2023 OHW Executive Summary NoCrop v3

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STAFF LEADERSHIP FOUNDATIONAL TO OHW MISSION

INAUGURAL TASKFORCE LAYS FOUNDATION

A taskforce of social service professionals from Children’s and Adult Services first convened in March to establish the Office of Health and Wellness. Members included Meghan Boyd, Michelle Carrillo, Denée Fotia, Monique Jones, Michele Kapp, Jenell Ross, Gracie Olivia, Rebekah Taylor and Brenda Vertiz. The taskforce adopted a logo, program charter, draft bylaws and OHW’s Mission, Vision and Values. The taskforce concluded June 21. At a luncheon to honor their work, DPSS Director Charity Douglas commended the contributions each member had made to the new OHW and DPSS workforce.

GOVERNANCE COUNCIL TAKES THE LEAD

Staff from Adult Services, Children’s Services and Self-

Sufficiency divisions were invited to apply for the inaugural OHW Governance Council. In November, 16 of 30 applicants were selected for the Council, which acts in an oversight and advisory capacity to shape OHW strategies and inform OHW leadership about staff interests. Council members also serve as wellness champions, upholding OHW values and ethical standards to support a sustained organizational transformation.

Photo above, left to right: Ratnesh Prasad, Donald Williams, Jr., Felix Minjares, Brenda Vertiz, Steve Prado, Melissa Gaston, Rochiele Davis, Heather Dalmases, Isabel Cervantes, Samantha Lee, Jaime Pineda, Sha Hammond, Starla Porter, Monica Williams, Michael Spivey, Feledier Thrower (not pictured). Photo left, left to right: Regional Manager Felix Minjarez (Self Sufficiency) and Social Services Practitioner Michael Spivey (Adult Services) were elected co-chairs of the Council in December. Employment Services Counselor Sha Hammond (Welfare- to-Work) was chosen as Council Recorder.

PEER COACHING for social services practitioners is conducted by a trained peer who has experience in the field and who can help the social service practitioner successfully navigate challenging situations within their profession. HEALTH AND WELLNESS COACHING empowers staff with the tools they need to embrace a positive lifestyle and behaviors to support their goals.

2023 Office of Health and Wellness Executive Summary