An agency or company’s values help direct every person on the team towards a common goal and remind everyone of a shared bigger purpose. At ASK Wellness Society, we are proud to say that the core values of our employees and board members strongly align with those of the Society. This week, we will share those five values to help others understand what guides our services.
ADAPTATION: a way of adjusting to different conditions or uses, or to meet different situations.
This value was recently added during the creation of the Society’s new strategic plan. During times of complexity and uncertainty, we embrace new approaches and aim to be a learning organization.
INCLUSIVITY: the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized.
ASK believes that inclusivity is a defining feature of a healthy community. We acknowledge the disproportionate impact of harm to certain marginalized groups, whether that be due to having a physical or intellectual disability, belonging to a minority group, experiencing poverty, or any other individual or cultural reality. We aim to help provide people with the most basic human rights and resources, such as access to housing and access to health services.
TRUST: a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.
We truly believe that trust is at the heart of community, both in ASK Wellness Society, and throughout the communities that we serve. Trust is the glue that holds our society together. It strengthens relationships by allowing people to work together, to feel safe when vulnerable, and to feel a sense of belonging.
COMPASSION: a strong feeling of sympathy or empathy for the suffering or bad luck of others, and a desire to help.
Many people feel empathy, but the emotional response that leads to wanting to help with the situation is what defines compassion. Our fourth value of compassion is key to ensuring that no one gets left behind. Compassion is a very evident value amongst staff at ASK. This field can be challenging and heartbreaking, but our employees, board members, and volunteers are here because they want to be part of the change. They want to help those who need it most.
HOPE: a feeling of expectation; to cherish a desire to want something to happen or be true.
Our final value is hope. At ASK, we believe that hope is the key to becoming self-sufficient. We have been told in the past that this is what ASK Wellness Society is known for: providing hope to those who have lost it. Our roots began in providing hope and support to those who were struggling and feeling hopeless. Providing people with that hope helps allow them to believe in a happy, fulfilling life. This belief can lead to stronger feelings of independence and self-assurance.
