Happy Retirement
Come celebrate Paul’s Retirement on Tueday, September 24th, 1:30-4:00 p.m. in the Cascade Conference Room
To Paul, THANK YOU FOR THE 28 YRS OF MEMORIES!
No judgement. Just Help.
Suicide affects not only individuals but ripples through families, communities, and even future generations. That’s why this month, we’re taking a stand to raise awareness about suicide prevention—and we need your help!
We recently launched our very first 988 Day on (09/08), a step in spreading the word that there is No judgment, Just help for those in crisis. It’s so important for anyone facing a mental health challenge to know they’re not alone, and that’s where we come in as a community.
Throughout September, we invite all staff to join the movement by picking up a 988 brochure to learn more, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your supervisors with any questions. Want to show your support? Grab a suicide prevention
Shout out to our Hotline Team! Day in and day out (365/7/24) you’re the frontline for support. Thanks to your compassion and dedication that makes all the difference.
Trunk or Treat
Get ready for a spook-tacular event you won’t want to miss! Our first annual Trunk or Treat is happening at West Salem Clinic on October 26th, from 3-5 PM, and we’re calling on all of you to help make it unforgettable!
What’s a Trunk or Treat? It’s a family-friendly Halloween celebration where YOU get to volunteer, deck out your car trunk, and hand out delicious treats to our community. The more creative, the better—we can’t wait to see your wild, fun, and spooky ideas come to life!
We’ll be serving hot chocolate to warm up the kiddos, and the excitement doesn’t stop there— prizes are up for grabs for Best Theme, Community Spirit, and more! This is your chance to show off your Halloween spirit in a totally fun way. Mark your calendars, start planning those epic trunk designs, and let’s make this the best Halloween event of the year!
HOST: Summertime Bash
Summer Fun with a Purpose: HOST’s Bash Supports and Uplifts Young Adults
On August 29th, we ‘hosted’ our annual Summertime Bash, and this year’s event was bigger and better than ever! We saw more than double the attendees compared to last year, bringing young adults together for an afternoon of fun, community, and support.
The event offered free resources, along with plenty of food, games, and giveaways, making it a fun day for all involved. A special thank you goes out to everyone who made this year’s bash a success—from the staff to the community partners who provided resources. Your dedication is what makes these events possible.
Maria, Eligibility and Outreach Specialist was available to offer help signing up for OHP and questions.
HOST Staff (left to right) Amy, Patrick, Amanda, Alivia, and Sarena
HOST Clients Celebrate Milestones
After two years of dedication, hard work, and the continued support of HOST, two determined clients will start a new exciting chapter—moving into their very own apartment!
These clients came to HOST in 2022, seeking stability and guidance. Now, after two years of working closely with HOST’s T.L.P., they’ve developed the tools and resources they needed to thrive. Both are now employed, and one even purchased their 1st car while in the program! Earlier this month, they were officially approved for their apartment, and yesterday they picked up the keys to their new home.
Their journey from homelessness to independence is nothing short of inspiring. The success of these clients highlights the power of supportive services like those provided by our incredible team. This move is not just about finding a new home—it’s the
beginning of a future filled with hope and opportunity. Congratulations to both clients on this remarkable achievement!
Another Success at HOST: Client joins Job Corps HOST is also preparing to say farewell to a T.L.P. client who is heading off to Job Corps this month.
This client joined us in the summer of 2023 after leaving a temporary living situation with a family member. For nearly six years, from the age of 14, he has been on his own, traveling across state lines and even into other countries.
Over the past year at HOST, he has worked hard to learn English, search for employment, and prepare for his next steps. Soon, he will be earning his GED and gaining trade skills of his choosing through Job Corps. His journey has left a lasting impression on the HOST team, and we are incredibly proud and excited for him as he takes on this next chapter in life.
Agency Improvements
Roofing, Painting, and More!
This summer has been a busy one for our Facilities team! We’ve contracted with local vendors for several major roofing projects, including two housing units at HOST, sections of the West Salem Clinic, and insulation and reroofing at HOAP, which is set to be completed this week.
Eight buildings also got a fresh look with exterior painting. This includes the two HOST housing units, the main HOST building, the HOST Drop-In Center, the remodeled Belmont Outreach House, the HOAP building, the Admin building, and THCC in Monmouth.
This week, the team is starting a remodel of the THCC breakroom to create a more functional space for staff.
Stay tuned for more updates as we keep improving our facilities!
WorkplaceWellness
Cha, Cha, Changes
by: Kristin Kunez-Barber
Change can be both hard and exciting. Today, I sent my only child off for her last first day of school, and it made me reflect on how much things are changing for all of us. Many of you are probably going through changes, too! Whether it’s in our personal lives or at work, change is everywhere. It’s important to take care of your mental health during these times. Mental health affects how we think, feel, handle stress, and interact with others. Just like our physical health, it needs attention.
It’s also important to check in on your coworkers. A little support can go a long way. Here’s how you can help:
• Notice: Pay attention to how your coworkers are doing. Do they seem okay?
• Engage: If someone seems off, talk to them with care and let them know you’re there for them.
• Support: Listen if they want to talk and encourage them to use resources like the Employee Assistance Program through Mutual of Omaha.
Let’s help each other and stay connected!
NWHS & SHA
Affordable Housing Development Project
We just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Salem Housing Authority (SHA), marking an exciting step toward developing affordable housing. The proposal aims to develop our Evergreen property adding, 26-28 units for low- and moderate-income households, along with on-site ammenities to enhance the residents living experience.
Affordable housing as everyone knows is a growing concern. By working together with SHA, we’re addressing not only a critical shortage of housing options for families who need it most, but also offering support services that will help residents succeed.
This marks the initial phase of a larger process. With the MOU signed, we are now moving forward with a site evaluation, laying the foundation for future planning. If everything progresses smoothly, we will be able to take the next steps toward development.
We’re thrilled about this partnership and the opportunities it brings to further our mission of supporting our community. Stay tuned for updates as we move forward in the planning process.
Covid-19 Continues...
As we navigate the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, we want to remind everyone that, like the guest who won’t leave the party, COVID-19 is still hanging around. The good news is that vaccines are widely available and remain one of the best tools to protect yourself and others.
Best Practice Reminders:
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Wear a mask in crowded areas or if you are feeling unwell, even if symptoms are mild.
• Stay informed on COVID-19 protocols to help reduce the spread. (click here for more info)
We will be hosting a vaccine clinic later this Fall.
Float Holiday Reminder:
Float holidays are like little gifts of extra time off—but there’s a catch! These paid days off are yours to enjoy, but they have an expiration date. If you work 30+ hours a week (.75 FTE or greater), you get them in 8-hour chunks, and the clock is ticking! You have until December 31st to use them, or poof they’re gone!
Here’s the scoop:
• Use them in full 8-hour blocks (because who wants a half-day, anyway?).
• They can’t be used for sick days or passed along to a friend (sorry!).
• You’ll need your supervisor’s OK through the PayCor system before taking them.
• New employees can join the fun after completing their 90 day evaluation. So, don’t let your float days go to waste—plan ahead and treat yourself!
Upcoming Events:
September 21, Riverfront City Park | Salem’s Capital Pride in the Park
September 28, Riverfront City Park | Viva Salem, Hispanic Heritage Festival
October 12th, Riverfront City Park | Out of the Darkness Walk Supporting, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
October 26th, Chemeketa Community College | Binational Health Fair
October 29th, Willamette Heritage Center, The Mill, NWHS Annual Meeting
Be Part of the Buzz!
Let’s create together – one story, one idea, one picture, and one event at a time.
Thenderson@NWHumanServices.Org
Lupita , HR Department at the Veteran’s Stand Down, YMCA