Kent Co. Dept. of Human Services completes diversity training

In response to employee concerns about racial awareness and sensitivity, approximately 400 employees at the Kent County Department of Human Services (DHS) completed cultural diversity training.

A six member team of Grand Valley State University School of Social Work faculty and staff contracted with DHS and UAW to facilitate consultation, training, meetings and on-going focus and discussion groups to fulfill tasks recommended by the State of Michigan DHS. Sessions were facilitated by trainers from Multi-Training Systems.

A two-day training for all Kent County DHS personnel began March 10 and was conducted during March, April and May, concluding with a leadership training for administrators and supervisors in June.

Media are encouraged to attend a “concluding event” scheduled for Tuesday, July 1, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the DHS Franklin St. site, located at 415 Franklin St. in Grand Rapids.

The Inclusion Council, a workgroup formed in accordance with the state DHS recommendations, will be introduced at the concluding event.

For more information, contact Lois Smith Owens at (616) 331-6550.