DPSS News - August 2020

LONGTIME DPSS EMPLOYEE SAYS FAREWELL TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY

W orking for DPSS has been a long and satisfying career for Cynthia Harts. Her tenure spanned nearly three decades and ended with much fanfare on July 16 when she was thrown a drive-through style retirement party, complete with social distancing, at the Staff Development Center in Moreno Valley. While Harts would have preferred to “leave quietly out the back door”, her supervisor and staff had other plans in mind.

“We couldn’t let her go without saying goodbye, even if we are in the midst of a COVID environment,” said Renee Sauve, deputy director of Self-Sufficiency, Eastern Region. “Cynthia has made a positive impact on so many here, we did not want her to leave without knowing how loved and valued she was. We will miss her terribly.” Harts, 60, began her journey with the Self-Sufficiency Division in 1991. Her then husband encouraged her to apply for an opening as an Eligibility Technician Trainee. The job was a perfect match and she said it came naturally to her. From then on, Harts said her office became a haven where she could make Cynthia Harts (2nd from left) at a recent DPSS softball game

a difference by helping people get their benefits in a timely and efficient manner. For Harts, the two most gratifying parts of the job were being able to take care of customers and help fellow colleagues advance in their careers. “DPSS is a unique organization because it allows anyone to start at the bottom and climb their way to the very top,” said Harts, who worked her way to full-service Regional Manager at the Banning Self-Sufficiency office in 2014. “I had the grace to promote through the system,” she added. During her 28 years of service, Harts has observed how Self-Sufficiency has evolved— from filling out forms by hand and meeting every customer face-to-face to processing applications electronically. However, she feels the mission remains the same: helping those who are in need. “These folks are the reason why we are here,” Harts said. “If they didn’t need us, we would not be here.” And Harts is looking forward to seeing all the amazing things that DPSS will be doing in the future. “It has been such a blessing for me to participate in a most rewarding career,” she said. “DPSS will always have a very special place in my heart.”

“I have met some wonderful people and my life has been touched by so many … I am forever grateful to so many people in all classifications and divisions. DPSS and you will always have a very special place in my heart.”

-Cynthia Harts, DPSS Employee (1991-2020)

In-Home Supportive Services is actively recruiting in-home caregivers. IHSS wants to hire 600 caregivers to keep pace with the county’s aging population. The need for care givers is especially great in the Coachella Valley, Blythe and Anza. If you know compassionate, committed people who are interested in applying, please have them call the IHSS Home Line at (888) 960-4477.

This newsletter is produced by Community & Government Relations. Have questions/comments/ideas? Email us at DPSSInfo@rivco.org

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES