DPSS News Sept Oct 2020

PAGE 1 DPSS NEWS SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020 MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

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ZOOM FATIGUE? FIND WAYS TO DIAL DOWN ONLINE STRESS CAREGIVER BRINGS COMMUNITY AND HOPE TO CORONA MAN HOMEMADE BLANKETS WRAP FOSTER KIDS IN LOVE NON-PROFIT PARTNER EQUIPS FOSTER CHILDREN FOR SUCCESS ONLINE SERVICES ENCOURAGED AS COUNTY REOPENS AFTER 37 YEARS, LISA LOUGH SAYS GOOD-BYE TEAMS DELIVER COMPUTERS AND GEAR DPSS CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH NEW WEBSITE ON TRACK FOR EARLY SPRING SUPPORT NEEDED FOR MASS CARE IN DISASTERS OCTOBER JOB EXPO AIMS TO CONNECT WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ACTS TO BUILD RESILIENCY, PREVENT SUICIDE

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Dear Team, E a c h o f u s

ZOOM FATIGUE? FIND WAYS TO DIAL DOWN ONLINE STRESS

c o n t i n u e s t o d i s c o v e r n e w chal lenges as we downshift from a full- blown crisis mode to the

‘new normal” in our daily routines. I am grateful for your consistent service to our existing customers and thousands of new households who are experiencing food, heal th, safety and housing insecurity due to COVID19. Our role as social service providers has always been one of great responsibility. Most of us pursue this work because we are committed to eliminating the social and economic barriers that can trap a family in poverty for generations. I do believe these unprecedented times come with unparalleled opportunities. The pandemic has brought health and economic suffering to so many of us. Persistent disparities in health care, employment, wages, housing, income and poverty have made the pandemic especially devastating to our nation’s historically underserved communities. The continuous quality improvement initiatives we are embarking upon now will empower our mission to improve lives and expand opportunities for all vulnerable, disadvantaged, oppressed and exploited people. I would ask that you embrace opportunities to participate in these initiatives as we focus our efforts on serving our communities and quality outcomes to all children, families and adults in need. Please be reminded to keep an extra eye and ear on our customers and loved ones in this virtual environment. I encourage all of us to go the extra mile to help individuals and families who are struggling to maneuver through this on- line environment. Sayori Baldwin, Director

Feeling Zoomed out? No worries! You’re not alone. Working from home is often viewed as a workplace privilege. But with millions now working remotely, a new occupational challenge has emerged. “Zoom fatigue.” It’s a catch-all phrase for the exhausted feeling that happens from hopping on one video conference call to the next. Symptoms include energy depletion, depression, cynicism and excessive stress or anxiety. One of the culprits behind Zoom fatigue –or video-call burnout—is that participants rely on visual cues to follow conversations during the meeting. Staring at a gallery view of multiple faces, with lag time, makes looking for those clues an enormous effort. External factors can also aggravate workplace burnout. Experts advise discussing your challenges with a supervisor, seeking support, getting exercise, adopting good sleep practices and participating in a relaxing activity. DPSS employees can use the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a free confidential service designed to assist with workplace and personal concerns. The toll-free number is (833) 954-1067.

Here are some pointers to prevent video call burnout:

How to alleviate job place burnout:

1. Keep meetings brief. 2. Try not to schedule back-to-back calls. 3. Take a break away from screen between meetings. 4. Focus on listening and taking notes by hand rather than doing “double screen duty”. 5. Make sure your home office feels different than your living space.

1. Discuss specific concerns with your supervisor. 2. Seek support.

3. Try a relaxing activity. 4. Get some exercise and sleep. 5. Practice Mindfulness

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

Caregiver Brings Community and Hope to Corona Man A disabled Corona man now has running water and a functioning home for the first time in years thanks to a caregiver’s big heart, community connections and a collaboration with Adult Protective Services (APS). Diane Long, who runs a manicure business, became a part-time In-Home Supportive Services caregiver to earn extra money when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Back in April, Long says she was stunned to learn about Dana White’s circumstances. Her actions brought a community together and helped change White’s life. “I knew I had to do something,” Long said. White, 53, has health problems and limited income due to disabilities. He was living in his parent’s former home with no running water for four years. Natural gas services were shut off, too. A nurse providing wound care for White shared her concerns with Long. Long called Protective Services for help. White’s case is one of 15,000 investigations of adult abuse and neglect that APS conducts annually in communities spanning Riverside County’s 7,300 sq. mile. Long shared White’s story with customers from her business. They chipped in to help. So did APS. In April, APS and the Office on Aging replaced White’s toilets, faucets and faulty plumbing in his home. Long’s customers, who are involved in various civic groups, volunteered to fix electrical outlets, install ceiling fans and landscaped White’s yard.

Long and APS social worker Pamela Lopez also contacted the city of Corona and a utility company to get the gas back on and water flowing again. White was recently able to enjoy his shower for the first time in years. “Clean, running water is good,” White said. “It’s really great. I’m grateful.” Long believes White has more hope now that his home is functional. “He got really hopeless and kind of gave up on life,” she said. Lopez, the APS social worker, says the effort to improve White’s quality of life a n d h i g h l i g h t s t h e p o w e r o f partnerships. She applauded Long and the community for taking action when they saw a neighbor in need of help. “Various partners such as IHSS, Office on Aging, Inland Empire Health Plan and volunteers all came together to make this happen,” Lopez said. “Ms. Long played a crucial role to coordinate help for Mr. White quickly.” These days Long cares for White 25-30 hours per week by cooking, assisting with medication, errands and cleaning his home. “I’m a caregiver at heart,” she said. “God seems to place me with people who need the help and I’m glad to do it.”

“ Diane Long stands out, and she has gone above and beyond for Mr. White. ” Jimmy Nguyen, Adult Protective Services supervisor

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

HOMEMADE BLANKETS WRAP FOSTER KIDS IN LOVE

W ith every stitch came a prayer and a thought of the child who was going to receive it. “Kept in Safety Wherever I go (Psalms 91:11),” read one piece of fabric sown onto a blanket made by a member of the faith-based community group called “Wrapped in God’s Love.” Tamara Doss is the group’s leader. She’s also the founder and managing director of Amazing Life Ministries, a ministry serving foster and adopted children and their families in Riverside County.

Each biblical verse was chosen by the blanket’s maker, who contemplated which one would be most fitting. The passage was there to serve as a reminder that the recipient was loved and shielded from all harm, said Doss, who is also a mother of three adopted sons formerly in foster care. Before the coronavirus pandemic hit, the group of about 15 women from five different churches gathered to create 58 colorful blankets specially designed for foster babies, children and youth. The first batch was delivered to Children’s Services on July 27. The team plans to make 200 by the end of the year. Moreover, Doss understands the need for the soothing comfort a warm blanket can provide. She observed firsthand how difficult it can be to overcome early childhood trauma as she has seen it in her own three sons, now 17, 14 and 13, who she is raising with her husband, Reggie Doss, a former NFL player for the Los Angeles Rams. “These are tangible items they can take with them as they move from home to home,” she said. “The blankets can provide a sense of security and stability they need in their lives.” Blankets made by the faith-based community project called “Wrapped in God’s Love.” (Courtesy: Amazing Life Ministries)

ThE WoNdErS Of WoRkInG FrOm HoMe

A VIDEO ABOUT THE BRAVE NEWWORLD OF TELEWORK!

P R E S E N T S

C L I C K H E R E T O W A T C H

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

NON-PROFIT PARTNER EQUIPS FOSTER CHILDREN FOR SUCCESS

ONLINE SERVICES ENCOURAGED AS COUNTY REOPENS

R iverside County has reopened public buildings that were closed in July due to the coronavirus, however DPSS clients are being encouraged to continue accessing their benefits and services online whenever possible. Since the pandemic struck in March Online applications for CalFresh, Medi-Cal and CalWORKS have more than doubled. “New and returning customers can access their benefits conveniently and safely online,” said Allison Gonzalez, assistant director of DPSS Sel f Sufficiency. “These benefits are vital to our communities. With unemployment so high, families and individuals are struggling. The needs are great.” Other DPSS locations will continue modified in- person hours, too. In-Home Supportive Services is offering appointments at select locations in the county. Customers can walk into the Day Street Public Authority Office between 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekday or visit the DPSS website to schedule appointments Moreno Valley or other locations. Children’s Services locations will remain open to clients with appointments. Customers with urgent needs for food, cash and medical benefits and without phone or internet access can still visit Self-Sufficiency lobbies between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Customers can contact their local office if an appointment is needed. Customers and employees will be screened for COVID-like symptoms before entering any DPSS facility. Face coverings are required while inside and they will be made available to customers who need them. Of fice hou r s f o r DPSS l oca t i ons a r e a t RivCoDPSS.org. The 5-stage phased DPSS reopening plan can be found on SharePoint by clicking here.

F oster youth who need electronic devices for online learning are plugging in to new laptops and cellphones through a collaboration between Children’s Services and iFoster, a national nonprofit that serves foster youth in all 50 states. Since March, iFoster has provided about 450 laptops and nearly 600 cell phones to Riverside County youth in foster care. Equipping them with technology is part of the organization’s mission to ensure kids in foster care have access to life- changing resources. More than 4,000 Riverside County foster children are enrolled in K-12 classrooms. “Kids in our care need these devices for their academic success and for their emotional wellbeing,” said Cristal Ramirez, a social worker who has requested laptops for several of the youth in her caseload. Guardians and foster youth themselves may apply to the program for devices. “The extended isolation we are experiencing is extremely difficult for all kids—and especially youth in foster care. Many of our kids are unable to visit their biological families right now. This connectivity is essential," Ramirez said. The Truckee-based iFoster began giving free laptops to foster youth across California about seven years ago. In 2017, the organization conducted a survey that found only 5% of rural foster youth and 21% of those in urban settings had access to computers or internet. “The goal is to get laptops and internet access to all our kids in the state,” said Reid Cox, cofounder of iFoster. According to latest data from the California Department of Education, there are close to 50,000 foster students in K-12 schools across the state. Recently iFoster added a two-year pilot program for mobile phones with unlimited data and hotspots. Both programs ramped up quickly when schools across California, including those in Riverside County, were forced to close last spring to curtail spread of the coronavirus. Social workers, guardians and foster youth are eligible to apply for a free laptop or smartphone by calling 855-936-7837 or emailing support@ifoster.org Please visit ifoster.org for more information.

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

Lisa Lough spent nearly 30 years traveling to work at the same building on County Circle Drive. From her second-floor office in the Director’s Suite, Lough served as the executive assistant and righthand to six different department heads during that time. Her lifelong career at DPSS —37 years in all—was a journey of steadfast purpose and constant change. Lough’s last day in the office was Sept. 30. Friends, family, colleagues and former colleagues celebrated her retirement in downstairs conference rooms that were decorated as a campsite to reflect Loughs plans to spend more time in the great outdoors. After 37 Years, Lisa Lough Says Good-Bye

With her bright smile and quiet efficiency, colleagues say Lough remained a main go-to person in the department throughout her career who kept her bosses on pace each step of the way. Lough started with the department as a typist in 1983 and became the DPSS executive assistant after only seven years. She was on hand to see the county’s first monochrome dual -floppy disk computers installed. And, she stayed long enough to see shorthand and memos replaced by high-speed internet and Zoom teleconferencing. While change is certain, Lough said “the passion to help others” has never wavered within the DPSS organization and its staff. “I have worked with many hard-working, talented and very smart people who are also humble and personable individuals – all purposing to do the right thing, with our customers first in their minds,” recalled Lough, who called her goodbyes “ bittersweet. “I believe in the important mission of our department and I am grateful that we are available to the most vulnerable people in our communities and those in need,” Lough says. Director Sayori Baldwin, has known Lough for more than three decades. Baldwin called Lough a “pillar, whose commitment and contributions to the DPSS team and customers were too numerous to count. “She will always be part of our organization. We are really going to feel her absence and wish her all the best on her new journey,” Baldwin said. “ Lough says she’s looking forward to retiring with her husband of 36 years, Kevin. The couple have two grown sons, Ryan and Sean in their 20s. Lough said she plans to spend time traveling, crocheting, working with church groups and getting on a regular exercise regimen. “I have been traveling into the same office for nearly 30 years,” Lough said. “I am very much looking forward to making my own schedule and doing other things of interest.”

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT SERVICES DEPLOYS GEAR TO TELEWORKERS

H ispanic Heritage Week, it expanded to a month in 1988. Each year, the month-long observance begins in the middle of September and it “recognizes and celebrates the contributions Americans tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean have made to American society and culture,” according to the Census Bureau. It coincides with independence holidays in countries like Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Mexico, Chile and Belize. It also includes Día de la Raza on October 12, or Columbus Day. The Pew Research Center has estimated in 2019 that there are 1,240,000 Riverside County residents who identify themselves as Hispanic, making up 50% of the total population. In our DPSS family, many staff members proudly belong to this this diverse ethnic community. “We know that our cultural roots have had a profound influence on our society as our immigrant families bring the enduring values of hard work and service. We reflect this spirit and dedication in our mission to help the most in need,” said Marianna Sarmiento, assistant director of Administrative Services, whose parents are originally from Guadalajara, Mexico. We can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Heritage Month in simple and safe ways. For example, we can cook a favorite Latin American dish, listen to the sounds of mariachi music or sign up to attend an online cultural event while at home. We can shop also at a local Hispanic-owned business, whether it be in person or online. And we can relax with a good book written by a Spanish-language author enjoying a café with pan dulce . Hispanic Heritage Month lasts until October 15 and this year’s theme is “Be Proud of Your Past, Embrace your Future.” DPSS CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

T echnology Support Services rolled up its sleeves in September to roll out hundreds of computers and hardware devices to teleworkers in the Sel f Sufficiency Division. The team dispersed between 70 and 100 computers a day over just 11 days, with help from Riverside County Information Technology. About 650 teleworkers retr ieved the new and repurposed technology equipment from four DPSS deployment sites countywide. The effort to equip employees with permanent telework equipment supports the department’s longstanding goal of robust telework force that provides seamless online services. Project leaders say the coronavirus outbreak last spring and public health orders limiting in-person transactions accelerated the department’s plans. Catalino Felipe, an administrative services manager with Technology Support, helped spearhead the distribution. “We focused on making sure our customers’ needs were met,” Felipe said. “It’s gratifying to equip our staff with the tools they need to provide services for our most vulnerable community members.” DPSS is among Riverside County’s largest departments with more than 4,000 employees. About 90% of its workforce began working remotely when the pandemic struck last spring. More than half the staff is expected to continue teleworking as part of the department’s permanent model. Yesenia Carlos (left) receiving training on her assigned equipment.

NEW WEBSITE ON TRACK FOR EARLY SPRING P repare to say goodbye to the old DPSS website and hello to a

contemporary customer-centered onl ine exper ience come ear ly Spring. DPSS is one of several county agencies working with Information Technology and the third-party web vendor 360 Civic to shape the content and design for a new public- facing website.

“We are designing our new site with the needs of our customers, community stakeholders and employees in mind,” said Marianna Sarmiento, assistant director of the Administrative Division. “It’s exciting to see this vital new resource coming together to support the needs of our customers and communities,” Sarmiento said. “Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to launch day.”

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

A ll county workers are required to be ready to serve as disaster service workers in the case of a catastrophic event or emergency. Why not get prepared now? Luckily, you can! In the next few weeks, Emergency Services will be offering Mass Care training workshops for DPSS employees who are interested in becoming volunteers, or those who would like a refresher course. Mass Care through DPSS offers temporary relief—including food, shelter and family reunification—to persons impacted by natural or man-made disasters. “This service is really an extension of what we already do here every day at DPSS, which is helping the community members who need us the most,” said Marie Davis, emergency service coordinator. SUPPORT NEEDED FOR MASS CARE IN DISASTERS

“Disasters do not have Outlook calendars like we do,” added Davis. “They will happen when we are least expecting it, so we need to do our best to be prepared for them.” About 280 DPSS employees are currently trained as mass care responders but a larger workforce force is needed. Volunteers decide when they can help and will be compensated for their time. Alex Gonzalez, a DPSS contracts and grants analyst, is one employee who has been a volunteer for the last four years. He was recently deployed to help at the shelter that was set up in Cabazon during the Snow Fire. “I highly recommend serving in this capacity as you learn what is really happening on the ground during an emergency; something that you can’t experience by just watching it on the news,” said Gonzalez. Three online Mass Care trainings will be held on October 20, 21 and 22 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, contact Emergency Service Coordinator, Marie Davis at MarDavis@Rivco.org

OCTOBER JOB EXPO AIMS TO CONNECT WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS T h e 2 5 t h An n u a l Va l l e y -Wi d e Employment Expo will be held online

this year to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Since the pandemic began in March, more than 100,000 jobs in Riverside County have disappeared. Near l y 14% of Ri vers ide County residents are out of work right now, and unemployment is 20% in some desert communities. In the past, hundreds of job seekers and recruiters have gathered to network at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio. But on Thursday, Oct. 15 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., job seekers will have the chance to meet with potential employers in an online environment. Pre-expo workshops are set for Oct. 8 to help attendees prepare for the event. Encourage family and friends in search of a job to attend! For more information or to sign up visit desertjobexpo.com.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES PAGE 7

RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ACTS TO BUILD RESILIENCY, PREVENT SUICIDE

65%-75% Caucasians represent of suicide deaths

50% Adults aged 26-59 account for over of suicide deaths

66% Males accounted for over of suicide deaths

25% Youth aged 15-19 accounted for

Youth aged 15-19 accounted for

59% Males accounted for over

17% of suicide attempts

of suicide attempts

of suicide attempts

T he Board of Supervisors announced in September unanimous support for measures to prevent suicide in Riverside County – an issue that’s deeply personal for Supervisor Chuck Washington. “My own mother committed suicide when I was 8 years old,” Washington said during the board’s Sept. 1 meeting. The Third District supervisor also said he has lost relatives to suicide and a co-worker when he was a pilot for Delta Airlines. “I was shocked that I was not able to discern that this man I was flying with was contemplating suicide,” Washington said. “Often times, when an individual arrives at that place in their life when they see no other option, they become at peace with that decision and their outward appearance doesn’t suggest they’re crying out for help.” Suicides in Riverside County increased by 30 percent over the last ten years, with adults between the ages of 25 and 69 representing half of all deaths. Nearly 4,400 calls were made to the county’s prevention line in the last fiscal year by people in immediate danger of dying by suicide. The story serves as a lesson to be more in tune with people who are struggling, Washington said. “We can help. We can prevent suicide, but we have to become more aware before a person reaches that final phase where they’ve decided that’s the way to go.” The Board also adopted a countywide plan “Building Hope and Resiliency” to coincide with California’s five-year suicide prevention strategy. The county’s plan can be found online here. It includes training to spot warning signs and ways to reach out to those who are struggling. Anyone in need of help can call Riverside County’s confidential 24-hour Suicide Prevention Crisis Line at 951-686-HELP.

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES