“All are welcome” isn’t just a catch phrase at United Church Homes (UCH). They are words that are fundamental to the organization's mission, vision and core values. The rich culture of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at UCH's Cherry Arbors affordable housing community is a big part of what's made resident Dinah Conley feel so at home there.
Dinah Conley, resident
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“I moved to Cherry Arbors in July 2020,” Conley said. “I was attracted to the rural setting, and my grandparents and other family members lived in North Lewisburg years ago. It just felt right.”
“I have been open about my sexuality since I was 15 and love who I am: a wonderful lesbian,” she continued. “I am a friend to all and have been very accepted at Cherry Arbors. But we don’t live in a perfect world and sometimes things happen and one must educate and explain.”
Conley faced a challenge: a fellow resident making inappropriate comments about another resident’s sexuality. She stood up for her firmly held beliefs and other residents joined in.
“While unfortunate, the incident brought the Cherry Arbors community together,” said UCH Service Coordinator Barbara Rose. “Residents shared their own experiences – their love for their gay daughter, sibling or grandson. They demonstrated their respect for one another and their support for UCH’s DEI core values.”
Incidents like these can broaden perspectives and help people be more open to the differences in others, and to treating them with compassion and respect—two core values at UCH.
“Dinah is a very brave person,” Rose continued. “We are blessed to have her as part of the Cherry Arbors community.”
“Cherry Arbors is my home, my safe place and where my friends are,” Conley said. “I plan to stay here forever. I feel so fortunate to be able to live honestly in this community.”
