Author name: Parent Coach

The brain is a powerful tool. Using Mindful and Strength- based practices is an intentional way to keep the brain connected and working in harmony. How does your brain help you? When all the parts of the brain are working in harmony, emotions and behaviors are expressed in helpful ways. Let’s use the hand to show how this is done.

Beech Acres Parenting Center Goal: Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Develop and execute an anti-racism strategy for those we serve, the systems affecting them, and within Beech Acres itself. BAPC PRINCIPLES FOR FIGHTING RACISM AND PROMOTING DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION BAPC’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies and practices are inclusive of all identities and prioritize anti-racism for action as the most toxic and prevalent kind of discrimination affecting the well-being of children and families…and all of humanity. DEI policies and practices are highly aligned and integrated with BAPC’s mission, vision, and values, as well as our practices of Natural Strength Parenting and Trauma Informed Care. We have a bold anti-racism vision with proactive, measurable strategies to benefit the clients we serve, influence the systems that affect them, and live these principles with integrity as a staff and board of directors. We continuously evaluate our progress and adapt strategies to maximize impact. Living into our beliefs and principles requires courage, trust, vulnerability, empathy, compassion, accountability, and gratitude for ourselves and each other. We continuously apply our learnings to build a culture which encourages these. DEFINITION OF RACISM A belief that that one’s own race is superior and has the right to dominate others or that a particular racial group is inferior to others. A policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a belief, resulting in prejudice, discrimination and injustice. ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT RACISM Racism is a multilayered system embedded in our culture. All of us are socialized into the system of racism. We bring our group’s history with us; history matters. Nothing exempts us from the forces of racism. Everyone has biases. Bias is implicit and unconscious; I don’t expect to be aware of mine without a lot of ongoing effort. Authentic antiracism is rarely comfortable. Discomfort is a key contributor to growth and progress. DEFINITION OF ANTI-RACISM “Anti-racism is the active process of identifying and eliminating racism by changing systems, organizational structures, policies and practices and attitudes, so that power is redistributed and shared equitably.” Identifying: A person who practices anti-racism works to become aware of: How racism affects the lived experience of people of color; How racism is systemic, and has been part of many foundational aspects of society throughouthistory, and can be manifested in both individual attitudes and behaviors as well as formal (and”unspoken”) policies and practices within institutions; How white people participate, often unknowingly, in racism.Source: NAC International Perspectives: Women and Global Solidarity Eliminating: A Person who practices anti-racism works to eliminate racism by: Admiting racial inequity is a problem of bad policy, not bad people. Identifying racial inequity in all its intersections and manifestations. Investigating and uncovering the racist policies causing racial inequity. Inventing or finding antiracist policy that can eliminate racial inequity. Figuring out who or what group has the power to institute antiracist policy. Disseminating and educating about the uncovered racist policy and antiracist policycorrectives. Working with sympathetic antiracist policymakers to institute the antiracist policy. Deploying antiracist power to compel or drive from power the unsympathetic racistpolicymakers in order to institute the antiracist policy. Monitoring closely to ensure the antiracist policy reduces and eliminates racial inequity. When policies fail, do not blame the people. Starting over and seeking out new and more effective antiracist treatments until theywork. Monitoring closely to prevent new racist policies from being instituted. Source: Kendi, Ibram X.. How to Be an Antiracist DEFINITION OF DEI Diversity includes all the ways in which people differ, encompassing the different characteristics that make one individual or group different from another. While diversity is often used in reference to race, ethnicity, and gender, we embrace a broader definition of diversity that also includes age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, and physical appearance. Our definition also includes diversity of thought: ideas, perspectives, and values. We also recognize that individuals affiliate with multiple identities. Equity is the fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. Improving equity involves increasing justice and fairness within the procedures and processes of institutions or systems, as well as in their distribution of resources. Tackling equity issues requires an understanding of the root causes of outcome disparities within our society. Inclusion is the act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in words and actions for all people. It’s important to note that while an inclusive group is by definition diverse, a diverse group isn’t always inclusive. Increasingly, recognition of unconscious, or implicit, bias helps organizations to be deliberate about addressing issues of inclusivity. Source: The Independent Sector

Beech Acres Parenting Center has the responsibility to acknowledge the ongoing wave of anti-Asian violence within communities across our country.  Consistent with our anti-racism strategy and core values, we are committed to combat discrimination, bigotry, hatred, violence, and xenophobia against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI).  We are dedicated to ensure that all members of this community are treated with dignity and respect.  We will continue to speak up against acts of intolerance against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders while recognizing and giving space for all impacted individuals to process, grieve, and heal.   Although racism and hate crimes against the Asian-American and Pacific Islander populations are deep rooted and date back to the late 19th century, anti-Asian hate crimes have increased by 1900% in the United States since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.  As an organization, we seek to raise awareness, speak up, and condemn these attacks and anti-Asian racism.  We invite you to learn about the history of Asian-American Pacific Islander discrimination and stand against these hate crimes: Read up on the model minority myth, why it exists, and why it’s harmful to other marginalized communities For a historical overview on anti-Asian racism in America: Read this article about America’s long history of scapegoating its Asian citizens by National Geographic  Read the book “Chinese in America” by Iris Chang  Watch the PBS documentary “Asian Americans”  Read this article on the importance of Asian & Black solidarity by Michelle Kim Visit https://stopaapihate.org/ May has been recognized as Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2021.

For over 170 years, Beech Acres Parenting Center has strengthened Greater Cincinnati’s children & families. We’ve called Anderson Township home since 1949. Learn how you can get involved and help us change the lives of so many children. We’re here for you! Parent Connext™ Is your pediatrician at Group Health–Anderson on Five Mile Road?Try a meeting with one of the Parenting Specialists! The complimentary service provides prompt, practical support onsite for a variety of parenting challenges. Natural Strength Parenting™ Coaching Our Child Development Experts are available to help, right on Beechmont Avenue, for you to discover your strengths as a parent and manage your family’s stress by equipping you with the tools to create stronger connections with your kids using Natural Strength Parenting™. Are We In Your School? Beyond the Classroom™ enhances readiness to learn by improving the emotional and behavioral wellness of the students. Additional support is available for parents that builds resilience, improves economic stability and empowers you to become an advocate. The Character Effect™, a flexible, personalized social & emotional learning program that enhances the emotional IQ and improves the well-being of teachers and students alike. Kinship Connections Whether you’re a grandparent, aunt, uncle or another relative, taking care of a loved one’s children full-time… let us connect you with resources! Foster Care There has never been a better time to consider foster care. The need is greater than ever for foster parents in the Greater Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Dayton and Montgomery County area. Make a real difference in your community by exploring, supporting or becoming a foster parent!