IN HER
role as community mobilization coordinator at Community Access Services, Arica Rouse works to establish resources and educate individuals so they can live their healthiest lives. Arica has always been motivated to find ways to help the community, from her days working in foster care and with individuals with developmental disabilities. With CAS, she found a career that is uniquely her – she is able to help people, educate them and educate herself. Can you tell me a little bit more about the work you do? I know you’re a community mobilization coordinator? Right. I do a lot. I help with some of the social media and event planning. I help to strengthen and create relationships with community partners. I reach out and reconnect with agencies to provide services. I also work with peer group programs, Peer-to-Peer and CLEAR, so I facilitate trainings for them. Pre-COVID, I would observe their continuing education in the community. How to do you explain Community Access Services to people? CAS is really in the heart of the community. 14215 is one of those zip codes that is just disproportionally affected by HIV. We’re in the community, so you can come right to us. It’s convenient. Much of the staff resembles the population that we serve, so we take pride in that. We provide pantry services. You don’t find too many pantry services in the 14215. It’s convenient for them to walk here. What drew you to this type of community work? Oh my gosh, well I have worked in human services for years starting with working with individuals with developmental disabilities. I’ve worked in foster care. I’ve worked for the county. Really what drew me to Evergreen and CAS was the diversity. And working in sexual health is such an interesting and fulfilling role. I don’t think anyone else gets to do condom demonstrations and play with lube. This is a daily thing. I get to go on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and inform the community about what we’re doing. This kind of work is very “me.” I’m helping people, educating people and educating myself. I don’t see myself doing anything else. What has been the reaction of the community when you talk about lube and condoms? All kinds. A lot of young people, they might know about condoms. But you’ll find they still don’t know to check the expiration date or they all think they need magnums. So, let’s have a conversation, because you might not. And if you don’t think it makes a difference, it does. It might slide off. Then you could have an unplanned pregnancy or risk an STI. Breaking it down like that makes them
understand. I love the dental dam demonstrations. It’s just fun and entertaining. They’re like, “Oh my god I’ve never even heard of this.” So, I say, “Go ahead. Taste it. See if you like it.” And they’re like, “Oh! This is good!” With seniors, it’s refreshing to have them open up to you because there’s a stigma, and I don’t want to say that it’s just within communities of color, I think it’s an overall stigma that seniors can’t have sex. Well, sex doesn’t stop at a certain age. You can have sex as long as you want. I educate women about lube. A lot of times we go through changes, whether it’s hormones or surgeries. Lube helps us with that! Their eyes kind of open like, “Wow! My doctor never even told me that.” I am 100% rewarded when I can tell somebody something maybe their healthcare provider never even mentioned before. I know CAS has also been really focused on letting the community know that you can help connect them primary healthcare. A lot of patients need a primary care provider. Whatever they need, we can get them linked to. There have been a lot of times when I’ve called providers and they’ve sent somebody out to get the patient enrolled right on the spot. Have patients expressed that they tried to find primary healthcare themselves and had trouble or that they didn’t know where to begin? Either that or they’re working with somebody and that person is taking forever to do it. Sometimes, patients aren’t that great at reading. Some of the population is not that good with technology or even using the phone. It’s always helpful for them to have us to advocate for them. Can you tell me about an experience with a patient that left an impact on you? I’m looking at the poem now. I had a CLEAR program (the CLEAR program stands for Choosing Life: Empower, Action, Results and is described as one-on-one meetings to set and accomplish life goals) participant and she was serious about these five sessions. She wrote this poem. In her early days, she had some of her work published but then she had some substance problems and got away from it. So, she wrote this poem and I’m telling you, it blew me away. I have it hanging on my desk and I look at it all the time. It’s a reminder of how this program impacted her and how it impacts others. People have told me that sometimes they pick up things from CLEAR that they didn’t get from counseling.
I don't see myself doing anything else. - Arica Rouse
Why do you think that is? CLEAR is a path for your future. The whole program is only five sessions but it is concentrated. We want you to visualize your ideal self, your highest, best self, so you can get to achieve your goals. Even though we only meet for those allotted times, we are thinking about years down the road. We’re looking ahead. What did CAS do to mark Black History Month? We encouraged people to come in and get tested. We put some beautiful baskets together. They had condoms, vibrators, candles, room spray and local business raffle donations. We were really excited about it. What types of things do you like to do when you’re not working? Netflix and chill! And that’s because of the pandemic, obviously. I don’t feel safe going out to eat, which I loved doing previously. And my niece, I love having her over. My sister’s work schedule has kind of changed so I’m helping her and her fiancé out. I just love her. She’s four and a Scorpio, just like me! I like a nice drive, even when you don’t even know where you’re going. Again, that’s just since the pandemic. Just driving and clearing your head. So, last question, what Netflix series should we all be watching right now? Well, I just finished Bridgerton. It was very good. It’s got scandal, steamy salaciousness. It starts off a little slow but by episode two, I was like, “Oh this is what’s going on?” I’m locked in. We're proud to work alongside our affiliates to provide and ensure access to affordable healthcare to all Western New Yorkers in an environment that is inclusive, compassionate, respectful and judgment-free. Thank you, Arica, for being an indispensable team member!
As an FQHCLAL, Evergreen's top priority is to vaccinate our employees and healthcare workers within New York State's Phase 1A. We've also begun to vaccinate our Primary Care patients based on their age or health conditions. As of mid-February, we have completed 520 first doses and 307 second doses, including 270 doses on February 12 alone. More than 74 percent of our employees have already been vaccinated! Watch your email for more information on COVID-19 and the ongoing vaccination process.
What is an example of Trauma-Informed Care? A. Asking yourself, “What has happened to this person?” instead of, “What is wrong with this person?” B. Smiling with welcoming body language and using a soft tone of voice C. Empowering patients to make their own choices, including their readiness to answer difficult questions D. All of the above Choice D is correct: Trauma-Informed Care isn’t complicated. It’s about bringing our heart to work, slowing ourselves down and practicing patience and empathy.
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Evergreen, we envision a future where everyone has access to affordable healthcare in an inclusive, compassionate, respectful and judgment-free space. Our core values - welcome
everyone, celebrate diversity and respect everyone’s life experiences - determine how we operate and succeed. Last summer, we reflected on racial inequity and the social determinant of health present in the healthcare system and ways we can use healthcare as an opportunity for equitable change. As 2021 begins, we decided to touch base with Dr. Fatai Gbadamosi, chief medical officer at Evergreen Health and see what Evergreen has integrated for racial equity.
Dr. Gbadamosi, better known around Evergreen as Doc or Dr. G, begins by explaining the three-year
racial equity action plan Evergreen has committed to so that the organization can move closer to the goal of being a more equitable workplace and providing care through a health equity lens. Although Evergreen has had an equity department long before many businesses were being held accountable, Doc believes this three-year plan will get Evergreen closer to an unbiased healthcare approach.
“Population health is something we take seriously to make sure we have a better analysis to address
quality,” says Doc. Foundational data is meant to hold the organization accountable, internally and externally and will help create a baseline from which to grow. Increased education and training and identifying areas of opportunity within the organization are also key goals.
“We need to have an understanding of social determinants of health being addressed to help healthcare
through equity,” says Doc. “Because if someone is homeless, poverty stricken or cannot afford care, we need to make all efforts to make sure that is addressed so we can get them up to par with the rest of the population.”
Population health data gives Evergreen better analysis to address quality. Additionally, healthcare must
be personalized to the patient’s specific situation and needs. Doc says, “What works for Patient A doesn’t necessarily work for Patient B. Unless you take a closer look at an individual, they may have the same problem
but the outcome may not be the same because of their unique situation.”
Doc recalls an instance where a Black patient was not treated in an equitable manner when referred
to another organization, “A gentleman needed surgical intervention to see a specialist. He had HIV, which is a stigma in itself, plus the color of his skin. I always encourage my patients that when they go to a specialist, ‘I want you to tell them about your medical history so they can best address your care.’ He did. Well, unfortunately, as soon as he mentioned his [HIV] diagnosis and of course the color of his skin, the plan seemed to change after that. He was told, ‘You don’t need surgery.’ Well, he came back and wasn’t so happy. I wasn’t too happy either, of course. I reached out to the group and talked to them. It was an uncomfortable discussion. But they said, ‘Well let him come back and we’ll take care of him.’ And they did, but the problem is, do we have to do that for everybody?”
The goal of health equity is that people are all treated based on their individual needs. “They are human
beings who need to be taken care of correctly, and that’s what we do,” says Dr. G. “Medicine is meant to take care of people regardless of their background.”
“I am a very optimistic person,” continues Doc. “Trust is not something you can gain overnight, so it has
to be built over time. We have opportunities to do it now. When people see a proactive role being played at all levels, whether it is community, state or federal, that will improve trust over time.” Dr. Gbadamosi and the team at Evergreen are committed to enacting positive change so that trust can be restored in healthcare and everyone will be treated fairly and with respect.
- Melissa Meyer
Evergreen Health’s mission is to foster healthy communities by providing medical, supportive and behavioral health services to individuals and families in Western New York – especially those who are living with chronic illness or who are underserved by the healthcare system. Explore our website for more information about our programs and services.
Congrats Team Evergreen on being a 2021 finalist in the Buffalo Business First Best Places to Work! Thank you again to everyone who took the time to take this survey and provide valuable feedback on the company’s culture. We will find out how we ranked among the other places to work at the end of the month. You can review past years' results on the Training page of the Intranet.
Mark your calendar! The submission
If you have any follow-up questions or comments for the Thursday Evergreen Announcements from Ray, Ekua and
deadline for the April 2021 issue of Connections is Wednesday, March 17. Be sure to get your content in before the deadline to
Khris, you can submit them via email at COVID19questions@ evergreenhs.org. In addition to the Thursday email messages, you can find up-to-date information about how Evergreen is dealing with COVID-19 by logging in to the ADP portal or checking the Evergreen website.
guarantee placement. Kids, pets, recipes, your new home office we want to share them all! Send to EvergreenConnections via Outlook.
Latonia Lewis | administrative assistant
“Well that is still not where you should be.” I quickly reminded her that
I was diagnosed as a diabetic in 2000. Over the years, I've had so many
than I was. I told her I need her to hear me and not be so quick to have
doctors that would not hear me when I came to my appointments. It was
something negative to say. Also we are supposed to be a team. Once
very discouraging and I started to not care about my health as much.
again, she was shocked. She began to apologize and say she was sorry
she can’t tell me what I can celebrate and that I am doing a lot better
Fast forward to 2019. At the beginning of the year my A1C had gotten
because that’s not what she meant. She went on to say that she has
up to a 12. I started to work on my A1C and it started coming down
seen progress and that everything was looking great. Also, keep up the
slowly. In that same year, I made up in my mind and kept praying that
great work. I was glad now she was hearing me and we were able to get
I was not going to keep taking all this medicine that these doctors kept
on the same page concerning my health. Now when I go back in three
giving me. In July of that year, I had a heart attack due to three blocked
months and my A1C is down to a 6, I will not be a diabetic anymore.
arteries. After that experience, my mind set and I was so determined to
do better with my health. I began to eat better and exercise again to live
just tell you what’s going to happen. It is very frustrating to not be heard
a long healthy life; it was not easy at first but now it is no problem at all
as a patient when you’re trying to express yourself. Speak loud and clear
with the changes.
and let them know your opinion matters. That is what health care means
to me, as a person of color.
I started seeing an endocrinologist in September of 2020 and my
It is so important to take charge of your health and not let doctors
A1C was down to a 9. On the first visit, she started giving me all this medicine to take and had not listened to any of my input about my health goals. I left that doctor’s visit so frustrated and disappointed. I was
Kaily Golba | program assistant
thinking, "Here is another doctor that just wants to shove medication
As a women, mother and family of color, high quality and comprehensive
at me and not hear me." When I went home I sat quietly, I was thinking I
healthcare is extremely important to have for our household. Death
should have said this and I should have said that. I started mapping out
rates for Black Americans surpass those of Americans overall for heart
a plan for my health and how I was going to change things before I went
disease, cancer, diabetes and HIV. Infant mortality rates are almost
to my next visit. I knew that I was not going to let that doctor talk over
double the national average. It is essential to become aware and
me and not listen to me.
educated of these statistics and the many other healthcare disparities
and inequalities that communities of color have been facing throughout
I went in and she began to tell me that my A1C had went down to an
8; I was so excited and she began to tell me that it was still bad. I quickly
history.
let her know that she does not get to tell me what I can or can’t celebrate
and that I am trying very hard to do even better. It shocked her because
to help bridge the gap in care and correct these fatal issues with the
she was not expecting that from me and I told her that she keeps giving
American healthcare system. I have had to learn how to actively and
me medicines that I can’t tolerate and I need her to hear me. I left that
effectively take charge of my own health and wellness and also how to
appointment feeling great and celebrating my success because I knew
strongly advocate for myself when it comes to my personal healthcare,
my next appointment was going to be even better.
health goals and health concerns.
Well on 1/27/21 I went to my cardiologist and he told me that
More representation in the healthcare field is an impactful way
Both my partner and I have had personal experiences of facing
everything was great and I didn’t need to come every six months any
discrimination, judgment, stigma and being dismissed by the healthcare
more - now I can come once a year. I went to my next appointment,
system throughout both our lives. This gives us the responsibility to take
which was with the endocrinologist. I prayed before I went in and when
our experiences and how they affected us, impacted us and what we
my doctor came in, she shared with me that my A1C was down to a 7. I
had to learn and grow through in order to teach our son that his life,
was so excited I started clapping and thanking God, she began to say,
health and well-being matters.
Teresa Lee | correctional services specialist
many medical professionals speak a little Spanish, especially in areas of
As a woman of color, to me, healthcare means bridging the gap in health
they speak a little Spanish, they may not understand cultural problems.
equity. Health equity is ensuring that healthcare is fair and accessible
for all people across the board, despite any determinates, whether they
communities of color is more than three years shorter than that of non-
be social, economical or demographic.
Hispanic white men. For reasons already mentioned, among others,
African Americans and the US healthcare system do not have a great
community health is of the utmost importance because we are human
history as it is. Because of this, a considerable amount of mistrust has
beings just like any other individual. We have families and people around
developed between the two. I believe we need to start here; healthcare
us whom we love; we have to take care of each other. We want to live
needs to rebuild trust in our communities. I believe one of the ways this
healthy and calm lives. We want to enjoy what the world offers us every
can be done is for healthcare to get more involved in community events!
day and live our lives to the fullest.
the country where there is a large Latino community. However, even if Statistics released by the CDC showed that the life expectancy in
Show up and meet us where we are. Also, develop new ways to ensure that our health matters too! Personally, I would like to see a healthcare system that is willing to do whatever it takes in order to break down barriers and restore trust specifically in the Black community because it is needed now more than ever.
Theodore Wilson | linkage specialist Health care to me, as a black man, is one of the most important things out there. It’s having trust in a system that cared nothing for you in the past. As someone living with a chronic disease, I’ve learned to have faith in the healthcare system and not necessarily get over the past wrong doings, but have a hope that times have changed. We still have a mindset that the healthcare system is "out to get us," and it’s understandable, but there is not an at-home-fix for a lot of these major health issues we face as a people.
Isaac Resto Reyes | program assistant Without mental and physical health, we cannot be healthy. Any part of the body, even the brain, can get sick. We all go through events that cause us emotional ups and downs from time to time.
As an individual in the Latino community and of color (due to our
mixed roots, that is, our race comes from Spanish, African and native), medical attention is extremely important. A curious fact is that the Latino community is the most affected by having the lowest rates of medical coverage. Many people in our Latino community suffer from language barriers that can cause difficulties communicating with doctors. Today
It's very frustrating to not be heard as a patient when you're trying to express yourself. - Latonia Lewis
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Evergreen, we are proud to represent a network of organizations that make a positive impact by providing health and wellness services to underserved communities in Western New York. One such organization, Community Access Services, aims to empower and educate communities of color about accessing healthcare and supportive services. CAS works to end the epidemic of HIV and other diseases that challenge the health and wellness of urban communities. By providing preventative education, treatment and comprehensive care service linkage, they are able to positively directly impact the community. Founded under the name Urban Services Network in 2003, and renamed Alianza Latina from 2004-2012 before adopting the name Community Access Services to embrace the expansion of populations served by the organization, CAS has been a long-standing access point to care. At CAS, clients can be linked to healthcare and health insurance, get tested for HIV and STIs and join the many programs and services offered. CAS even offers an on-site food pantry, providing a three-day supply for qualifying members of the 14215-zip code. Teresa Lee, correctional services specialist at CAS, is proud of the work CAS does to break down barriers and restore trust within the Black community. “As a woman of color, to me, healthcare means bridging the gap in health equity,” states Lee. “We want to ensure that healthcare is fair and accessible for all people across the board, despite any determinates — social, economic or demographic.” At Community Access Services, you will be greeted by people who have also faced barriers to health based on their race and/or ethnicity. Kaily Golba, program assistant, recalls her struggles with racial inequity in healthcare, “I have had to learn how to actively and effectively take charge of my own health and wellness and also how to strongly advocate for myself when it comes to personal healthcare, health goals and health concerns. Both my partner and I have had personal experiences of facing discrimination, judgment, stigma and being dismissed by the healthcare system throughout both of our lives.” Using a harm reduction approach, meaning they will never require you to do or be anything in order to get care, CAS will celebrate every victory clients’ experience. They are there to listen, provide linkage to services and do everything they can to help participants lead healthy lives. Not only that, but they never judge. Clients can feel comfortable talking to staff and peer groups about their experiences in a judgmentfree environment. If you or someone you know is interested in the programs and services CAS offers, they can be reached at (716) 852-5969 and are located at 3297 Bailey Avenue. CAS is open Monday - Thursday, 9 A to 4 P and COVID-19 precautions are being taken with all services and community events. For up to date information about events and services, follow Community Access Services on Facebook and Instagram. - Melissa Meyer
CAS works to end the epidemic of HIV and other diseases that challenge the health and wellness of urban communities
Birthdays Jacquelyn Dixon....................................March 6 Richard Ridenour..................................March 6 Melinda Kingsbury...............................March 6 Theodore Wilson...................................March 10 Nakeie Carpenter..................................March 10 Harold Colburn.......................................March 10 Melissa Meyer..........................................March 11 Veronica Velazquez.............................March 11 Theresa Shankland...............................March 12 Erin Pepicello..........................................March 13 Mimi Danso...............................................March 13 Rachel Voelkle-Kuhlmann................March 14 Nichole Frank..........................................March 15 Shirley Swenson....................................March 15 Jasmine Padilla.......................................March 15 Elizabeth Pijanowski............................March 17 Susan Vanderwerf................................March 17 Joseph Ryan............................................March 17 Matthew Sliwinski.................................March 18 Mindi Levine.............................................March 18 Jessica Ziemba Malave.......................March 18 Kaitlyn Gately..........................................March 20 Khrissmyra Vargas...............................March 21 Kate Gallivan............................................March 22 Tiffani Williams.......................................March 22 Vanessa Santos......................................March 22 Melissa Tice-Crawford.......................March 23 Ingrid Burgos..........................................March 23 Brittany Price..........................................March 26 Byron McKinney....................................March 26 Johanna Aponte....................................March 26 Joshua McClain......................................March 27 Kimberly Johnson Brown..................March 31
Anniversaries Niaema Fox................................................. 1 Year Adriane Argo.............................................. 1 Year Romona Harkness................................... 1 Year Stephanie Borowiak............................... 1 Year Kaysha Cruz................................................ 1 Year
We Are a Finalist! Congrats Team Evergreen on being a 2021 finalist in the Buffalo Business First Best Places to Work! Thank you again to everyone who took the time to take this survey and provide valuable feedback on the company’s culture. We will find out how we ranked among the other
Gabe Ortega............................................... 1 Year Kelsey Hanks.............................................. 1 Year Christina Beauvoir................................... 1 Year Sara Fagyas................................................. 1 Year Jeffrey Caliano.......................................... 2 Years Matthew Faltisco...................................... 2 Years Alexis Pena.................................................. 2 Years Khristopher Decker................................. 2 Years
places to work at the end of the month. You can review past years'
Mimi Danso.................................................. 3 Years
results on the Training page of the Intranet.
Arica Rouse................................................. 3 Years
.
Teresa Lee.................................................... 3 Years
403b Retirement Plan Trainings Are Back Get all of your questions answered and learn more about your 403b Retirement Savings options with a representative from Lawley! These hour-long sessions will be held virtually throughout the year. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the plan. The next 403b Training Session will be held on March 18 at 1 p.m. If you are interested in attending, please contact Jocelyn Leising.
Zam Zam Noor.......................................... 3 Years Charles Smith............................................. 4 Years Indoallana Quinones.............................. 5 Years Dana McHale.............................................. 5 Years Renee VanAernam.................................. 5 Years Steven Jagord........................................... 5 Years Abby Depczynski..................................... 5 Years James DeGarmo...................................... 8 Years Justin Azzarella......................................... 9 Years Kelly Craig.................................................... 11 Years Angela Palmer........................................... 20 Years
Lean In | March is Women’s History month. This is an annual declared month that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. Throughout this month, the Lean In group will be sending various communications and hosting different events to celebrate women. Keep your eyes open for more communications on these events. FunC | Evergreen’s employee resource group, FunC, is hosting a virtual networking event for all staff! This event is open to all employees across the organization and is a great way to meet coworkers. It will be held on March 15 at 12 p.m. on Zoom. This will be a great opportunity to meet coworkers across the organization, whether you’ve been an employee 1 day or 12 years. Email Jocelyn Leising for the event link! Communities of Color Resource Group | is a group for all employees who identify as a person of color or an ally. This space is used to talk about issues in the workplace that affect people of color and an opportunity for networking, professional development, knowledge-sharing and community outreach. The CoC resource group meets virtually on the second Friday of each month from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for March 12th. Proud Resource Group | is a group to support Evergreen's LGBTQ+ employees and is a space to voice any workplace concerns with a goal of striving for best practices for LGBTQ+ employees and patients. It is also an opportunity to network and provide resources. The Proud resource group meets virtually on the second Thursday of each month from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for March 11th. Stay tuned for more information regarding International Transgender Day of Visibility celebrated on March 31st. Evergreeners Resource Group | is a group for all employees who are interested in contributing to a sustainable environment at Evergreen. The group's time is dedicated to explore best practices that can be implemented to reduce our environmental footprint and evaluating sustainable purchasing solutions. The Evergreeners meet virtually on the third Wednesday of each month from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. The next meeting is scheduled for March 17th. If you are interested in learning more about the employee resource groups or attending any of the meetings, please send an email to diversity-inclusion@evergreenhs.org.
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Recognizing Excellent Work at Evergreen from January 2
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Mangel Jamieson
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1.
y Rombough
2. Follow the prompt to record the Code Blue or Mr. Webber and say the exact location and building of the incident.
20 - February 19
Dial extension 2222.
3. Hang up your phone. This will prompt your message to be broadcast to all Evergreen locations.
Publisher/Layout John Carocci
Copy Editor Melissa Meyer
Contributors
4. The Code Blue team and Security will respond to the incident.
Jocelyn Leising Shakiya Bell Melissa Meyer Alicia Kohlhagen Tiffany Valentin
You'll have 30 seconds to record your message. If you're not done in 30 seconds, you'll be cut off and your message will be automatically broadcast. It's imperative that you say the location and building in your message: “Code Blue in the men’s lobby bathroom in the Elmwood building” or “Could Mr. Webber please come to the Mathews building counselor room?.” The Code Blue/ Mr. Webber Softkey has been removed from all phones.
Connections is the monthly newsletter for employees and Board members of Evergreen Health and its affilliates, the Pride Center of Western New York and Community Access Services. Please send us your story ideas, photos, feedback or just a friendly hello at Evergreen Connections via Outlook.
Emily Oaks, Ileana Hernandez-Cromer and Jordon Frank visited Sunshine Vegan Eats on Jefferson Avenue. Emily reported that the food was "sooooooo good" and provided a picture of the owner and staff (above left). Several Evergreen and Community Access Services employees dined out at Park Vue Soul Food Bar and Restaurant on South Crossman Street. Shown left to right: Kandice Hood, Stephanie Miranda, Ekua Mends-Aidoo, Gerrod Bennett and Arica Rouse. Stephanie Vroman-Goodrich’s family got takeout from Brother’s on Hertel Avenue. Stephanie stated that the food was outstanding and they will definitely support the restaurant again.
For the last 18 months, mental health has been preparing for OMH licensure. Part of that preparation has involved completely changing how we document assessments, treatment plans, follow up and progress notes. During this time, the entire team has been open and flexible with the changes and their effort has paid off! The team's QA scores have continuously improved throughout the year. This month we're highlighting Christina Monroy, who had the most improvement in her documentation over the last year. Way to go, Christina! Your efforts and motivation around these changes, along with those of the entire Mental Health team, are so appreciated! - Alicia Kohlhagen
Evergreen's donor newsletter is back with a new name and a new look! Evergrowing will help us share stories with our supporters about the organization and the work we do, along with information about upcoming events.
When we sought to establish Evergreen Health Foundation, we knew we wanted our
donor publication to grow and expand so that it reflected the dynamic way our new foundation has adapted to current times. We want to be conscious of balancing accessibility with our environmental footprint. For most of our donors, an e-newsletter seemed to be the preferred option. With an updated format, we are able to provide dynamic visuals to show our donors how we are putting their contributions to work.
Evergrowing, as a title and a mantra, seemed to fit exactly what we are doing at the
foundation. We are growing all the time, in the ways we approach questions and how we find solutions. We re-examine the ways we have done things in the past so that we can optimize our performance for the future. Instead of being fixed in doing things the way they have always been done, we are growing and learning from our experiences to positively impact the lives of more people in our community. Welcome,
!