Value(s) or Underlying Belief(s) That Have Shaped

¶ … value(s) or underlying belief(s) that have shaped the human services organization of your choice and one organization in the video carousel. Explain how the value(s) or underlying belief(s) for each organization have impacted the organization's mission and services provided to clients. Be specific and provide examples.

Human services organizations utilize a broad range of knowledge and skills to provide an array of support, necessities, and other assistance to many different populations and communities. More than almost any other type of organization, human services organizations tend to be built around principles and values that are very strictly adhered to, and understanding these values leads to a better understanding of the drives and the efficacy of these organizations. The following paragraphs will examine two human services organizations and their underlying values in an effort to explain how values and actions interact.

Goodwill industries are a very well-known organization, operating second hand thrift stores throughout the United States and Canada. With the organization's listed values of respect, stewardship, ethics, learning, and innovation, Goodwill Industries is committed to bettering every community in which it is involved by providing employment opportunities to those who might otherwise not have those (Goodwill Industries 2011). Goodwill stores are often staffed by individuals with various disabilities or by people who are otherwise in need of employment yet unable to obtain it, and in this way Goodwill promotes not only greater equality but greater dignity for individuals and families in need, providing work rather than (or actually, in addition to) handouts (Goodwill Industries 2011). Goodwill's vision is that every individual should be able to attain their highest potential, and the values of this organization keep it committed to achieving this end by providing the opportunities individuals need to achieve this potential under their own power (Goodwill Industries 2011).

Many human services organizations are rooted in some form of religious or faith-based values, and the Michigan Organizing Project is one example of such an organization. Rather than acting as an independent entity to help and serve its community, however, the Michigan Organizing Project works by connecting various church groups and other organizations with each other and with important causes, in order to maximize the effects of the independent actions, drives, and values of these smaller organizations (Michigan Organizing Project 2011). Though this organization does not explicitly list its values on its website, the Michigan Organizing Project's description of its activities and success makes it clear that it values faith and the ability to achieve good through common faith above all else, and that humility and a true dedication to service are also inherent parts of charity and charitable acts (Michigan Organizing Project 2011). Working as a facilitator and even as a negotiator of sorts between the many independent groups that participate in the Michigan Organizing Project, this organization also values communication and cooperation as way of getting things done -- perhaps as the way of getting things done, as a matter of fact (Michigan Organizing Project 2011).