History, Statement, and Acknowledgment

    Acceptance Recovery Center (ARC) is a quality addiction services provider founded in 2016. Our mission is to advocate for individuals who are typically overlooked and underserved by society—including those with low income, criminal justice involvement, homelessness, or high risk/needs. Our programming is rooted in evidence-based and informed recovery support, guided by the highest ethical standards.

    Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) Statement

    ARC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments, programs, and worksites.

    All employment decisions (including hiring, promotion, transfer, compensation, and termination) are made without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, culture, socioeconomic status, language, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

    ARC does not permit harassment of its employees, residents, or volunteers. All staff, board members, and volunteers are responsible for preventing and eliminating harassment. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination.

    Federal Compliance & Civil Rights (Section 1557)

    In accordance with Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, ARC ensures that its health programs and activities are accessible to all individuals:

    • Designated Coordinator: ARC has designated a Civil Rights/Section 1557 Coordinator to oversee compliance and investigate any allegations of discrimination.
    • Grievance Procedure: ARC has established a formal, written grievance procedure for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging discrimination. Any individual who believes they have been subjected to discrimination may file a grievance with the Coordinator.
    • Language Access: ARC provides free language assistance services and auxiliary aids to individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) or disabilities. These services include qualified interpreters and translated materials to ensure meaningful access to all recovery programs.

    Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Non-Discrimination

    ARC maintains and promotes a program that provides the highest quality of services to our residents regardless of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Recognizing that prejudice, discrimination, and stereotyping are prevalent throughout society, ARC is dedicated to the creation of a safe, secure space for those seeking recovery services. LGBTQ+ identified persons receiving services at ARC shall receive fair and equal treatment, without bias, and shall be treated in a professional manner.

    Employees, volunteers, and other individuals involved in providing services to LGBTQ+ identified residents shall not discriminate against or harass any person in their care and shall immediately report any evidence of discrimination, physical or sexual harassment, or verbal harassment of any such identified persons to their supervisor or the Section 1557 Coordinator. ARC will take all reasonable steps within its control to meet the diverse needs of all residents and provide an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.

    Transgender Identification and Support Policy

    As part of its commitment to provide services to those in need without discrimination or harassment, ARC promotes an environment that is accepting and encouraging to transgender residents. Individuals identifying as transgender shall receive support and accommodation from ARC in determining their needs:

    • Affirming Language: Pronouns used and names referenced shall reflect the gender with which the resident identifies.
    • Inclusive Housing: Self-selection in housing shall be the primary factor in placement. ARC will work collaboratively with residents to ensure housing assignments prioritize their safety, dignity, and gender identity.
    • Confidentiality: In accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, strict confidentiality shall be respected regarding disclosures concerning transgender status, medical history, or sexual orientation. Staff shall only disclose such information on a strict “need-to-know” basis for clinical or safety purposes.

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitments

    In 2020, ARC recognized the need to address systemic barriers within the recovery and judicial systems. Through the Athens Recovery Diversity & Inclusion Initiative, we committed to creating a therapeutic environment where all voices are valued. To provide informed, authentic leadership for cultural equity, ARC strives to:

    • View diversity, inclusion, and equity as mission-critical to the well-being of our staff and the communities we serve.
    • Continually review and update our policies and systems to identify and dismantle potential inequities.
    • Practice transparent communication and encourage the exploration of underlying assumptions that may interfere with inclusiveness.
    • Expand professional development opportunities to ensure a broad and diverse pipeline of qualified leaders within our board, staff, and advisory bodies.
    • Lead with respect and inclusion, expecting all employees to embrace these values in their daily workplace interactions.
    • Advocate for board-level thinking about how systemic inequities impact our organization’s work and how best to address that in a way consistent with our mission.

    Action Items for Promotion and Inclusion

    To promote an inclusive workplace and recovery environment, ARC abides by the following actions:

    • Universal Education: Provide “Cultural Humility and Respectful Engagement” training for all staff and residents to foster a supportive and professional environment.
    • Recruitment Outreach: Broaden our recruitment and outreach efforts to ensure a diverse and highly qualified pool of candidates for all leadership and staff positions.
    • Collaborative Partnerships: Partner with community organizations (such as Atlanta Pride and local advocacy groups) to expand offerings for underrepresented constituents.
    • Systemic Advocacy: Advocate for public and private policies that promote equity and challenge systems that create disparity in the recovery community.

    All residents are required to sign the ARC Resident Acknowledgment for DEI and Non-Discrimination upon intake. Staff are responsible for upholding these standards among the resident population.