DPSS News June 2020

FROM PILOT PROJECT TO LONG TERM BUSINESS MODEL: TELEWORK IS HERE TO STAY ince the coronavirus pandemic pushed the fast-forward button on DPSS’ plans to phase in telework, those who were working on the plan before the virus hit say there’s no turning back the clock. “We are a nearly century-old agency. We have established a lot of traditions and a lot of processes and procedures. We take care of kids and vulnerable communities. We’ve had this model where we come to work in our separate cubicles and areas,” says DPSS Managing Director Dr. Jennifer Claar. “Technology is forcing us to move to a completely different reality—a virtual reality.” That reality came rushing in this past March when DPSS quickly transitioned nearly 90% of its staff to teleworking during the pandemic’s early wake. What had been a long-term plan to get employees working from home became the new business model overnight, Claar says. S

CHILDREN’S SERVICES FINDS VIRTUAL CONNECTION THROUGH HEALTHY BREAKS

“The train has left the station. Now, we are trying to get organized so when we come out of this pandemic we will continue teleworking permanently without interruptions. We are focused on bringing DPSS into the future and helping our customers adapt to new technologies,” Claar says. “There will be a lot of flexibility in this new model.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Business Drop-In Centers ◙ Improve and support the telework experience ◙ Ensure adequate access to office resources ◙ Foster collaboration and teamwork ◙ Encourage space optimization ◙ Reduce overhead costs

AMADA WHITSON, Yoga Instructor

T

wo times a week during their morning breaks, staffers from Children’s Services turn on Skype and roll out their yoga mats for 15-minutes of deep breathing, meditating and stretching together. “There’s a lot of information that shows a connection between yoga and increased wellbeing,” said teacher Amada Whitson, a social services supervisor in the Specialized Operations and Adoption Region (SOAR). Since the COVID 19 pandemic first struck in March, more than 1,050 of the 1,134 employees in Children’s Services have transitioned to teleworking. While some customer service locations are preparing to resume increased but limited public access, it’s anticipated that mo s t DPSS s t a f f w i l l c o n t i n u e teleworking for the long term. Routines and self-discipline will be important. Ma r na Mi l l e r, a soc i a l se r v i ces supervisor, said she was disregarding the invitations to Whitson’s class until a coworker nudged her to give it a try. “I’m so glad I did,” she reports. “At first, I thought I could not find the time, but then I realized it was just 15 minutes. It really helps me get my head ready for the day and now I am there every week. Each day I set my daily intention and make my to-do list. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

GIRL SCOUT TROOP PACKS LOVE AND CHEER INTO PANTRY BOXES FOR SENIORS

W

ith crayons and markers in hand, members of Girl Scout Troop 354 from Wildomar are regularly writing colorful cards filled with messages of hope and inspiration. The cards are meant to brighten the days of seniors in self isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The messages are added to pantry boxes filled with fresh and nonperishable food that Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley workers are delivering to home-bound seniors across Riverside County. The initiative, known as Courtesy Pantry, is spearheaded by Riverside County’s Office on Aging in partnership with the Department of Public Social Services, Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley, and The Salvation Army.

MOLLY BLACKETER, Member of Girl Scout Troop 354

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

PAGE 1

RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY CHURCH HONORS RIVERSIDE COUNTY FOSTER YOUTH CLASS OF 2020

LOBBIES EXPANDING PUBLIC HOURS BUT FOCUS CONTINUES ON SELF-SERVICE OPTIONS s Self-Sufficiency lobbies start to phase in new business hours this month, customers will still be asked to use telephone and online self-service options whenever possible. “Applying for food, cash and medical assistance at C4Yourself.com or on the C4Yourself mobile app helps customers manage their applications and benefits 24 hours a day from home without having to visit an office,” said Assistant Director Allison Gonzalez, program director for Self-Sufficiency. “Our communities have significant needs right now and the available self-service options are an easy and convenient way for our customers to have immediate access to their case information.” Self Sufficiency has processed more than 100,000 new applications since the coronavirus pandemic surfaced in March. Cal-Fresh applications have doubled in that time, with 4 out of every 5 customers accessing services through the C4Yourself portals. Supporting and encouraging customers to access self-service options will help DPSS re-open its lobbies with new safety measures in place, said Special Investigations Unit Chief Shawn Ferris, who is heading the Department Operations Center. “These enhancements are intended to provide additional safeguards for the health of our customers and employees as we deliver quality and timely services,” Ferris said. Near term plans include the installation of clear plexiglass barriers in main interview and customer service areas. Employee and visitors will be required to maintain physical distancing and employees will be required to wear facial coverings over their noses and mouths; visitors will be asked to wear facial coverings as well. Screening questions will be asked at the door. The number of people allowed in lobbies will be limited and set by the size of the space. Customers and staff can find videos about the benefits of self service and how to use these options on the DPSS YouTube Page. Stay connected for more information on our website and follow us on social media @RivCoDPSS HOURS OF EXPANDED LOBBY SERVICE (Effective June 15th) DIVISION OFFICE ADDRESS HOURS A

or the past nine years, volunteers from La Sierra University Church have been committed to creating special gifts for each Riverside County youth in foster care who graduates from high school. Foster youth represent one of the most vulnerable and academically at-risk student groups. Their high school graduation rate is 56% compared to the statewide average of 85%, according to the California Department of Education. This year, close to 100 foster youth in Riverside County are graduating from high school and 10 will be going on to a four-year college. “This is often the only celebration for such an amazing accomplishment of graduation or completion of a GED that our youth in care experience,” said Carrie Mosiello, DPSS Regional Manager for Youth and Community Resources. “They are to be congratulated and celebrated for all their hard work and dedication. Our community partners help us do that!” Youth volunteers spent the past few weeks creating 130 candy leis with suppl ies contributed by La Sierra University Church (LSUC) in Riverside. Dave Toogood, youth pastor from LSUC, purchased 50 pounds of candy and delivered supply bags to church volunteers to assemble the leis from home. The leis were individual ized for each graduate, with a personal message and $30 gift card attached. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 PASTOR DAVE TOOGOOD holds up candy leis made by volunteers F

Blythe

1125 Hobson Way

Hemet

541 N San Jacinto St

8:00am - 10:00am (Walk- Ins) 1:30pm - 3:30pm (Appt. Only)

Indio

44-199 Monroe St

Self Sufficiency

La Sierra

11060 Magnolia Ave

Moreno Valley

12625 Heacock St

Adult Services

Moreno Valley

12125 Day St

8:00am - 5:00pm (Appt. Only)

Child Services

Riverside

11070 Magnolia Ave

PAGE 2

RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

ELDER ABUSE MONTH SHEDS SPOTLIGHT ON NEEDS OF VULNERABLE SENIORS

DPSS CELEBRATES A FOSTER YOUTH PARTNER AND A NEW UNIVERSITY GRADUATE

B

elinda Bobadilla misses meeting her kids for coffee at Starbucks. Being able to see them in person and to offer a hug if they need one is what she loves best about her role as a foster youth partner. Due to the current coronavirus crisis, however, face to face time has been placed on hold. It has also placed on hold her own formal college graduation ceremony. For Belinda, life has not always been easy. The oldest daughter of Mexican immigrants, she recalls her father struggling to get her and her three younger siblings out of poverty. At age 17, Belinda entered the Riverside County foster care program. After completing her high school diploma through Adult Education, she stayed a bit longer with her foster Mom before moving into transitional housing.

BELINDA BOBADILLA, a foster youth partner in the DPSS Youth Partner Program is graduating from La Sierra University this month.

Adult Protective Service social worker Dianet Penilla.

A

In her view, many of the hardships that she has endured in life have been opportunities in disguise. Now, Belinda will be graduating from La Sierra University with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). “I can’t believe this is finally happening,” she said. Belinda considers herself fortunate. Only 15% of foster children will attend college and fewer than 3% will earn a degree, according to Voices for Children, an advocacy organization for foster children that operates in Riverside and San Diego counties. At age 32, Belinda mentors foster youth who are facing the same obstacles she confronted while growing up. She has been a Youth Partner for the past nine years, helping current foster youth successfully transition into adulthood. encourages them to maintain their lifelong connections and to learn to take charge of their own wellbeing. “It is an emotional journey,” she said. “It is not their fault they are in the system. I tell them they need to be willing to see their current situation as a new beginning. “Foster care opened my eyes and gave me hope that something good can come from extreme events,” said Belinda. “I learned to forgive and to have compassion for others. Without compassion, we would not feel the obligation to serve others.” Belinda attributes her success to the mentors she had along the way: friends, colleagues, social workers and supervisors. But, most of all, she says it has been her faith that has helped to get her through the difficult times. After graduation, Bobadilla is considering a career in social work. “It feels great to know that I have come so far and am finally at the end of this journey and the beginning of another,” she said. “This is truly an epic moment.” **To make a referral to the Youth Partners program, Social Service Providers can submit a form via intranet (DPSS 4487) and send to parentyouthpartner@rivco.org. Belinda has survived, endured and thrived in challenging situations. She enjoys the process of learning, and has dedicated her life to improving the lives of others. Congratulations Belinda!! You have put in sleepless nights, weekends, back to back roles with your internship on top of your 40 hour work week as a Youth Partner. You are amazing! - Michelle Markovsky , Youth Partner Supervisor “ “ “I love interacting with the kids,” said Belinda. She wants to let them know that there is still support available to them. “I tell them that it is not easy but if I could do it, so can they.” Belinda helps foster youth find stability in their placements and she

s seniors self-isolate during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, social worker Dianet Penilla with Adult Protective Services is learning first-hand about their struggles. “We’re getting cases where seniors are depressed, don’t have enough food or have been the victims of various scams,” Penilla said. “I encourage them to seek personal connections and mental health services. It’s part of a collaboration with county partners to make sure all our clients know the resources available to help them in this tough time.” June is National Elder Abuse Month, a time each year to highlight the vulnerability of America’s senior and dependent adults, and how families and communities can help. Penilla works with up to 21 clients a month. She visi ts them in person if they’re in imminent danger, including physical , financial or sexual abuse. She’s also checking on clients weekly over the phone or by video chat.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

PAGE 3

RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

CHILDREN’S SERVICES FINDS VIRTUAL CONNECTION THROUGH HEALTHY YOGA BREAKS (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) Yoga days r ea l l y r e i n f o r ce t he importance of self-care. Amada’s words during yoga are almost as important as the stretches.” Whitson and others caution that it’s easy when teleworking to get trapped in an ‘always-on’ mindset that can lead to burnout. Establishing a consistent routine that includes carving out time for lunch and breaks is important to staying productive and positive. Maintaining social connections with coworkers is also important to cementing teamwork. “Now is a perfect time to demonstrate r e s i l i e n c e b y i n c r e a s i n g o u r engagement with resources that nurture and support us, and support our efforts in serving our communities,” Whitson says. “Yoga gives us an opportunity to do something together as a team even if it is virtually.” Kali Sorrels-Goode had been toying with the idea of doing some yoga stretches to work out the kinks of teleworking. She said Whitson has a great approach to yoga instruction and is mindful of the team’s time.

FROM PILOT PROJECT TO LONG TERM BUSINESS MODEL: TELEWORK IS HERE TO STAY (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) Claar predicts most staff in Eligibility, Children’s and Adults services will remain teleworking. Self Sufficiency will see some employees returning later this month as offices gradually expand their hours for public access. Others are likely to continue to work remotely full or part time. Business drop-in centers will be established countywide so teleworkers can conveniently access resources to support their work and hopefully reduce their commute times. Downsizing and consolidating the footprint of DPSS facilities will reduce costs, create greater efficiencies and allow existing spaces to be repurposed to accommodate the new business model, says DPSS Assistant Director Marianna Sarmiento, program director over Administrative Services. Four locations are scheduled for permanent closure beginning with the Hamner Ave. office in Norco later this month. Facilities on Central Avenue in Riverside are also slated for closure in late June. Additional opportunities for building consolidations exist at the La Sierra and Reynolds Road sites but have not been finalized. Staff in these offices will remain teleworking or will be transferred to new locations. “With staff working remotely and business drop-in centers on the horizon, we no longer need all this space,” Sarmiento says. “Our focus is on serving our communities and our staff -.” Some staff have expressed concerns about equipment and other issues associated with telecommuting, says Lori Perry, one member of a telework project team who is working with the department’s telework taskforce. But Perry says to relax. Flexibility and patience along with good coordination between managers and staff are keys to success in the brave new world of remote working. “Don’t get caught up in all the details. We are all learning. We are all adjusting. Stuff will shake itself out. We’ve been thrown into the water and now it’s time to swim. Get in and get comfortable. We are here to support you.” They were included in a gift basket that volunteers will be personally delivering to each graduating youth. Graduates outside the county will receive their baskets in the mail. This year’s annual in-person celebration was canceled due to the coronavirus. “Our gift is small, but it is our way of letting these young people know that we believe in LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY CHURCH HONORS RIVERSIDE COUNTY FOSTER YOUTH CLASS OF 2020 (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2)

“We never go b e y o n d 1 5 minutes,” said S o r r e l s - G o o d e , a supe r v i s i ng p r o g r a m special ist in C h i l d r e n ’ s Services. “I always come away feeling more relaxed and focused. And, most of my aches and p a i n s h a v e gone away!”

Quick Tips for Telework ◙ If you’re using a laptop, connect it to an external monitor and use that as your primary screen. ◙ Add your telecommute schedule to your email signature line.

them and their future,” said Chris Oberg, lead pastor at LSUC. “We will never meet them, but we know our words will help shape their lives.” ***The community at large can participate by creating their own gift baskets, buying gift cards or making monetary contributions. Call (951) 228-5553 or email faithinmotion@fosterall.org for more information. All gifts or monetary donations are needed by June 26.

Church members holding leis. Photo courtesy of La Sierra University Church.

PAGE 4

RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

GIRL SCOUT TROOP PACKS LOVE AND CHEER INTO PANTRY BOXES FOR SENIORS (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) Courtesy Pantry has delivered more than 3,000 food boxes to Riverside County seniors since the effort began in early April. The program has provided jobs to 18 displaced workers and supports local businesses including farms, artisans, restaurants and nonprofits.

The boxes are filled weekly and in late May, the campaign caught the attention of NBC 4 News. Harold Web, a senior in Riverside County, told the station, “It helps when people come out and show they care. You don’t feel quite as alone as you did before.” Daisy Scout Molly Blacketer enjoys making cards for seniors like Harold Web for a special reason: "I like making them smile.” “When they’re happy, I’m happy,” agreed Molly’s sister, Jewel, who’s a Brownie Scout.

GIRL SCOUT TROOP 354 packing boxes for seniors

The Troop has also sponsored boxed oranges for shut-in seniors with funds raised from their annual cookie sales. Many of the scouts have grandparents they cannot visit right now, as families practice social distancing to limit spreading the coronavirus to older members. Troop leader Crystal Blacketer, who is also Molly and Jewel’s mom, said she is proud of her troop of kindergarten to third-grade girls. “These girls are changing the world one day at a time,” said Blacketer. “They represent what a Girl Scout should be. They are kind, loving and are always thinking of others.”

ELDER ABUSE MONTH SHEDS SPOTLIGHT ON NEEDS OF VULNERABLE SENIORS (continued from page 3) “Some in need will reach out and request assistance. For those who don't—our most vulnerable neighbors—social workers are proactively calling and keeping in touch; making those vital connections to resources and assistance," said Deputy Director Ryan Uhlenkott with Adult Services. Penilla says vulnerable adults are not having as many routine visits with medical professionals who may refer them to APS, making some seniors more vulnerable than ever. As seniors battle what doctors call an epidemic of loneliness and, Penilla and others at Adult Protective Services are encouraging the public to check in with older family members, neighbors and vulnerable adults. “Many of our clients don’t have family in the area or a support system,” Penilla said. “It’s important for neighbors to build a rapport. Pick up the phone. Call them at least once a week. Or safely drop off some food. It not only uplifts their spirits but can prevent abuse or neglect.” One in 10 Riverside County residents will experience some type of abuse later in life. In times of social isolation, the warning signs are hard to spot if a vulnerable senior has no one checking on them. Penilla is encouraging family, friends and the community to report suspected adult abuse or neglect by calling the 24-hour Adult Protective Services Hotline at 1-800-491-7123.

DPSS tv PRESENTS

A video series about remarkable people doing remarkable things. Episode 1 coming next week! Check DPSS social media pages!

PAGE 5

RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE: THE FUTURE IS HERE NOW

Dear DPSS Team; You all have done a lot of heavy lifting over the past three months to shift our department from an office-based to telework environment. I’m grateful for your commitment in helping us provide uninterrupted services during a time of great need in our communities. I’ve been impressed by your flexibility and the creative ways you are using technology to stay connected to one another. Prior to the coronavirus outbreak in March, only a few DPSS employees were teleworking. Now, eight out of ten of us are working from home. On Monday, a small fraction of our workforce will return to select office locations as we gradually expand lobby services with employee and customer safety in mind. Even at “full capacity” in August, public access to in-person services will be much more limited than prior to March. Our customers are using technology to adapt to our new business model. Four out five Self-Sufficiency customers are accessing online and telephone self-service options for their applications and benefits. New and existing customers are being encouraged to continue using self-service options so onsite staff can focus on customers with complex and immediate needs. Our goal going into the future is to maintain a tele-workforce of at least 75%. This new business model will allow DPSS to focus its resources on our customers and our staff.

In closing, I want to acknowledge the suffering this ongoing pandemic has brought to so many families and communities. It has laid bare the social, economic and health disparities that persist in black and brown communities, and communities where poverty and a lack of essential resources persist. In recent weeks, our hearts have been especially challenged and touched by the death of George Floyd as we witness a national movement across the country. Each of our experiences are uniquely our own and we must respect one another. Healthy dialogue is important. The values that underpin our mission are near and dear to my heart. They are my compass and I’m hoping they will help guide you, too: Are we accountable to one another and the public? Are we collaborative in our approach to finding solutions? Do we treat one another with respect? Do we value diversity as a resource that can enhance our empathy and understanding? Do we act with integrity? (When no one is watching, what do your words and actions sound and look like)? Are our decisions centered around the people we serve; are we customer focused? By embracing these values, I believe we can and will become better community members and public servants. I am so thankful for the diversity of the individuals who make up our department. Each of you, working together, has helped DPSS navigate this tumultuous period with grace toward our customers and toward one another. You are community builders whose work makes a real and positive difference in people’s lives. Sayori Baldwin, Director

@rivcodpss FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

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

PAGE 6

RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES