Gary-The Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) and the Indiana Parenting Institute (IPI) announced today a new partnership aimed at enhancing service to Hoosier families in Lake County.
The newly formalized agreement involves the creation of a program titled A Focus on Equality™. The program will enable IPI to work with the state to bring awareness about anti-discrimination laws and protections to Lake County families. Jamal L. Smith, Executive Director of the ICRC, applauded the partnership as an opportunity to support a thriving local organization and its mission to provide family-focused services.
“I have been so impressed with the work IPI has done in Lake County, the way they know their community, and the passion they bring to serving families,” said Smith. “We’ve developed a program that makes the most of available resources and improves our collective ability to efficiently and effectively protect the civil rights of families in this area.”
Laura Smith-Wynn, IPI’s Executive Director, echoed Smith’s sentiments and further stated that both IPI and the ICRC have important roles and responsibilities in protecting the civil rights of families.
“As IPI works with families in this community every day, we see the need for greater education and protection for everyone,” Smith-Wynn said. “This program and partnership will allow us to maximize our ability to serve the public and to bring greater awareness to civil rights issues and family well-being.”
This marks a significant step in ensuring Lake County residents understand their rights and responsibilities under civil rights law, and is similar to other such agreements being formalized by the ICRC throughout Indiana. This partnership, and A Focus on Equality™ program, will seek to:
- Increase awareness about civil rights protections and recourse options for individuals facing discrimination
- Carry out public seminars and town hall meetings to obtain feedback from the public on important civil rights issues
- Provide education and training opportunities to individuals, businesses and the community with a focus on family well-being
Click here to view a copy of the agreement.
The Indiana Civil Rights Commission enforces the Indiana civil rights laws and provides quality education and services to the public in an effort to ensure equal opportunity for all Hoosiers and visitors to the State of Indiana. For more information, contact Brad Meadows, ICRC Communications Manager, at (317) 232-2651.