Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Siuslaw Vision celebrates diversity and inclusion. We value all people without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, marital/family status, economic status or veteran status.
Please read below more about equity in Siuslaw Vision projects!
Our Vision Team, staff, and community have ongoing work to do with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). If you’re interested in getting involved, we’d love to hear from you!
Equity in Siuslaw Vision Projects
Transportation – LinkLane’s Florence to Eugene and Florence to Yachats connector bus services offer a new option for traveling outside of the Siuslaw region to access services, resources, and entertainment.
Local Foods – The Florence Farmers Market brings fresh organic produce to the region, providing an opportunity for local farmers to sell their products and to increase access to healthy foods for our community. FFM participates in the SNAP and Double Up programs to ensure greater access to all. The Cooking Skills Education program provides healthy cooking demonstrations and cooking information throughout the community. You can find them regularly at the Florence Farmers Market, Florence Food Share, and working with health care providers to spread the joy of healthy cooking and eating. Nutrition education programs offered by the Oregon State University Extension Service have also been available in the region.
Affordable Housing – Advocates continue to work on alleviating the shortage of places to live in our region. First Step and Safe Shelter for Siuslaw Students are two nonprofits addressing the housing issues. Siuslaw Outreach Services offers some rental assistance and education programs, and DevNW (formerly NedCo) has partnered with the City of Florence to bring additional cottage housing options to the area.
Fiber Internet – Several Siuslaw region partners are addressing the digital divide by planning expansion of fiber internet connections throughout the region. Rural internet access continues to be a challenge throughout the state.
Health Care – Access to health care in the Siuslaw region has increased the last several years with the development of the Mobile Integrated Healthcare program, which provides home-based follow-up service to patients recently released from the hospital; the Western Lane Health Network’s school resource centers at the Siuslaw and Mapleton school districts offer behavioral health care and referrals to students and their families; and the Community Support Team working with Western Lane Fire and Ambulance District works alongside first responders to provide mental health services to those in crisis.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training – In early 2020 we partnered with the Nonprofit Association of Oregon to offer an Unpacking Diversity workshop, which looked at common definitions, systems, and frameworks that can de-center dominant culture and create an inclusive environment for marginalized identities.