Cultural competence is an issue, not only for mainstream America, but also for all who want to reach people who don't look, think, or speak like them. Demographic changes in the United States and efforts to eliminate health disparities among people of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds demand culturally competent programs. Service organizations are most successful when their programs and services are respectful of the cultural beliefs and practices of the population they serve.

A culturally competent system values diversity, conducts self-assessment, addresses issues that arise when different cultures interact, acquires and institutionalizes cultural knowledge, and adapts to the cultures of the individuals and communities served. This may mean providing an environment in which people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds feel comfortable discussing culturally derived health beliefs and sharing their cultural practices.  Creating culturally competent programs is not difficult, but it requires conscientious attention. 

We provide consultation and training to help strengthen your organization’s performance. We work with you to assess your current strengths and needs and help to plan and implement changes at all levels within your organization, The result to you is greater cultural competence capacity in operations and service delivery.

During our consultation we assist you in the following: 

• Developing the mechanisms needed at the policy level to help operationalize cultural competence
• Determining needed changes in program design and delivery strategy
• Developing the internal structures and processes needed to address the dynamics of difference
• Infusing cultural competence at the operational level
• Recognizing diverse community needs
• Establishing and improving relationships in the community
• Customizing trainings and keynote addresses
• Designing capacity building and initiatives
• Training your in-house consultants