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December / 2023
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Illuminating Hope Light the Night at the State Capitol in Honor of National Runaway Prevention Month” Day.)
Shanta Frisbee as Transitional Programs Director!
By: Shanta Frisbee
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ational Runaway & Homeless Prevention Month began in 2002 and is presented each year by the National Runaway Safeline, the federally designated national crisis and communication system for youth ages 12 to 21 who have run away, are considering leaving home, or are experiencing homelessness. In recognition of November as National Runaway & Homeless Prevention Month, around 45 people showed up outside the State capitol steps on Thursday, November 9th, to “shine the light” in raising awareness of the issues faced by youth are often expelled from their home, have experienced trauma, struggle to meet basic needs, and are at increased danger of falling into high-risk situations, including human trafficking. According to Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, each year, more than 4.2 million young people between the ages of 13 and 25 experience some form of homelessness in the United States each year. That’s 1 in 10 young adults between the age of 18-25 are experiencing homelessness each year and 1 in 30 between the ages of 13-18. They may be couch surfing, bouncing among relatives and friends, living in
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shelters or sleeping on the streets. The lack of a safe, stable living environment to call home undermines many young people’s life chances at a critical turning point in their lives. “We believe youth homelessness is preventable and can be addressed effectively by policymakers, funders, service providers, and communities with interventions that capitalize upon young people’s strengths and provide adequate support and resources.” Stated Susan Frankel, CEO of the National Runaway Safeline. Last year, the Northwest Human Services HOST program (Health. Outreach. Shelter. & Transitions) provided 4075 services to 119 young adults between 18-24. As of October this year, we’ve already provided 3682 services to 363 young adults. Together with community partners, we are working to raise awareness, provide support, and offer resources for vulnerable young people in this community. Let’s continue to encourage all citizens to appreciate the role that we can all play in advocating for and providing safe alternatives to this vulnerable & high risk population of young people just by “showing up”.
I’d like to share some exciting news with you all. I am pleased to introduce Shanta Frisbee as the new acting Transitional Programs Director. Shanta has been with NWHS for nearly 5 years as the Program Manager at HOST. She came to NWHS with a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and many years’ experience in the mental health and social work field. Since joining NWHS she has taken the HOST program to new heights, helped improve and develop the continuum of youth services in our community, and has been a valuable asset to the overall growth of the agency and leadership team. We are fortunate to have her expertise, and I believe she will make a significant impact in this new role towards our mission of providing high quality health care with respect, compassion, and acceptance for all. Over the course of the coming weeks and months, Shanta and I will be working closely together as she assumes of day-to-day operations of the HOST, HOAP, and Hotline programs and projects. During the transition she will continue to provide management oversight of HOST, where her primary office will be located. Please join me in welcoming Shanta to her new position! You can reach out to her directly at sfrisbee@nwhumanservices.org
- Stephen Goins
Chief Operations Officer
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Winter Season Fire Safety ‘Tis the season to Decorate Safely with Fire Consciousness and Extinguisher Expertise”
Winter brings unique fire risks that require our attention. Portable heaters, candles, festive lights, and Christmas trees contribute to the warmth and joy of the season but also pose potential fire hazards. The combination of dry air, flammable decorations, and increased indoor activities creates an environment where fires can ignite swiftly and spread rapidly. Safe Decoration Practices: Keep decorations, especially those near heat sources, well away from open flames, heaters, or other electrical devices. Opt for flame-resistant or flame-retardant decorations to minimize fire risks. Inspect Christmas lights for frayed wires or damaged sockets before hanging them, and turn off decorative lights when leaving the house or going to bed. Christmas Tree Safety: Water live trees regularly to prevent them from drying out and becoming more susceptible to catching fire. If opting for an artificial tree, ensure it is labeled as fire-resistant.Place the tree away from heat sources, such as fireplaces and heaters. Fire Extinguisher Usage In addition to preventative measures, having a basic understanding of fire extinguisher usage is crucial. Fire extinguishers are valuable tools that can help contain small fires before they escalate. Select the Right Type: Different fires require different types of extinguishers. The three most common types are Class A (wood, paper), Class B (flammable liquids), and Class C (electrical fires). Remember PASS:
P Pull the pin to unlock the extinguisher. A Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
S Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent. S Sweep the nozzle from side to side while pointed at the base of the fire until it is extinguished. In line with our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe environment within our facilities, I’d like to underscore the importance of adhering to our safety protocols. Please be advised that the use of live trees, wreaths, candles, or any flammable items is strictly prohibited on our premises. This reminder is crucial to uphold the safety of both individuals and our broader community. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring compliance with these guidelines, as they play a pivotal role in creating a secure and safe environment.
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Furry Healers How Our Beloved Pets Boost Mental & Physical Well-being in our Lives.
Here is me and my little buddy Jasper, he is my emotional support animal especially for the holidays! Adriana Ramirez – Medical Reception
This is Sakura I adopted her when she was only 7 weeks old and she has brought a lot of joy , frustration and over all love! She does not like many people but she loves me. I adopted her during COVID and she made me feel complete! During one of the hardest times Whenever I am anxious or depressed she comes to lay on my chest and purrs to make me
This are Lalo -tuxedo cat and Leo – Tabby cat with my daughters Kathy and Jacky. We moved from California last June and having Lalo and Leo has been a huge help for both of my daughters. They saved my girls from being depressed due to the big changes.
feel better. ADRIANNA MARTINEZ
Here’s a picture of my precious Shiba Inu. He’s name is Toshi and has made my life ten times better since he came into my life. He’s super sweet and caring. Super gentle and patient with my toddler. -Dania
Best dogs ever!!! Can’t imagine a day without them to relax me when I get home from work. Petting and scratching them is great stress relief. -Diana Fathke
Andrea Segovia WSC
This is Pumpkin! He has been impacting my life by keeping me more active, and really helping to improve my anxiety. He is a very happy puppy and always boosts my mood with his adorableness, playfulness, and sweetness
Godinez
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My hound n me. This is Izzy, she takes me everywhere. She has such joy just because we’re hanging out together. She comes up to lay with me making sure I go safely to sleep each night, returning to Susan to watch tv after I’m sleeping. She brings such happiness to everyday events, like supper. She helps me stay grounded and in touch with what’s important in my every day. -Kat Lee
Jax is the best! Somuch fun to play with! Kellee Borsberry
These are my fur babies. They fill my life with comfort, happiness, and love! Jax and Kali Karon Catterson - Administration
-Kai Christiansen
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My chickens! TrinaHenderson
My grandpup, Madison, was an integral part of my chemo team! Even spending a few days, quietly laying beside me, when it got rough! -Julie Martinson
Wynn He’s my Furr Grandson and we rescued him from the streets of Baja California Mexico. He is bilingual and he’s such a good boy. He gives hugs and loves cuddling. He’s always smiling and we’re getting better at taking selfies. That’s who Wynn and I are. Sara Coady – Call Center
These are my two most recent additions to my little family, Bucket (cat with black fur & white paws) and Cow (spotted cat). They are about 3 months old and were rescued from poor living conditions. Cow and Bucket love to cuddle, play, and have made a huge impact on my life. They always know when I need cuddles when I’m dealing with anxiety and make each day a little better. <3 -Maryssa Reynoso
This is my 12yr old cat, Polly, she was a rescued feral at 1.5yrs old estimate, so she’s tiny from stunted growth. My little pocket panther is a great hunter but also the most amazing cuddlier. Her purring vibrations sooth my soul. She’s always at my heels following me through the house to the gardens and back again. She’s protected my twin babies from birth (now 10yrs old)and has never scratched or bitten them, even when they dressed her up as a doll or carried her around. She embodies love. l or carried her around. She embodies love. Shanta Frisbee
Church. He came to me pre-named after the cat in the original Pet Cemetery movie when he was an almost 4 years old rescue. He is a Sottish Fold/Russian Blue mix and that is a winning combination for some serious personality. He is the full embodiment of sass and talk back. He is silly, weird at times, funny and intelligent beyond measure. He has more than 40 different meows that he uses to communicate with me that he uses in conjunction with his body language. He usually greets me at the front door when I come home after work. Being that he was raised around dogs early on in his life, he does indeed bark like a dog. His presence in my life has helped me as much as it’s helped him. He is truly a blessing, and he makes me laugh, smile, and has been the best boy -Meschell Anderson
This is my love (my cat) Ember. She loves her lovey time. Scratches behind the ears, and snuggles on the cold days. (Below Pic) This is Mario, Luigi, Tom and Jerry (named by my niece and my father). There are at the fence every night when I get home from work to greet me. Just like saying hi, we know you are home now. - Teresa Weltz
This is Stevie. He showed up on our back porch in June of 2022, and the vet estimated he was about 1 year old at that time. We already had 2 older cats so watching him try to integrate with them has been interesting. Watching a young and playful cat who is still learning how to be indoors has brought us happiness as it has been a while since our other cats have been like this.-Sid McCollum - Admin
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Serving Generosity It’s all hands on deck: Volunteers, Staff, and Board Members Rally to Ensure Hot Thanksgiving Meals at HOAP.
Volunteers inside HOAP Resource Center before beginning the Thanksgiving event.
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n a year that has seen its fair share of challenges, the spirit of gratitude soared to new heights at the HOAP Thanksgiving dinner. The annual feast, a cherished tradition, not only met but exceeded all expectations, thanks to the culinary expertise of Chef Patrick and the unwavering dedication of the HOAP entire staff. This year’s Thanksgiving celebration was nothing short of extraordinary, as the kitchen team rolled up their sleeves and embraced the art of creating a home-cooked meal from scratch. From meticulously hand-peeled potatoes to roasting not one, but eleven turkeys, there were no shortcuts taken in the preparation of this bountiful feast. As a server working behind the scenes, I witnessed the orchestration of a well-oiled machine. The first hour alone saw a remarkable surge, surpassing the number served during the entire event last year. The commitment to excellence and the passion for providing a genuine, heartfelt experience were evident in every dish served. “We are not just handing out these dishes as fast as possible, we are here to have a conversta-
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tion with our community”., said Kat Lee day of the event. The culmination of our collective efforts resulted in a triumphant serving of 244 meals to members of our community, making this Thanksgiving truly memorable for all who attended. It was a testament to the dedication and hard work of our incredible staff, whose commitment to creating a warm and welcoming environment shone through in every detail. “The teamwork and camaraderie was a joy to be part of.” said Larry Goodreau As we reflect on this remarkable Thanksgiving, we extend our deepest gratitude to Chef Patrick and the entire HOAP team for their tireless efforts in making this year’s celebration a resounding success. The true spirit of Thanksgiving was not just in the abundance of food but in the generosity, teamwork, and community spirit that filled the air throughout the event. Thank you to all who contributed to making this Thanksgiving a memorable and heartwarming occasion for our community.
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Community Connections Commitment to Connecting Community Members to Thanksgiving Meals & Beyond By: Memo Plazas
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hen community members inquire about what NWHS does, I often respond by asking if they have an hour to spare. While I can mention that we are a clinic providing exceptional medical care, the truth is that each department within NWHS offers unique programs that provide valuable services to either our patients/clients or the community at large. One such program is HOAP’s Thanksgiving Meals, which has been a long-standing tradition for years (see previous article). But let me share with you a smaller project that has been steadily growing over the past seven years. Every year, various agencies throughout our counties have been offering Thanksgiving meals, including both Thanksgiving boxes and dine-in options, for everyone from the unhoused to families in need. However, this information was not easily shared or distributed to community members. In response, NWHS decided to take action by creating a detailed flyer each year containing information about free Thanksgiving meals. Our dedicated staff contacts community agencies and churches annually to gather information about their Thanksgiving plans. This information is then compiled into a flyer and widely shared within the community. In fact, some community agencies and churches have taken the initiative to reach out to us so that we can include their offerings on the list. To provide some perspective, this flyer posted on Facebook has been shared over 473 times, with over 2,300 engagements (clicks on the flyer). The primary purpose of this flyer is to connect community members, our patients, and clients with opportunities to enjoy a free Thanksgiving meal. Another noteworthy project involves our ongoing partnership with the Marion Polk Food Share Youth Farm. For several years, we have collaborated to provide a special
vegetable distribution during Thanksgiving week and Christmas to benefit 35 of our patients. These projects are just a small part of our mission to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve, especially during the holiday season.
Facebook Stats for the Free Thanksgiving Post
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Upcoming
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Get ready to embark on a Candyland Journey as we present our Annual Administration Open House on Friday, December 15th, from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM. This year, we’re turning up the festive fun with a colorful theme that promises a day of delightful surprises. In acknowledgment of the limited parking at the Admin building, we’re thrilled to introduce the NWHS bus service! Thanks to the generosity of our wonderful volunteer, Memo, employees from WSC, HOAP, and HOST can hop on the bus for a hassle-free ride to the Admin Building. Keep an eye out for our upcoming sign-up sheet! For our THCC colleagues, if you prefer, meet at the WSC for a sweet ride over to the Admin Building. Saving the hassle of parking. The Candyland-themed Annual Administration Open House is not just an event; it’s a magical opportunity to Mingle and Jingle with our fantastic Admin Staff, connect with community members, and reunite with former colleagues—all while immersed in the enchanting atmosphere of Candyland. As you enjoy delectable snacks, revel in the camaraderie, and perhaps win something special from our HR Team’s curated raffles, you’ll find yourself transported into a world of sweetness. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and see you at the Open House!
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Mayra & Lupita at Admin Office.
Mayra Gutierrez and Lupita Jimenez at Admin
Arielle Schultz at Admin.
Mark your calendars for the annual Adminstration Office Open House