To cultivate a supportive workplace that empowers holistic wellbeing by promoting physical, mental, and emotional health while providing employees with resources to thrive personally and professionally.
VISION
We envision a workplace that fosters a culture of well-being, resilience, and collective growth where every employee has the opportunity to flourish.
Thriving together means investing in wellness and investing in you. Have
This newsletter is here to support your mental, emotional, and physical wellness with helpful resources, tips, and strategies to navigate the ups and downs of workplace well-being. We believe that connection plays a vital role in well-being, whether it’s through fostering supportive relationships with your colleagues, accessing mental health resources, or engaging in programs designed to nurture mind and body. Wellness isn't a journey you have to take alone. Together, we have the tools, support, and community to help you thrive at work and in life. Let’s stay connected, share resources, and create a healthier, happier workplace for all.
Wellness Team Wellness Team
Wellness Coordinator
CHRISTE LEE
Christe has been with the DBHIDS H Resources team since 2021. As the Wellness Coordinator, she leads initiatives, and programs that promote the holistic well-being of DBHIDS.
FUN FACT: I'm a composting enthusiast! Composting helps me reduce waste, recycle, and turn "garbage into garden gold!"
y f
esources Assistant
RA SHIELDS
rks closely with Christe doing all ellness! Wellness in the workplace her to maintain her well-being of work, which promotes a healthy e balance.
homemade guacamole and chips. When it comes to dip, guac is my go-to!
Management Trainee
CHRISTIAN SEKOWSK
Christian has been a part of the DBHIDS HR team since May 2024. He works closely with Tiara and Christe to promote Wellness amongst DBHIDS staff.
FUN FACT: My first language is Polish, and I le English when I was 7 years old. I also helped d
Wellness Champions Wellness Champions
Please feel free to contact a Wellness Champion with any wellness or quality of work-life matters.
Division of Administration, Finance and Quality (AFQ)
Donnia Holden, Sean Brinda, Iris Lozada, Khylil Robinson, Sicily Hill-Parms, Johnny Wilcox
Division of Intellectual disAbility Services (IDS)
Marlena Smith
520 Delaware Ave.
Novenia Woodard
Wellness champion spotlight
MEET
Danielle B Danielle Byar yar
How long have you been with DBHIDS, and what is your role?
I am a program analysis supervisor in NIAC and have been with DBHIDS for 8 years.
What does being a Wellness Champion mean to you?
It means we prioritize the health and wellness of ourselves and colleagues through routine planning and development of workplace activities and opportunities that promote wellness.
What’s one small change you’ve made recently to improve your overall well-being?
I removed people, places, and things from my life that were counterproductive to my self-care, peace, and joy.
How do you manage stress at work, and what strategies do you find most helpful?
I use supervision with my immediate supervisor to discuss challenges. I also listen to soundscapes while I am working.
How do you maintain a work-life balance, and what tips would you share with others?
I prioritize God and remind myself that He is always in control. There is peace in not having to figure things out all the time. Having faith motivates me. I encourage others to be grateful for each day and to focus on the positives.
What role do you think team bonding and social connections play in overall wellness at work?
Team bonding is effective when you have willing participants. Because we are at work more often than we are home, it’s essential to have opportunities for staff to engage and have a break from the normal routine when possible.
Howtoreachme: Send me a Team chat or email Danielle.byard@phila.gov.
DBHIDS Systems Integration Administrative Assistant
Feb 12
Behavioral Health Special iative (BHSI) team and the ems Integration Unit have aborated in setting up The ing Room. This will be an oing resource and exchange of ations.
It will be open to everyone in the BHSI suite and to Systems Integration team members from 1101 and 1601. Senior leader Katrina Pratt-Roebuck suggested the Giving Room to share resources with others to foster joy. "The Giving Room was created to add joy to our space. Folks can bring in and take what they like. We have enjoyed sharing small items with each other and having something to smile about.”
The Giving Room in the
The idea is to share and exchange household items, clothing, books, and other items that people no longer use so that we can reduce
The Giving Room in the BHSI Suite
BHSI Suite
waste and increase resources for others. With rising costs of living and wages failing to keep pace, many workers are experiencing financial instability and stress. Many employees have loans, bills, and dependents to care for – which means a little help goes a long way. Asking for help may not always be easy and the Giving Room makes resources available and accessible, welcoming coworkers to take what they need and give what they can.
So far, the Giving Room is made up of a bookshelf, home décor, vases, and a coffee maker with more additions expected in the future.
One incredible aspect about the Giving Room is that the idea can be replicated anywhere. It can be an entire room, or a small bin in an office. The Giving Room was created out the team’s organic desire to boost joy by sharing resources to help meet each other’s needs. We encourage other units to identify and plan their own ways to boost team morale.
To highlight your team’s wellness activities or initiatives, email DBHIDSwellness@phila.gov.
RESOURCES RESOURCES
EmployeeAssistancePrograms(EAP)
Human Resources would like to remind DBHIDS staff members about the Employee Assistance Programs available to them. If you are in need of counseling or supportive services, please take advantage of these benefits.
Resources may include free counselling sessions, references to appropriate substance abuse programs, assistance with marital or family issues, will preparation, identity theft resources and estate planning.
Visit the DBHIDS Intranet for more information.
Healthy Minds Philly offers free, confidential mental health support and resources to Philadelphia residents. Through a 24/7 crisis hotline and access to therapy and counseling services, it aims to improve mental well-being and connect individuals to the care they need. Visit HealthyMindsPhilly.org for more information.
988 Philly provides 24/7 support for those in mental health crises, offering immediate help via phone, text, or chat. It's a free, confidential resource for individuals in need of urgent mental health assistance. Reach out to 988 for support anytime.
Alert! It’s time for a break. Alert! It’s time for a break.
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