DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/MAY’15
DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/MAY’15
Hello staff, Happy May! The weather is warming up, school is almost out for summer vacation, and this month is chock-full of festivities and celebrations. As many of you know, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, in which we work with others around the country to bring awareness to mental illness, fight stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for equal care. We will also be celebrating the successful reunification of our children in out-of-home care with their families at the courthouse on May 15, and of course Mother’s Day is May 10, when we will be celebrating all the mamas, foster moms, adoptive mothers, step-mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures in our own lives and our clients’ lives.
s ' l i apr s e t no
Our local Bob Evans has even committed to make Saturday, 5/16, a fundraiser exclusively for Directions for Living! When you come into the new Bob Evans at Gulf to Bay and Belcher (2183 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Clearwater) at any time on 5/16, 15% of proceeds will be donated to Directions for Living as long as you mention us when you are checking out at the counter. You can come for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Please help us spread the word.
Although May is going to be a month full of fun, perhaps the date that excites me most this month is today, May 5. Not only is it Cinco de Mayo, with our Sunshine Committee hosting a Taco Tuesday luncheon at all centers, it is also Give Day Tampa Bay! As I mentioned in an earlier email and at our last SoundBites, Give Day is an extremely important, exciting day for us. Hundreds of not-for-profits in our region are gathering their
TWO
resources to bring in donations during this 24-hour charitable giving event, and I want us to stand out amongst the competition and top the leaderboard! Not only will any funds we raise go straight back to support our services, it will bring much-needed awareness to the hard work you do every day. Hopefully you are all competing to win the $100 cash prize by asking your friends, families, churches, and other contacts to consider supporting our mission through a donation. Please share our Give Day promotions on our Facebook page and remember that all donations must be made on TODAY by following this link. Lastly, we also have a Memorial Day company holiday on Monday, May 25. I hope you all enjoy the long weekend and are able to come back rejuvenated and well-rested. Have a wonderful month, everyone! -April
DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/MAY’15
THREE
DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/APR’15
FOUR
DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/MAY’15
CODE ORANGE
CODE ORANGE IS CALLED IN THE EVENT OF ANY EMERGENCY THAT MAY REQUIRE A LOCKDOWN ONLY the CEO, Center Director, or appointed designee makes the decision to lockdown and announce a Code Orange. Staff will be alerted via intercom, e-mail, or other predetermined mode of communication that a Code Orange is in effect, along with procedures to follow. Staff assigned to or assisting clients and visitors are required to ensure direct supervision during the time of Code Orange. Staff, clients, and visitors may not vacate the center until the perceived threat has been assessed, eliminated, and/or resolved. The CEO, Center Director, or appointed designee will contact local authorities if warranted.
PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED FOR LOCKDOWN: •All staff are to immediately close and/or lock work area doors to allow individuals to “Shelter in Place”. •Work area doors are not to be opened until the “All Clear” is announced. •Be alert for any developing threats. Be prepared to evacuate building if advised. •Assigned Safety Committee members will report to and monitor building entrances and exits until the code is cleared. All other members close and/or lock work area doors. •Stay in “Lock Down” mode until the CEO, Center Director, or designee announces an “All Clear” twice.
SCENERIOS IN WHICH CENTERS ARE REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT A CODE ORANGE:
When there is a foreseeable threat of harm to staff, clients, or visitors caused by but not limited to the following:
ADVERSE WEATER CONDITIONS
TOXIC/CHEMICAL SPILL
VIOLENT AND/OR THREATENING PERSONS
DANGEROUS ANIMALS ON OR NEAR PROPERTY UNIDENTIFIED EXTERNAL DISTURBANCE
FIVE
DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/MAY’15
MAY BIRTHDAYS 1st
6th
4th
Kourtney Gabardi
James Bishop Kimberly Carlow
Jennifer Chard
15th
14th
John Fernandez
Elizabeth Mahoney Hank McIvor
7th Allyson Hazzard
10th
8th
Perry Roman Elizabeth Worsdell
16th Inez Peake
Nizammah McCormick
Kristie Giancola
Kay Marlowe Michael O’Rourke
17th
22nd
21st
Denton Jackson
Kathy Mcreynolds
Debra McMahan
24th Katherine Toledo
Steven Nelson Farrah Nolan
25th
28th Jed Newirth
30th Dr. Rempfer
Alisha Oelbracht
SIX
31st Jennifer Demasco
DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/MAY’15
one one year year
Jeila Alai
two two years years
Masha Honore
Michelle Furan-Sullivan
Benisha Jackson
four four years years
Patrice Womack
six six years years Brittany Snyder
Jennifer Whealey
Matthew Robertson
nine nine years years Edina Gurdic
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO DIRECTIONS FOR LIVING, YOU ARE INSTRUMENTAL IN MAKING SURE ‘LIFE GETS BETTER HERE!’
DATES TO REMEMBER THIS MONTH!
GIVE BACK NIGHT! 11/14 SOUNDBITES
CELEBRATING MAY s e i r a s r e v i ann
Join us at Bob Evans (2183 Gulf to Bay Blvd) at any time on 5/16/15 and 15% of proceeds will come back to DFL! Mmm... don’t miss out on that sausage gravy!
Join April Lott for SoundBites on 5/22/15 at our Clearwater Center from 12pm - 1pm. Lunch will be provided.
MEMORIAL DAY
Enjoy a paid day off Monday, 5/25/15 in celebration of Memorial Day!
SEVEN
DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/MAY’15
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
DEBRA WYNN EIGHT
DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/MAY’15
interview
THIS MONTH WE ARE CELEBRATING FAMILY SUPPORT COORDINATOR, DEBRA WYNN! CONGRATULATIONS DEBRA! Describe your typical day
My day begins the night before, making sure all appointments are confirmed and there are no changes made with the children or clients. I transport children and clients to appointments from one county to the next, while working on my documentations and phone calls when time allows during my busy schedule. Updating and communicating with the Case Manager and my Supervisor are very important. I am constantly problem solving to work my cases for the best interest of the children and clients each day. I also attend staffings and court hearings.
Why Directions for Living?
Social work has been in my family’s careers since I was a young child. My mother transported children out of town during HRS days. I knew this was something I wanted to do, as well. I know God placed me in this position to make a difference in the lives of children and families. Family Specialists work directly with our clients each day, and this has enticed me to stay in this position for a long period of time. I have been in this field for 20 years and I love it.
Your greatest career accomplishment It was a young lady I worked with 8 years ago. She was a teen who ran away, had no respect for the workers, dropped out of school, and became pregnant. I always
pray each morning that God guide me to say or do something that may make a difference in someone’s life. I began to transport this child to all her appointments and built a relationship with her. I stayed on this case until she gave birth, completed school, and moved back to St. Pete with her grandfather. Today we still keep in contact. She has her own place a few blocks from me and is working. Her daughter is now 8 years old and doing well in school. This was one of my accomplishments I am PROUD of.
Describe your perfect Saturday
My perfect Saturday would be all about me, starting with getting up as early as possible to get my workout in. After working out, I would go shopping and hit the yards sales. I would then spend time with my family having dinner, going to a family event, and watching a good movie.
SHE HAS BEEN WITH CHILD SAFETY SINCE THE HONEYWELL DAYS & IN ALL OF THAT TIME, HER PASSION FOR OUR FAMILIES HAS ONLY GROWN. SHE PUTS THEM FIRST, NOT JUST ON PAPER & BECAUSE IT’S WHAT WE ARE “SUPPOSED TO DO” SHE DOES IT BECAUSE SHE SIMPLY WANTS TO HELP. I HAVE SEEN PARENTS, CAREGIVERS AND CHILDREN OPEN UP TO HER WHEN THEY WONT TO ANYONE ELSE. CASE MANAGERS, SUPERVISORS, ATTORNEYS & GAL’S HAVE TOLD ME HOW HER ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE IN MORE THAN A FEW CASES. NO MATTER WHAT THE CHALLENGE, DEBORAH STEPS UP TO THE PLATE & GIVES HER ALL TO THE TEAM.
Gwendolyn Fraser
EVERYDAY
The Employee of the Month is selected each month by Directions for Living President & CEO April Lott based on nominations submitted by staff members. The Employee of the Month receives 8 hours of PTO, a reserved parking space, certificate of distinction, and recognition in the monthly DFL Employee Newsletter.
O R E H
CATHERINE LEMOINE Thank you, Catherine Lemoine, for bringing so much life and spirit to Team MZ! Your valued support of your Team knows no bounds, and your ongoing care and support of this Supervisor is extremely appreciated. You are also one of the hardest-working people I know, and your committment to getting things done (and done on time) is extraordinary. I SO appreciate you and your being a HUGE part of Team MZ! Michael Zaycer The Everyday Hero, selected by the Editor, receives 1 hour of PTO and recognition in the monthly DFL Employee Newsletter.
NINE
DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/MAY’15
3
2
1
4
WEL COME
1. John Barilla 2. Jennifer Cerchiai 3. Jennifer Chard 4. Michael Cody 5. Katie Costello 6. Malfis Cuevas
Child Safety CM Child Safety CM Child Safety CM Child Safety CM EHIM Coordinator ECC Parent Educator
TEN
5
6
DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/MAY’15
7. Allyson Hazzard 8. Wanda Henderson 9. Kristine McCullough 10. Jamal Sanders 11. Mikayla Wagner
Child Safety Admin Assistant Peer Mentor Exec Admin Assistant Family Care Manager Counselor
TOamTHE y l i 7
f
11
10 8 9 ELEVEN
DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/MAY’15
Everyday Heroes
r appreciation to ou r he ed ow sh na LaDon areness month! aw r lo se un Co r Counselors fo he you on t e v a h o t happy e such a v o a S h , e u l o l Y m. Arie .P.E. tea have you .O o H t t e c c e i j n Pro Its resence. p e n i u n ge :) e office h t d n u o ar on y Fergus e n t r o K t for grea n o s d i v a Brandy D Kudos to tion!! ica commun ckerman -Julie A r always o f u o y e - Thank d all th n a ! !! Brittany d e t me upda trying to keeping o d u o y t ha :) driving t r families safe u o keeping Bryant -Feleesa a am Alish e t e h t e to Welcoom no Dailey!!!! Fiorenti e n n e i r d -A
our o welcome t e ik l d l nd u We wo e Cooper a l l ie r A r o l and new Counse , Damaris , a d n a W s r e ve all our new pe happy to ha o s e r a e Brenda. W our team :) of you join OPE -Project H ank you for h T d r a h Ric nd Lauren and unication a m m o c , ic h et te your work ! I apprecia k o o l t u o e iv om great posit families fr e h t n o g in k ty! you two ta of the coun m o t t o b o t top ebb -Michael W
Child S af LGBTQ ety staff succ essfull trainin y compl g! et
ed
TWELVE
DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/MAY’15 Karen- Way to go with entering notes :) -Feleesa Bryant Welcome to the team Kerline Raymonvil. I’m so happy to be working on the Early Childhood Court pilot with you! - Elizabeth Mahoney Kudos to Ulysses Alexander for training our new team members and for your willingness to help others and on finishing your Master’s Degree!!! -Julie Ackerman Kudos to Kersten Weaver! You are learning all of your cases so well and I am so impressed with your skills! - Elizabeth Mahoney Kudos to Misty and Diane for working hard on all of their transfer cases. -Adrienne Fiorentino Kudos to Eileen Vazquez! You are helping families navigate the system and you make it look so easy! -Elizabeth Mahoney Jennifer Demasco, Thank you for the most amazing brownies and thank you for always having such great communication. -Kortney Ferguson Good Luck Kristie in your new position on the adoption team, you will be missed on the team. -Adrienne Fiorentino Welcome to Alexis Rosenburger on Team 1! We are so happy to have you and you are such a delightful person! -Elizabeth Mahoney I want to recognize Carolee Binette, who has demonstrated exceptional clinical knowledge. Her insights into client and family dynamics are very well thought out. Her clinical expertise has been a huge help to our Team. Thank you, Carolee, for being a loyal, valued Team MZ member for 2 1/2 years now, and, hopefully, for a long time to come! -Michael Zaycer Cheryl- Thank you for conducting the Stand Up meetings you are doing great! -Feleesa Bryant
THIRTEEN
DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/MAY’15
Thank you, Charnell Dunn, for being a part of Family Works since the beginning of our Program, on July 1, 2012. Your clinical knowledge, and your knowledge of the families with whom you work, is exceptional. I am so grateful to have had you on my Team for a year now, but I am even more grateful for the dedication you have shown in helping to keep our Program going from the very beginning. Thank you SO much for being a part of Team MZ! -Michael Zaycer Amanda - Thank you for your ever present smile and diligence to your families. You are such an asset to them and to us. I appreciate the long days you put in and wish you all the best in your Graduate Program. -Michael Webb Good luck to Kerline in your new baby court position. Your old team will miss you!!! -Adrienne Fiorentino Jamal Sanders and Patricia Brown - Welcome to the team! It is great to have you! -Michael Webb A huge thank you to Pamela Tolbert- I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Your calm demeanor always impresses me and you can take on anything that is thrown your way. I appreciate your perseverence and patience! :) -Elizabeth Mahoney Kudos to Rande, Feleesa and I for completing SFE!!!! -Adrienne Fiorentino April White- Thank you for helping me through training! You’re a great mentor. -Brenda McColister
s during a Friday an it T FL D n w o Your very ame! night softball g
FOURTEEN
Susan- Excited for your new role! You will do great! -Feleesa Bryant
DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/MAY’15
Tina- endless hours with your families does not go unnoticed! -Feleesa Bryant Kudos to Latoya Anderson for remaining calm and thinking fast under pressure!!! You are an asset to the team!! -Julie Ackerman Jamal- Welcome to the team! -Feleesa Bryant Stephanie- Great Job on the Softball field and for letting my little one run the bases with you she loved it! -Feleesa Bryant Thank you Jacki Malone, Allison Hall, Angela Glore, Dan Kates, Todd Davidson, Keren Gonzales, and Jason Francisco for welcoming me into the case management family and being so helpful. You guys rock! -Andrea Bryant I love the way Stephanie presents in IDT and she is positive and upbeat and sees the strengths in families always!! She has her work together and knows her next step- I love it. -Rose Holbrook Kudos to Liz for being a great support when needed. -Adrienne Fiorentino Fabiola- Thanks for your hard work! -Feleesa Bryant Mike Zaycer & Julie Ackerman - Thanks for your support, help, expertise and hard work! I appreciate you two! -Michael Webb Kudos to Jesse Green for your diligence when working with high risk clients!! -Julie Ackerman Kudos to Kayla for working so hard on a daily basis. -Adrienne Fiorentino Kudos to Allison for being so supportive during stressful times.
FIFTEEN
DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/MAY’15
Congratulations to Shamery Fernandez for your promotion to the adoption unit! We’ll miss you on Team 1! - Elizabeth Mahoney Kudos to Damon Fluellen for your patience and positive attitude!! -Julie Ackerman Kudos to Julia for all of her hard work and help on the team the last few weeks. -Adrienne Fiorentino Welcome back from vacation Jatharine Mercado!!! -Julie Ackerman Rose- Thanks for taking on the IDT role with ease :) -Feleesa Bryant Lauren Pione - Thank you for adapting to change, your hard work and still getting every single item completed! Keep smiling! -Michael Webb April- thanks for everything you do for this company! It is great working for you! -Feleesa Bryant Kudos to Frank for being a team player!! -Julie Ackerman Thank you to Ulysses and Jatherine for your willingness to staff with families before 9! -Joanne Lynch Joanne- Thanks for being you! -Feleesa Bryant Wanda Henderson- Thank you for helping out so much during my training. You’re going to be a great mentor! -Breanda McColister Damon- Thanks for being a team player! -Feleesa Bryant Amanda - Thank you for everything! Good Luck! -Michael Webb
SIXTEEN
DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/MAY’15
Masha- Have fun on Vacation....but you must come back. -Feleesa Bryant Thank you to Jennifer and Carolee for the amazing updates and presentation at IDT. -Joanne Lynch Jesse- You are doing great! Thanks for all your hard work!! -Feleesa Bryant Tina and Damon… this pair is always prepared! Tina always has FFA for lowering risk and closures and treatment plans are done and submitted on time and I get her staffing packets in enough time to review…not to mention this pair is able to communicate needs to the family effectively which is great. -Rose Holbrook Denise- You are rocking this court care manager position! -Feleesa Bryant Michelle- Thanks for always being supportive of your staff! -Feleesa Bryant DFL Softball Team- Great Job! it has been fun to watch and cheer for you! -Feleesa Bryant KRIS, welcome to the team! It’s been a pleasure working with you so far! -Brittany Houchins Julie- Thanks for helping to guide my path as a supervisor. -Feleesa Bryant Michael and MichaelThank you for answering all my questions!!! -Feleesa Bryant
Staf f Abu weari se P n reve g their ntio n M blue in ont supp h! ort of C hild
SEVENTEEN