds, including different ethnicities, races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We believe that a diverse workforce brings a wider range of perspectives, ideas, and experiences to our organization, which ultimately leads to better decision-making and problem-solving. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for advancement for all our employees, regardless of their background or identity. View current job opportunities here.
- It is the policy of Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity and Equal Volunteer Opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, past or present history of mental disorder, physical or intellectual developmental disability including blindness, pregnancy or any other physical characteristic protected by law.
- MHC is fully committed to assuring equal opportunity and equal consideration in personnel matters (including hiring, training, promotions, salaries, transfers, and layoffs or terminations) and in the operation of all its services and programs including the recruitment, training, assignment and recognition of volunteers.
We believe that ongoing education and training are essential for fostering a mentally healthy environment. We provide regular training programs, open discussions, and resources for our employees which encourage the practice of Cultural Humility. The MHC Community Education catalogue includes various workshops and training which focus on best practices for supporting the mental health and well-being of all communities. Educational offerings are open to the public and customized to meet the unique needs of each learner.
“Once we have more knowledge (light) about each other we will stop condemning each other and a united front will be brought about … We need more light about each other. Light creates understanding, understanding creates love, love creates patience, and patience creates unity.” – El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, 1964
MHC continues to evolve as an organization to meet the needs of our employees, our participants, and the communities we serve. One way we have done this is through the creation and evolution of our Best Practices Committee. This employee led group is dedicated to the continuous improvement of organizational practices in alignment with our vision, mission, and values, focusing on programmatic application to support and enhance the lives of those we serve. We are committed to fostering a positive and collaborative work environment that prioritizes staff needs, job satisfaction, and overall wellbeing. Our mission includes promoting long-term health and wellness, and advocating for social justice, cultural humility, and equity for our staff, program participants, and the communities we serve.
As an organization, we practice Cultural Humility as part of our dedication to person-centered services. Cultural Humility is the life-long practice of self-reflection and critique of one’s beliefs while being open and respectfully curious of other cultures and perspectives. Employees participate in an annual Cultural Humility training and are offered regular opportunities to engage in open discussions and learn from diverse populations through educational offerings and culturally competent resources. Our person-centered approach requires the acknowledgement, understanding, and respect of each individual’s unique intersectionality. This includes:
- Race, Ethnicity & Nationality: MHC employs and serves a racially and ethnically diverse population of individuals from across the state. We prioritize educating our staff on diverse populations to maintain a respectful and supportive environment across all of our programs. In addition to providing culturally competency trainings and cultural humility discussions, MHC displays a Cultural Corner Bulletin Board in each MHC facility which features facts, images, activities, and stories from a diverse collection of cultures each month for employees and program participants. Cultural Boards highlight different heritages, races, ethnicities, and cultures from around the globe. Materials are also shared and available online and include culturally informed mental health resources related to the highlighted population. MHC’s Antiracism Statement is introduced to staff upon hire and to program participants at intake as part of the Participant Handbook. This statement is prioritized as an essential policy in line with our values of Safety, Respect, Support, Accountability, and Trust.
- Mental Health: Established in 1908, MHC has a long-standing history of combatting the stigma and discrimination associated with a mental health diagnosis, co-occurring conditions, and their associated symptoms. Founded by the “Grandfather of Mental Health Reform,” MHC embraces the necessity of change and evolution for society to learn, grow, and advance. Recovery is possible.
- Age: Generational diversity is a valuable asset that enhances organizational success. MHC employees and program participants represent six generations including Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, Generation Z, and Generation Alpha. In order to ensure different perspectives and approaches are respected across generations, MHC employees are trained in Insights Discovery, a training that encourages self-awareness and explores our various communication styles.
- Sex and Gender: At MHC, we understand that male, female, nonbinary, transgender, and agender are just a few of the infinite number of genders in society and we encourage an environment that respects and values individuals for who they are. We also understand that sex is an assignment at birth and is separate from one’s gender identity.
- Sexual Orientation: All MHC employees and Board Members have attended MHC’s LGBTQAI+ Inclusion training. This interactive workshop includes a collection of terminology, statistics, history, group activities, and empathy building stories to create an environment that is inclusive of all gender identities, gender expressions, and sexual orientations. Aspects of the training also include allyship, supporting those coming out, and interactive scenarios to practice what is learned within the training. By participating in this training, MHC is creating and sustaining safe and inclusive environments for all individuals. This training is now available to the public as the LGBTQ+ Inclusion Series.
- Veteran Status: MHC recognizes and honors Veterans Day as a paid holiday for all staff and encourages this annual observance of gratitude and remembrance as an opportunity to honor and pay tribute to those who serve or have served in the military forces. Year round, we employ and serve veterans across the state as valued members of our community. MHC is a partner of Homes for the Brave, an organization dedicated to providing housing, vocational training, and life skills coaching to Veterans. Through this partnership, MHC offers Art of Wellbeing for Veterans and Their Families. MHC’s Art of Wellbeing is an evidence-based and award-winning program that weaves together introductions to both art and mental health.
- Appearance and Body Size: MHC recognizes that weight-based discrimination is harmful and unjust. The MHC Employee Handbook clearly states that comments about a person’s body violate MHC’s Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment policy. MHC’s Program Participant Handbook also defines respectful conduct as embracing our differences and refraining from discriminatory, hateful, or offensive language in regard to one’s identity – including their appearance and/or body-size.
- Physical Ability: MHC employs and supports individuals with a variety of physical abilities including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, deafblind, have limited mobility or chronic health conditions, and those who have other physical limitations or disabilities. MHC prioritizes accessibility by offering reasonable accommodations to both staff and program participants, ensuring that everyone can work, engage, and thrive in a safe and supportive setting tailored to their needs. All MHC employees and Board Members have attended MHC’s Deaf Culture training.
- Neurodivergence: MHC values diversity of thought and understands that all individuals process information differently. The training department takes care to modify internal and external training, workshops, presentations, and discussions to meet the needs of our learners. Direct care staff also recognize program participants may have different sensory or learning needs and may also have a varying range of motor abilities, focus, and social comforts. At MHC, we meet people where they are.
- Socioeconomic Status: MHC is dedicated to uplifting individuals and communities from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Regardless of one’s educational background, employment status, income, or housing situation, MHC is a supportive resource to help individuals obtain a safe home, activate whole health living, find fulfillment and purpose, and become actively engaged in the community.
- Religion, Faith, and Spirituality: MHC is committed to honoring everyone’s right to practice their religious or spiritual beliefs. We strive to create safe environments where individuals can share their traditions with colleagues and participants who wish to learn. We do not require participation or endorse any specific practices, as we respect each person’s personal beliefs.
MHC meets people where they are along their journey toward independence, recovery, health, and an improved wellbeing. To ensure an inclusive and supportive environment, all MHC programs take a person centered, trauma informed, and evidence-based approach to meet the unique needs of all participants across the state.
