At Stonehenge Therapeutic Community (STC), we recognize that dominant groups in our society; based on gender, sexual orientation and gender expression, race, citizenship status, economic stability, language, religion, age, size, and ability – experience systemically rooted power and privilege. These inequities form the foundation for oppressive behaviours such as sexism, queer- and transphobia, racism, xenophobia, classism, ageism, fatphobia, and ableism.
Many of our clients experience the impacts of systemic oppression throughout social systems including housing, healthcare, social services, education, and employment. We also acknowledge that inequities exist within workplaces – including our own – where systemic barriers can influence who feels safe, included, heard, and supported to advance.
Our Commitment:
As leaders within the healthcare system and as partners of the Guelph-Wellington Ontario Health Team (GW OHT), we are committed to understanding and challenging oppressive systems and behaviours. Our goal is to ensure that every client, staff member, and community member experiences inclusive, accessible, and welcoming spaces free from systemic barriers.
Our people and culture are central to everything we do. We align our efforts with the Ontario Health Equity Inclusion Diversity and Anti-Racism framework. As members of the Guelph-Wellington Ontario Health Team, Stonehenge supports the broader EIDA-R plan outlined in the GW OHT Statement of Commitment and is committed to an inclusive and equitable health system.
Our Progress in 2025:
In 2025, STC took meaningful steps to strengthen our commitment to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and anti-oppressive organization. These actions reflect our belief that change happens through accountability, continuous improvement, and embedding equity into everyday practice.
Organization‑Wide Work
- Developed a DEI Strategy grounded in STC’s values to ensure equity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of our work.
- Added a DEI Commitment Statement to our website to publicly affirm our values and strengthen trust with clients, staff, partners, and community members.
Anti‑Racism & Anti‑Oppressive Practice
- Reviewed agency policies, procedures, and practices using an anti-oppressive lens to identify and remove systemic barriers.
- Launched a monthly DEIC newsletter to foster ongoing learning, engagement, and awareness.
- Planned a Red Dress Day event to honour and remember Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two‑Spirit people, and to support awareness of gender-based and colonial violence.
- Prepared anti-racism and anti-oppressive training for January 2026 to build staff capacity, challenge biases, and strengthen inclusive practice.
2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion
- Initiated the process to become Rainbow Registered, demonstrating our commitment to providing safe and inclusive services for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
- Conducted audits of agency spaces to ensure they are welcoming, safe, and inclusive for people of all identities.
- Recognized by Ontario Health West as a champion in Trans and Non‑Binary Inclusion within residential services.
- Drafted a Gender Affirming Care Policy to support respectful recognition of gender identities and affirm inclusive workplace and program environments.
- Implemented mandatory 2SLGBTQ Foundations Training for all staff through Rainbow Health Ontario.
- Added inclusive signage throughout our spaces using affirming language, symbols, and imagery.
- Planned Pride Month events to celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ identities, strengthen visibility, and encourage allyship.
- Planned a community of practice session with a trans speaker and advocate to deepen understanding, elevate lived experience, and support inclusive practices across the agency.
