DPSS News Nov 2020

A SEASON OF GRATITUDE… Dear Team:

SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT RAISES FUNDS TO FIGHT CANCER

B reast Cancer Awareness month was yet another

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I want to express my gratitude to each of you for the spirit of service you demonstrate year-round to

opportunity that employees within the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) took to make a positive difference in the lives of county residents. T h e D P S S S p e c i a l Invest igat ions Uni t (SIU) joined in the Pink Patch Project for the first time since the communi ty campaign started in 2013. The Pink Patch Project aims to bring attention to the fight against breast cancer and to support research organizations in combating this devastating disease. The DPSS SIU sold close to 400 commemorative patches and raised $3,325 for Michelle’s Place, a resource center in Temecula that provides over 10,000 free services a year to individuals and families battling all types of cancer. Dorla Jones, welfare fraud investigator within the SIU, launched the campaign for DPSS in March. Jones said she was happily surprised by the outpouring of generosity during a global pandemic. “This has been a very great campaign and a pleasure knowing our small efforts can make a difference in the lives of others.” Jones, herself a breast cancer survivor, said the campaign not only benefits a non- profit that serves a population especially at risk for coronavirus but also underscores her team’s commitment to public service. The DPSS SIU was one of more than 500 agencies involved in the Pink Patch Project worldwide. The DPSS SIU team participated in the Pink Patch Project, raising $3,325 for Michelle’s Place in Temecula. (Photo credit: Sr. Investigator Mark Drake/DPSS SIU)

individuals and communities who are struggling and in need. Over this past year, you provided housing, health, food and workforce services to nearly one million children and adults in our county. Many of your own families have suffered personal and economic hardships during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Throughout these unprecedented events, you’ve continued to focus on meeting the needs of others and protecting our most at-risk and vulnerable children and adults. I am inspired by your flexibility and grateful for your commitment to public service. Alongside our community and faith-based partners, you’ve strengthened the safety net for all 2.5 million residents of Riverside County. This year our holidays may be filled with tough choices and challenges as we modify our celebrations to stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic. The good news is that this is the season when gratitude is front and center of many of our activities. Finding ways to demonstrate gratitude can strengthen our spirits and improve our own emotional wellbeing during these unprecedented times. The positive effects of gratitude can also extend to our family and friends. In addition to expressing my gratitude to each of you, I want to wish everyone a safe and restful Thanksgiving weekend. We have so much to be thankful for as we look ahead to a new year and new opportunities. Thank you for choosing to be part of this wonderful organization. Thank you for the spirit of gratitude you demonstrate daily in your professional service to families and individuals in our communities.

“It was amazing seeing the generous donation raised by the Riverside County DPSS SIU,” said Jennifer Smith, development and fundraiser officer for Michelle’s Place. “Having the officers take the time to visit our center meant so much to us. I very much look forward to this continued relationship to bring awareness of breast cancer to our communities.” While the campaign officially ended on October 15, the DPSS SIU pink patches are st i l l avai lable for purchase. They cost $10 each and all proceeds will go towards funding next year’s campaign. For more i n f o r m a t i o n , p l e a s e v i s i t pinkpatchproject.com.

“

This has been a very eventful campaign and a pleasure knowing our small efforts can make a huge impact in the lives of others.

“

Dorla Jones – Welfare Fraud Investigator/Peace Officer, Badge #166

With gratitude, Sayori Baldwin Director

PAGE 1

RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES