January/February 2021
VOICES OF JOY
A newsletter for the employees for Canopy Children’s Solutions
Canopy Celebrates the Rich History of the Mississippi Delta
Taheti Watson, Chief Engagement and Diversity Officer
Canopy Children’s Solutions’ (Canopy) journey in celebrating the rich history and culture that defines Mississippi began in 2018 when the Canopy senior management team had the opportunity to tour the Mississippi Delta. With its winding roads, mystic lore and unique people, the Mississippi Delta is a special place to visit. Our team, along with Mississippi Representative Abe Hudson and the Real Delta Tour, saw many of Mississippi’s landmarks of culture and heard amazing stories of true pioneers of our history. The tour offered an authentic taste of the Delta and helped build awareness about this special place. The experience led our team to the birthplaces of Jim Henson and B.B. King and the final resting places of Blues legend Robert Johnson and Civil Rights advocate Fannie Lou Hamer. While showcasing the great accomplishments of Delta men and women and the tragic crimes that colored their lives, the tour allowed our team to taste authentic Delta cuisine and experience the culture that cradled the birth of American music. Because of the positive experience, we wanted to share a film series about the team’s visit. The series begins with an interview with Canopy CEO John Damon and Representative Hudson. The two discuss John's experience during the Real Delta tour. Through the series, Representative Hudson takes you on a virtual tour of the Delta, showcasing some of the rich history and contributions made by African Americans. The series will be shared to Canopy employees via email and also available on the intranet for future viewing.
Behind the scenes with CEO John Damon and Representative Abe Hudson.
Re-Imagine Hope in 2021
John D. Damon, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer
Can you think of one thing the world needs right now that is more important than hope? While 2020 was high watermark year for Canopy on so many levels, it was also a year filled with deep pain and loss. It was a year marked by extraordinary novel challenges as well as ones that re-opened old scars. With 2020 in the rear view mirror, it is now time to look forward through the windshield of a new year and reimagine what is most needed right now for ourselves and for those we serve - hope! However, let me begin with this warning, I was recently reminded me from Proverbs 13:12, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” The science of hope would agree – there is a very real distinction between real hope (that can be achieved) and false hope (that is deferred). In short, hope is not a wish – that is because there is a science to hope. Unfortunately, we often use the word “hope” when what we really mean “wish.” For example, when we say, “I hope you have a good day” or “I hope you feel better”, we are not referring to the science of hope (as researched by hope scientist Dr. Rick Snyder) that is marked by 3 key components: 1. Goal – this goal must be important enough to motivate us to action 2. Willpower – this is the motivational aspect of hope that helps you reach your goal 3. Waypower – a clear pathway to help you reach your goal Re-imaging hope must be based on the science of hope and these three essential ingredients. Hope is not only the belief that your future can be different from your past it is also the belief that YOU play a critical role in making that future a reality. In other words, you are not just going to “wish” something will happen, you are going to take decisive steps to (1) define a goal, (2) bring people around you who will hold you accountable to achieve the goal and serve as your cheerleaders (motivation) to assure that you reach the goal, and (3) define a clear pathway to achieve the goal as well as alternate pathways when one path gets blocked. Realistic hope is central to our continued commitment to press into our thematic goal to Keep our Canopy family Safe and Thriving. Remember, false hope (or wishing) just makes the heart sick (ala Proverbs). What we all need right now is realistic hope and this is precisely what our kids and families are counting us to bring to their lives. Internally, we have a clear goal (Keep our Canopy family Safe and Thriving), we have a culture of 2 organizational health to hold one another accountable
to reach the goal (motivation), and we have clearly defined re-entry principles that define our pathways to be safe, individualized, measured and inclusive in this next normal. Externally, we have a clear goal (help our children and families thrive), a mission-driven Canopy family with mission moments around every corner to motivate you toward the goal, and we have a full array of solutions across our continuum to provide a pathway to overcome the most vexing problems facing Mississippi’s children and families. In short, we have great reason to HOPE! As we boldly step into this new year with GREAT HOPE, let me share a quote from the poet, Alfred Lord Tennyson and then couch this quote in the science of hope. Tennyson said, “Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, ‘It will be happier.’" It will be up to each of us to make sure Tennyson’s quote is one that is based in the science of hope and not in the folly of wishes. Our children and families deserve the VERY BEST and that means REAL HOPE!
The Canopy Community of Hope Award will be awarded quarterly to an individual or organization in the community that helped Canopy instill measurable hope to a child or family. Participating locations that will be designating a Community of Hope Award recipient include all Community Offices, CARES School Hattiesburg, CARES School Jackson, CARES Center, South Mississippi Child Advocacy Center and Warren County Children’s Shelter. For more information, contact Kym Williams at kym.williams@mycanopy.org.
Winning the Year Many people were happy to see 2020 in the rearview mirror as the clock struck midnight and turned the calendar to a new year. Have you thought about what makes 2021 a better year? So far, it doesn’t seem to feel much different that 2020 where every day turned into the movie “Ground Hog Day” and it felt like we were just going through motions waiting for the next bad thing to happen. What if you had the ability to change 2021, to succeed each day, to own each week, and to win the year? Would you do it? There are many things that we can’t control. In fact, most things are out of our control every day. The good news is, there are things that you do have control over! You have control over your thoughts, your attitude, your words, and your actions. The actions you choose each day will determine who you will become. Have you thought about what you want to accomplish this year? Every year, I take the time to reflect on goals for the New Year. I think about what are the goals I want to accomplish and what are the barriers that will keep me from achieving those goals. I have a plan of how I will achieve those goals this year and I am going to share that with you. I’ve broken my goals down into 5 daily critical tasks. These tasks are the same each day. I write them down every day and I check them off as I complete them each day. My critical tasks are not going to be the same as yours because our goals could be different. Why is this important? Because I’m instilling discipline into my daily life and soon these tasks will become habits. By placing
You can help too! Just a minute of your time can help Canopy raise additional funds.
Shea Hutchins, Chief Solutions Officer
my focus on the tasks each day I’m not distracted by what could seem like an overwhelming goal. And by performing the tasks each day ultimately I will achieve my goals and then I’m winning! I’m winning for myself and proving that I can do what I set out to do and not get distracted by the obstacles that life throws at me. I’ll give an example of one of my tasks. Task #1 is to drink a gallon of water every day. I will save the benefits of drinking water and the effects it has on your mental and physical performance for another time. In addition to those numerous benefits, drinking a gallon of water requires planning and work. You have to put some thought and effort into planning to consume 164 ounces of water in throughout the day. My goal is to get ½ gallon before lunch and the remainder before 7:00 p.m. Each drink throughout the day is a reminder that I’m accomplishing my task and I’m “winning the day”. That’s just one task, I have 5. If I complete all 5 tasks then I have won the day. If I complete them 7 days in a row then I won the week. There will be days that I don’t get all five tasks done, and then yes, I lost that day. But the goal is to win more days than not! And before I know it, I will have not only met my goals but exceeded them. Ultimately I will win the year…win the year for me. What about you? What will you do to win the year for you? The critical task concept was taken from 75 HARD A Tactical Guide to Winning the War with Yourself by Andy Frisel. Has anyone completed #75Hard? If you don’t know what it is, I would love to tell you.
Amazon Smile lets you order through Amazon and a percentage of your purchase price goes to Canopy. Just register your Amazon.com account at http://smile.amazon.com/ch/64-0303085.
Register your Kroger Plus card to help raise money for Canopy. Every time you purchase, we get a percentage of that sale. It will not affect your fuel points. You must register your card every year for Canopy to continue to receive benefits. Register online at www.krogercommunityrewards.com. Search for Canopy Children’s Solutions or NPO number 32816.
Storytelling is at the core of any culture. It is how histories are passed down. Stories shapes communities, it celebrates cultural diversity and preserves cultural identity. The story is an instrument that builds knowledge and creates understanding. Throughout the year, Canopy will celebrate different cultures, starting with Black History Awareness Month in February. In the upcoming months, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council has been working on a DEI calendar of events. Our goal is to create an environment where all cultures are shared through storytelling. No matter where we live or will live in the future, we will always have our heritage. It’s something that stays with us our entire lives. Maya Angelou said it best “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the thread of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.” Remember, we find comfort in our similarities; our best opportunity to further expand our knowledge
about others is through our celebrating differences. We will continue to collect stories throughout the year to showcase our rich tapestry under the Canopy! Awareness months are intended to help gain a better understanding of Canopy's internal rich culture. A link to the DEI calendar is located on the organization's intranet on the left-hand side. DEI Council Members include Camille Agu, Eddie Delgado, Heidy Noel, I’Sha James, Jody Herring, Lee Johnson, Whitney Newman, and Yolanda Wooten.
< The children at Canopy CARES School Jackson created artwork for their classroom door to highlight the many heroes in black history. > Canopy CARES School Hattiesburg students were inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a Dream" speech. Each student created artwork with their dream.
Addressing Mental Health Challenges in the Black Community
Nic Hayes, Canopy Children’s Solutions Intern & Millsaps Student of mental health is the lack of access to quality healthcare. With obstacles to getting healthcare and stretched resources available for mental health resources, many in the black community have nowhere to turn when they are experiencing a mental health crisis. Rather, many lean into unhealthy ways of coping or turn to spiritual advisor who can not offer the degree of care that is needed, which can lead to greater feelings of hopelessness and self-doubt.
Nic Hayes, a junior at Millsaps College, was an intern for Canopy's Public Relations and Development Departments during Fall 2020. Our interns were given the task of developing a project that addressed mental health challenges on a college campus. They were given the freedom to develop their own projects. This article resulted from Nic's research. The interns also created an insightful video podcast that is located on Canopy's YouTube Channel. Mental health has come to the forefront of conversation as many have had to take a deeper look at emotions and the ability to cope during extra-ordinary circumstances surrounding COVID-19. With a spotlight shining on mental health, it is imperative that the light is shined equally on all communities as mental health affects individuals of every age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, education level and religion. Support for mental health is increasingly more important in the black community than ever because of COVID-19 and the social change initiatives that began in 2020. Based on a 2018 study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in 2018, 16% of black people have reported having a mental illness, and 22.4% of those individuals reported having a serious mental illness. In black adults ages 18-25, major depressive episodes increased by 3.3% in a three-year span between 2015 and 2018. In addition to this, 9.5% of black people in this age group had serious thoughts about suicide – a 3.5% jump since 2008. These statistics point to a concerning upward trend in mental health issues in the black community among the college aged students pointing to evidence that more consideration should be placed on resources for this population to help address the new stress of college life on top of the pressures of being black in America. While conversations about mental health are becoming more common within younger generations, there continues to be a stigma around mental health in the black community among the older population. A common stigma
associated mental health problems with weakness. Many black college students have experienced this stigma growing up with elders downplaying the importance of mental health. Many were introduced to unhealthy coping mechanisms, particularly black males, such as urging children to not cry, to “shake it off” or to have stronger faith. To end the negative stigma around mental health in the black community, we must begin to change the conversation around what it means to be mentally healthy. Having open discussions about the importance of mental health, especially as a black youth, is a start to decreasing that stigma and encouraging others to speak up about the mental challenges they face. The conversation has already begun among celebrities and professional athletes. Last fall, Cowboy’s quarterback Dak Prescott spoke about his struggles with depressions and performing daily activities after his brother died from suicide. There was overwhelming support for Prescott. The push-back against people claiming Prescott was “weak” brought even more celebrities to the forefront showing admiration for Prescott, opening up about their own struggles and encouraging others to seek help. Even with the conversations started, action must be taken in order to help the black community feel more comfortable and open in talking about their mental health. A major factor in the black community’s perception
Diverse representation among mental health professionals is also a detrimental factor in the black community accessing help. As of 2018, “less than 2 percent of American Psychological Association members are Black or African American” according to Mental Health America. The lack of black professionals who can relate to social and cultural challenges unique to their community makes it harder for young black people to get help. This demographic wants to talk about their mental health struggles without the fear of feeling judged or concerns of bias. Being able to talk to someone relatable and who you can be mutually vulnerable are the key factors to making this demographic feel more comfortable in seeking professional help. Reaching the 18-25 demographic now, particularly in the black community, is pivotal in changing the course of future generations and their outlook on mental health. This can only be done by actively listening to their challenges and providing this demographic with the necessary and appropriate outlets that make them comfortable and able to access quality care. By widening the window of opportunity within our minority demographics, we will see more individuals of all demographics begin to willingly and openly start to embrace and discuss the importance of mental health. References: Mental Health America. (2020). Black and African American Communities and Mental Health. Retrieved November 03, 2020, from https://www.mhanational.org/ issues/black-and-african-americancommunities-and-mental-health.
TRAINING TALKS
Sarah Howe, Organizational Development and Training Manager
RISKING CONNECTION TRAINING
Our Virtual Risking Connection Basic Training sessions are underway! If you have any questions about your scheduled dates, please contact us at training@mycanopy.org
MANAGING YOUR LICENSE & CERTIFICATION WITH RELIAS
Sarah Howe will be facilitating a webinar on March 9 from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. for employees with professional licenses and certifications. Did you know that we have many courses in Relias that are approved for CEs? Or that you can upload your certificates so that they’re all in one place for your license renewal? Join Sarah for this quick
overview of how to save time by using the tools and resources in Relias to manage your license or certification. The training will be recorded and available on demand after the event.
SUBMITTING TRAINING DOCUMENTATION
We have a new process for submitting training documentation! Click the “Training Documentation” link via Canopy Links in Teams or on the Intranet and complete the form. If you have a paper sign in sheet to submit, there is the option to attach that file in the form. Please remember to submit documentation for any training you’re doing with your teams so we can give participants credit on their training transcripts.
Giving our Families a Voice through CustomerGauge
Kayla Erickson, Director of Quality and Evaluation
Last year Canopy began using CustomerGauge to measure and evaluate a family's experience. The only way to improve something is to consistently measure it. CustomerGauge affords that opportunity to collecting and analyzing feedback and distributing that feedback in real-time. We can measure what matters in seconds with this tool! CustomerGauge achieves this by “gauging” an organization’s Net Promoter Score (NPS). An organization’s NPS is measured by asking one question to clients: “On a scale of 0-10, would you recommend us to a friend or colleague?” Based on their score to the “recommend” question, they are placed in 1 of 3 categories: Detractor (score 0-6), Passive/Neutral (score 7-8), and Promoter (score 9-10). In short, an organization’s score is calculated by subtracting the percentage of detractors from the percentage of promoters. The NPS can range
low-up with 47 families to learn how their needs could be better met!
from -100 (all detractors) to +100 (all promoters). As of this writing and based on the last 90 days of ratings, Canopy’s overall NPS is 87. While we strive for the positive ratings and comments, perhaps the most valuable rating is when a family indicates dissatisfaction. We now have the opportunity to follow up with that family in real time to explore how we could improve to meet their expectations. Remember, the voice of families should always come first. Over the course of 2020, Canopy had the opportunity to personally fol-
In addition to knowing about the family's satisfaction with their experiences, we can also explore specific areas of improvement. During 2020, families that chose to share their feedback were most overwhelming pleased with the provider that worked with their children. To those of you on the front lines, assisting families in this intense time, know that the therapeutic relationships that you are fostering with our children and families are valued and treasured. Not just anecdotally, but this sentiment is supported by data. Though the feedback we have received is mostly favorable and cause for celebration, we still have a long way to go in Canopy’s client experience program. We’ll share some of the plans for increasing engagement and some program and location specific feedback in our next installment.
Bias Training Leads to Important Conversations Taheti Watson, Chief Engagement and Diversity Officer
Recognizing our collective responsibility to address our differences and increase understanding and empathy will enhance Canopy's goals in creating a culture of belonging. It is possible to have productive, healthy discussions about inclusion. However, it requires authenticity and vulnerability, both of which require a safe, non-judgmental environment and a degree of mutual trust. There has been over 20 bias trainings facilitate with close to 300 employees participating, including the Senior Management Team and Core leadership. As part of the training, employees have had an opportunity to participate in a culture-building activity lead by our DEI Council members. Below are a few takeaways to improve your conversations with your co-workers while respecting other's opinions. • Identify your own biases. They are not exclusive to just race or gender. • Adjust your speaking style – when discussing inclusion and biases, don't speak in absolute. Be open to exploring more of the conversation. • Listen and accept. Being aware of different cultures, ethnicities, and even genders have different commu-
nication styles. The more we listen to understand, the more we will learn and grow. • Do research. While it's usually good to ask for clarification, it's not always helpful to ask minorities to explain bias and prejudice to you. Expand your energy and take advantage of writings, videos, and media that provide personal and historical discussions. • Last, but not least. Build relationships and trust because relationships matter. Trust is vital in creating a safe physiology space to have inclusive conversations. Without trust, people are unwilling to share their experiences. Training alone is not a catch-all in any DEI strategy; however, it is an added value to a cohesive and long-term approach. Remember, subtle changes can have a significant impact internally and externally. If you have not had an opportunity to attend the bias training or participate in a culture-building activity, please email training@ mycanopy.org to register for the next session. Training dates are located on the organization's intranet under the ODT calendar. Thank you for giving your very best and remember you belong here!
Keeping our Canopy Safe and Thriving
Canopy vaccinated 105 employees with the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.
IT COSTS ZERO TO BE A HERO! Through the Children’s Promise Act, individual Mississippi taxpayers are provided the opportunity to receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit up to $1,800 for donations made to Canopy Children’s Solutions.
Help drive transformation by pre-ordering a Canopy specialty car tag.
IT IS EASY LET US HELP
2/4 2/4 2/4 2/5 2/7 2/8 2/10 2/11 2/12 2/12
Scottie Landown Timothy Weaver Porsche Williams Felisia Cooper Regina Merrill Rosezena Adams Ashton Ates Elizabeth Leyva Dorothy Butler Danielle Laws
2/12 2/12 2/13 2/16 2/17 2/17 2/18 2/18 2/19 2/19 2/20 2/21
Angie Sumrall Byron Taylor Daphne Littleton Priya Sanipara Loretha Dudley Vicki Husband Ken Bankhead Angelicka Flowers Samantha Jones Kanasha Reese Cassandra Jones Keiundria Patrick
FEBRUARY
Congratulations to the Canopy team members on their years of service.
Bridgette Edwards - 28 Mozell Guy - 22 Dale Trussell - 16 Derrick Causey - 11 Stephanie Smith - 10 Penne Worsham - 9 Monique Johnson - 9 Arin Adkins - 9 Ashley Kinnard - 9 Doris Lewis - 8 Debbie Brooks - 8 Sylvester Hamilton - 8 Tammy Amis - 8 Rachael Caldwell - 7 Katie Davis - 7 Elaine Hartfield - 6 Daniel Wilson - 6 Kimberly Johnson - 5 Keiundria Patrick - 4 Reneshia Blakney - 4 Winston Mana-ay - 4 Laura-Katherine Barker - 3
2/22 2/23 2/25 2/25 2/25 2/26 2/27
$17 Employee Savings
Pre-ordering is Easy
development@mycanopy.org for an order form
Fill out the order form
Submit completed form to Kea.Hart@mycanopy.org or fax to 601.968.0021
Employees pre-order through payroll deduction. Additional tags can be purchased through payroll deduction for $33 each.
Ashley Zulli Jasmine Stokes Tammy Amis Gail Chancellor Carla Jones Katie Davis Kalesha Ledlow
MARCH 3/1 3/1 3/4 3/4 3/5 3/5 3/5 3/6 3/7
Tag Fee Value
Employee Cost for the first tag
There are a few important steps to complete in order to receive a tax credit. Canopy team members are ready to assist you with the process. Please visit mycanopy.org/taxcredit, email taxcredit@mycanopy.org or call 601-352-7784 for assistance.
FEBRUARY
$33
$16
John Damon Sunny Oberto Pauline Brown John Johnson Anna Crawford Jasmine Everett LaWanda Fluker Clora Mitchell Doris Lewis
Byron Taylor - 3 Rokeshia Wells - 3 Hart Wylie - 2 Alesha McQuarters - 2 Leah Rigney - 2 Lakechia Barnett-Foster - 1 Frances McCullough - 1 Bernita Simmons - 1 Ashley Robinson - 1 Allison Rooker - 1 Keandrea Jackson - 1 Mary Rushing - 1 Nancy Caldwell - 1 Raven Logan - 1
MARCH
Bernice Murphy - 26 Donald Canada - 18 Robin Akins - 13 Traci Stewart Epps - 12 Timothy Weaver - 10 Maria Perry - 10 Sonya Alexander - 9
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Elliott Brown Cornelius Williams Derrick Causey Nicole Thomason Leen Fleming Amanda Kirk Latoya Pittman Dianco Mallett Keshia Williams Jimmy Creekmore KeArndra Hart Travis Rankin I'sha James Lemetrius Hollins Dominique Parker Otavia Perry
Daniel Dooley - 6 Carolyn Pierce - 6 Sedrick Williams - 6 Cheryl Scott - 5 Kesia Bronner-Mays - 5 Lillian Appleton - 4 John Johnson - 4 Kwamaine Clark - 4 Zac King - 2 Kelsey Ann Hinton - 2 Dominic Freeman - 2 Sheretta Brown - 2 Stephanie Walker - 2 Lisa Clay - 1 Donna Marshall - 1 Annie Jackson - 1 Christiana Jefferson - 1 Daveda Freeman - 1 Dominique Parker - 1 Elias Lover - 1 Shinese Leach - 1 Yolanda Smith-Callahan - 1