Mission, Vision & Values

All staff and program participants at the Goodman Center are committed to creating and maintaining a community that respects and values diverse experiences. We embrace a growth mindset and engage the perspectives and voices of our community to ensure they are reflected in our culture.

We seek out and value diverse perspectives and treat all people with dignity. We make a conscious effort to find the strength in all people, and communicate with intentionality and empathy.

We have the honesty, courage and ability to make the right decision – especially when no one is looking. All actions have impact, and it is up to us to anticipate the impact of our actions and strive to be our best selves.

Every person comes to the table with a unique set of experiences. We strive to learn more about and understand as best we can those experiences, and to adjust to each person’s needs and rights as an individual.

We give kindness, compassion and understanding to everyone in our community, including ourselves.

We believe that people are honest and genuine, and in turn, we embrace those characteristics in ourselves. The people of our community are reliable, and we are safe.

Courage helps us believe in our ability to grow and have confidence to accomplish goals. Acting with courage requires self-awareness, an ability to manage our emotions and build on strengths. When we are courageous, we stand up for what is right and take responsible risks.

Courage looks like:

• Trying new things.
• Sharing your accomplishments.
• Letting others see your creativity and unique point of view.

Courage sounds like:

• "I want to so I can."
• "I am important."
• "I can achieve my goals."
• "I need help. Can you help me?"

Connection helps us develop healthy, supportive, and interconnected relationships. When we are connected, we contribute to our community and work cooperatively with others. Connection helps us relate, share, receive and care.

Connection looks like:

• Collaborating on projects.
• Asking thoughtful questions of others.
• Including someone new.

Connection sounds like:

• "Will you join us?"
• "I am cared for."
• "I am contributing."
• "I feel seen and heard."

Curiosity helps us learn, grow and discover throughout our lives. When we are curious, we engage in open-minded thinking, demonstrate imagination and originality and adapt to changing environments and circumstances. Curiosity helps us dream, aspire and achieve.

Curiosity looks like:

• Asking questions for one's own understanding.
• Excitement in trying.
• Imaginative experimentation.

Curiosity sounds like:

• "What does this mean?"
• What if we tried it this way?"
• "What have we learned from this?"
• "I am hopeful of the possibilities."