Cultural Competency Training for Mental Health and Human Service Providers

This four-part workshop series aims to foster a deeper understanding of and commitment to culturally competent care among healthcare, mental health, and human service providers. Each of the four sessions are designed to deepen understanding of cultural competence and cultural humility, exploring the significance of cultural competency in healthcare systems. Subject matter experts will provide a wholistic view, building towards a comprehensive understanding of these practices in action. Each session will provide a concentrated focus on different aspects of cultural competency, allowing for a deeper understanding and opportunities to put learning into practice.

Participants will be equipped with the integrated attitudes, knowledge, and skills necessary to effectively engage with patients from diverse backgrounds, as well as actionable strategies to recognize and respect cultural differences, foster an inclusive environment, and improve patient outcomes and relationships. An emphasis will be placed upon practical application, drawing upon real-world scenarios relevant to health and mental health care settings, with strategies shared to immediately integrate these principles in everyday practice. This thorough exploration will enhance the ability to provide inclusive, comprehensive, and effective care. In addition, leadership staff and boards of directors will gain strategic insights for promoting cultural competency and fostering meaningful engagement and representation across the organization.

This program is provided with funding support from the Winnebago County Mental Health Board (WCCMHB) by the half-cent sales tax voted on by residents of Winnebago County.

Dates: Every Other Tuesday, April 1, 15, 29 and May 13 (four-part series)

Time: 9:00 am to 10:30 am

Location: NICNE at NIU Rockford, 8500 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108

Cost:

• FREE for programs funded by the Winnebago Community Mental Health Board (WCCMHB).
• General admission - Individual: $100 for all four sessions.
• General Admission - Entire Organization: $400 for as many staff, board members, or volunteers that would like to attend (4+ attendees)

Session overview: Full details are included below.

• April 1: Core Concepts of Cultural Competency in Healthcare Settings with Rebecca Francis, MPA
• April 15: Cultural Humility in Practice with Keith Barnes, Ed.D.
• April 29: The Intersection Between Race and Disability in Healthcare with Alice Nichols, MA
• May 13: Strengthening Cultural Competency for Inclusive Board Leadership with Martesha Brown, MBA

Program details:

Session 1: Core Concepts of Cultural Competency in Healthcare Settings

Facilitator: Rebecca Francis, MPA

Date: April 1 (9:00 am – 10:30 am)

Location: NICNE CollabLab, NIU Rockford

Program Description: The program will begin by building a foundational understanding of cultural competence, which is essential for effectively engaging with all patient populations. Core concepts of cultural competence will be explored, including awareness, knowledge, and skills which will enable healthcare professionals to provide equitable and respectful care. Through practical examples and discussions, learners will gain the tools needed to recognize and address cultural differences in healthcare settings, ensuring better patient outcomes and fostering a more inclusive environment.

Learning Outcomes:

· Gain a clear understanding of cultural competence and its importance in healthcare and health outcomes.

· Learn practical strategies for recognizing and respecting cultural differences.

· Enhance service delivery and patient outcomes through delivery of culturally sensitive and equitable care.

Session 2: Cultural Humility in Practice

Facilitator: Keith Barnes, Ed.D.
Date: April 15 (9:00 am – 10:30 am)

Location: Room 215/217, NIU Rockford

Program Description: Key tenets of cultural humility, which originated from Doctors Melanie Tervalon and Jann Murray-Garcia (1998), will be explored, and participants will learn how cultural humility is an ongoing process, operating as a continuum from cultural competence. Participants will also learn about the Cultural-Ecological Model of Health, developed by Anthropologist Dr. Julian Steward, which recognizes how cultural humility can improve trauma-informed care for people with diverse cultural identities. Opportunities for self-reflection and application will foster a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability in interactions with diverse individuals and groups.

Learning Outcomes:

· Gain an understanding of the origin of and key tenets of cultural humility.

· Explore the continuum of cultural humility in practice.

· Learn how the Cultural-Ecological Model of Health can be applied to improve trauma-informed care for people with diverse cultural identities.

· Benefit from self-reflection and application exercises to foster a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability when applying a cultural humility framework.

Session 3: The Intersection Between Race and Disability in Healthcare

Facilitator: Alice Nichols, MA

Date: April 29 (9:00 am – 10:30 am)

Location: NICNE CollabLab, NIU Rockford

Program Description: The intersection of racism and ableism within healthcare systems is complex. People with disabilities who belong to marginalized racial and ethnic groups often face compounded challenges in accessing resources, opportunities, and equitable treatment, which can lead to lower quality or inadequate treatment, delayed diagnosis, poorer health outcomes, and an erosion of trust in the healthcare system. Addressing these issues requires a strong foundation of knowledge and instruction on how to create comprehensive and intersectional approaches that recognize and actively work to dismantle systemic barriers contributing to disparities. This highly visual and interactive session will look at healthcare as an essential point of intersectionality between race and disability and how healing within the context of healthcare systems can occur. The history of racism in healthcare will be examined, with an exploration of how it appears today, and participants will learn what anti-racism and anti-ableism work can be done to improve patient care and outcomes to create a better future.

Learning Outcomes:

· Build an understanding of historical perspectives and systemic issues that affect healthcare.

· Assess the current state of healthcare and how ableism and racism inform it.

· Foster inclusive healthcare environments and cultivate accessible spaces for disabled patients, especially those who belong to marginalized racial and ethnic groups.

· Promote cultural competence and effective interaction with individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a culture of respect and understanding.

Session 4: Strengthening Cultural Competency for Inclusive Board Leadership

Facilitator: Martesha Brown, MBA

Date: May 13 (9:00 am – 10:30 am)

Location: Room 215/17, NIU Rockford

Program Description: Boards and committees are most effective when they reflect the diverse communities they serve. This session will explore how cultural competency strengthens decision-making, enhances organizational impact, and builds trust with stakeholders. Participants will learn strategies to foster an inclusive board culture, ensuring representation of the populations they serve while creating a welcoming environment where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated into leadership.

Learning Outcomes:

· Enhance Cultural Awareness: Recognize and celebrate the value of diverse perspectives in board and committee leadership, ensuring alignment with the communities served.

· Foster Meaningful Engagement and Representation: Develop actionable steps to create an inclusive board environment that authentically reflects and responds to the needs of diverse populations.

About the Facilitators:

Rebecca Francis, MPA is the Founder of Ignite Change Solutions LLC, a community support and bold advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Her passion stems from her personal experience working in education and amending policies to create opportunities for her daughter, who is disabled. As a practitioner for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) efforts across business, government, non-profit, and education sectors, Rebecca Francis helps organizations assess barriers and prepare to integrate seamless DEIB efforts into their business frameworks.

Across her 9+ years of leadership, Rebecca has worked with clients to support transformational efforts at all stages. She is presently training companies on various topics to drive the thinking process toward a more equitable approach. Rebecca Francis' support combines expertise, passion, vision, and creative style to foster organic connections to achieve the ultimate takeaways.

​As a native of Rockford, the heart of Rebecca Francis' work addresses the ability to produce transformative environments within her community, with efforts centered around inclusion. To accomplish this goal, she serves on various boards that align with her passions; YWCA, RACAB Foundation, and the Rockford Area Arts Council. Rebecca is also the Vice President of the Soar Awards which is the second largest awards show in gospel music, and CEO of B3 Lux Hair Vending Machines which provides hair products on college campuses for students of color. She strives to create professional spaces where people can collaborate through a lens of compassion, empathy, and understanding.

Rebecca earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Business and a Master's in Public Administration from Upper Iowa University. In addition to Rebecca's professional achievements, Rebecca is a certified SHRM provider for SHRM credential holders who must recertify every three years. Colleagues and clients often refer to Rebecca as a knowledgeable force who is driven by passion and a sense of personal responsibility to not just "check the box" but move the needle.

Keith Barnes, Ed.D. has more than 30 years of higher education experience, including 16 years working in community colleges and leading campus DEI efforts. He served for several years as an adjunct instructor for first-year experience and career planning courses, and began his career in enrollment management and student affairs.

Keith is a current and founding member of the Illinois Community College Diversity Commission. Previously, he served as the Executive Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado Springs, CO, from August 2016 to June 2021 and as Coordinator of Access, Equity, and Diversity with Kishwaukee College in Malta, IL, from September 2007 to March 2016. Keith is an active member of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) since January 2014, and served as the Chapter President for the Rocky Mountain Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (RMADOHE) for Fiscal Year 2021. He was a member of the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in American Higher Education (NCORE) National Advisory Council from 2014 to 2018 and was a founding member of the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) Equity and Inclusion Council.

Keith earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational and Corporate Communications, two Master’s of Science in Education degrees in Adult and Continuing Education and Instructional Technology, and a Doctor of Education degree in Community College Leadership from Northern Illinois University. He received his ADA Coordinator Training Certification from the University of Missouri and the Great Plains ADA Center in April 2016, and he was certified as an Intercultural Development Inventory Qualified Administrator in March 2022. Keith is a lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc. Dr. Barnes founded Joshua Bee Consulting, LLC based in Denver, CO, to provide training, consulting, and lectures/presentations on various topics about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Joshua Bee was named after his son, Joshua Barnes, who passed away on October 24, 2011, after a premature birth. Keith is married to Dr. Teresa Barnes, and they reside in Boone County, Illinois, with their daughter, India Barnes.

Alice Nichols, MA is the Curriculum and Training Developer at RAMP Disability Resources & Services, where she has worked since 2017. She oversees the creation, development, and delivery of curricula and training, ensuring that RAMP provides comprehensive, current, disability-centered education to area schools and community organizations.

Alice has written and developed a wide variety of curricula and training for RAMP, the Illinois Community College Board, Rock Valley College, National-Louis University, and Judson University, among others. She has significant experience in Adult Education with a focus on individuals who have been incarcerated or on probation obtaining education and returning to the workforce. Her current work for RAMP primarily focuses on: disability awareness; transitions for students with disabilities; and a variety of inclusion, access, and justice topics. She also is the co-leader for RAMP’s Justice and Access Committee.

Alice is a seasoned instructor in grades K–12, a community organization trainer, and conference presenter. She was a speaker at the National Council for Independent Living’s Annual Conference in Washington, DC in 2022. She has been a college undergraduate and graduate instructor since 2000.

Alice holds a BA in Urban Ministry from the Moody Bible Institute, an MA in English from DePaul University, and is a certified Learning Needs Resource Specialist, Mental Health First Aid Provider, and Sexuality Educator and Trainer for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.

Martesha Brown, MBA is a Rockford native and MBA Graduate of Rockford University, with a passion for economic development, strategic planning, marketing, belonging, and community engagement. She is currently the Director of Community Economic Development for Midland States Bank, with previous leadership roles in economic development, public relations, marketing, and operations for the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Alpine Bank.

Martesha has been recognized and awarded as one of Rockford’s “Forty Under 40,” as a Rockford Register Star“ People You Should Know,” and a recipient of the “25 Black Leaders to Watch” by Soul News Network, Inspiring 815,Channel 13’s - 13 Heroes, Juneteenth Helping Hand Recipient,2020 YWCA Woman of Achievement, 2021 Rockford Chamber of Commerce Community Hero, and one of the 2022 Northwest Quarterly’s 25 Most Interesting People.

She has volunteered on various boards and committees including Goodwill of Northern Illinois, Think Big, Transform Rockford, Habitat for Humanity, Community Foundation of Northern IL, Chairman’s Bridge Committee, State of IL Governor Pritzker’s Capital Development Board, State of Illinois Association of Park Districts, Rebounding Rockford’s Covid Recovery committee, RAVE, Leadership Rockford, Coalition of Latino Leaders, Swedish American Health Foundation, Illinois Trust Board, Rockford Housing Development Corporation (also known as the Platform Group), the Swedish American UW Health Foundation, and the NAACP.

In April 2021, Martesha was officially elected as the First Black Woman to serve on the Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners in its 112-year history and now serves as the President of the board. She is also the proud business owner of MB Strategic Solutions, where she works with non-profit organizations in leadership development, strategic planning, financial efficiencies, visioning, and board development. In addition to her consultancy work, Martesha is an accomplished public speaker. She regularly engages diverse audiences at conferences, panels, and community events, delivering dynamic and insightful keynotes on leadership development, strategic visioning, purpose-driven focus, belonging, and more. Her presentations inspire others to take actionable steps toward positive change in their organizations and communities. Martesha lives with the belief that true impact begins when we find our purpose and use it to uplift the community around us.

About NICNE: The Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE) has strengthened nonprofits since August 2004 by providing capacity building, training, technical assistance, resource support, and initiative leadership to nonprofit organizations in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. NICNE believes in investing in people and organizations that make communities in our area safer, healthier, and more vibrant. We provide training opportunities that help nonprofits successfully achieve their missions. As the region’s primary resource for nonprofit capacity and movement building, NICNE encourages collaboration and best practices, resulting in a strong, vibrant nonprofit sector demonstrating significant social impact. NICNE is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization affiliated with Northern Illinois University, Division of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development. NICNE Mission: Promote, model and grow innovation, excellence and social impact. Learn more at niu.edu/nicne.

Please email questions to NICNE COO Billie Callahan at [email protected].

About the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board (WCCMHB): Investing in Mental Health. Impacting Winnebago County.

The WCCMHB plans, implements, and monitors a system of care by investing in and supporting local organizations, nonprofits, and governmental agencies which provide critical mental health and substance use services for adults and children in Winnebago County. The WCCMHB supports community mental health and substance use services in Winnebago County through a robust "Community Support System" (CSS) which represents an array of services that allows individuals with mental illness or substance use disorders to live and recover in the community. Thanks to a voter-approved half-cent sales tax specifically designated for mental health services, $20 million in funding has been collected and allocated in Program Year 2023-2024. This significant contribution has greatly enhanced mental health services and programs within the County and WCCMHB is a vital partner and resource for the RACMI as a funded program. Their support and investment enable the RACMI to deliver essential training and education to case managers, human services staff, and mental health staff as they deliver essential mental health and substance use services to adults and children in the community. Learn more at r1planning.org/wccmhb.

Host or Publisher Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE)