Every human being has his or her own set of distinctive life experiences and challenges that combined create that person’s individuality and uniqueness. Peckham Incorporated has built a successful organization that embraces this individuality and encourages people from all walks of life to effectively use their life experiences to add value to working together.

Peckham is a nonprofit vocational rehabilitation organization. Serving more than 7,400 residents each year, the organization specializes in creating positive change in the lives of people with significant disabilities or other barriers to employment. With a mission to provide a wide range of opportunities to maximize human potential for persons striving for greater independence and self-sufficiency, Peckham prides itself as being a unique business and human services agency that values quality, diversity and performance.

By way of collaborations (partnering with local agencies Capital Area Michigan Works!, Department of Human Services, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, St. Vincent Charities’ Refugee Services and others), effective resource management and innovative approaches, Peckham provides those with physical, cognitive, behavioral and socio-economic challenges a platform to demonstrate their ability, learn new skills, participate in work and enjoy the rewards of their success.

“Diversity was simply [an] extension of our mission… it is really who we are as an organization,” says Scott Derthick, Peckham’s vice president of human resources. “Diversity at Peckham includes educational diversity, regional diversity and life experience diversity. We have staff from all around the nation and the world at Peckham. When you bring that kind of true diversity into an organization, it is pretty amazing what can happen.”

Within their client population the organization serves a wide range of diversity in terms of disability, race, age and gender. With a staff of almost 350 people, nearly 30 different languages are spoken at Peckham. To better serve their clients, the organization currently offers more than 25 vocational rehabilitation and human services programs, ranging from career planning and pre-employment screening to youth programs and residential services. In addition monthly resource fairs are held for clients to provide them an opportunity to share resource information and encourage learning. Topics at the resource fairs have included retirement planning, understanding insurance, pet care, even driver etiquette.

According to Peckham President and CEO Mitchell Tomlinson, providing such resources and learning opportunities are not only important for the ongoing success of their clients but for local organizations and businesses as well. The more accepting of diversity an organization is the more efficient and progressive it will be, as the organization will be able to utilize the knowledge and skills of various individuals with assorted experiences.

“We know and understand that the value of diversity extends far beyond the age, gender and ethnicity that are currently discussed. We understand that diversity is so much more than what we can see with our eyes,” Tomlinson says. “It means welcoming all types and backgrounds into the workplace, accepting people and embracing the things that make them different; these are the qualities that can bring huge value to any organization. When you bring a truly diverse group together and provide an environment where they can problem solve and be innovative, a safe environment that is respectful, well...there is nothing this group of people cannot accomplish.”

Peckham’s stance on the value and importance of workforce diversity is a perspective that could be beneficial to all businesses and organizations within the area, mostly in part due to the numerous ethnicities, cultures and backgrounds that make up the community. While all businesses strive for economic success, a continuous effort toward an inclusive workforce is also an accomplishment.

According to Derthick, diversity in the workplace requires flexibility, as well as the ability to see value in all types of backgrounds and experiences. While Peckham simply expects all their clients and partners to participate in their respectful and inclusive culture, their focus is based on developing tolerance in people and developing the premise that everyone is worthy of respect, similar to the well-known old adage, treat others as you would like to be treated. In everything from its staff to its resource fairs, Peckham is a local leader in the notion of true diversity and inclusion, serving a special needs client base while assisting in the improvement of diversity in business practices.

“We embrace our differences because we know that these are the threads that make the fabric of our organization stronger,” Tomlinson says. “If you only surround yourself with people that are similar to you, there is very little likelihood growth and creativity can flourish. When you surround yourself with people who are different than you, it multiplies the ideas and outcomes exponentially.”