WELLNESS WELLNESS
TaketheDBHIDSWellnessSurvey
TheDBHIDSStaffWellnessSurveyisnowopenthrough June30.Yourfeedbackhelpsusunderstandhowwe're supportingyourwell-being—andhowwecan improve.Thesurveyisshort,anonymousandfocused onyourexperienceatworkandtheresourcesthat mattermosttoyou.Whattoexpect:
Takeslessthan15minutes
Responsesareconfidential
Resultswillguidefuturewellnessefforts
Clickheretotakethesurvey. Weencourageeveryonetoparticipate yourvoicematters.
Thankyouforhelpingusbuildahealthier, moresupportiveworkplace.
Wellness at DBHIDS
MISSION
Tocultivateasupportiveworkplacethatempowersholistic well-beingbypromotingphysical,mental,andemotional healthwhileprovidingemployeeswithresourcestothrive personallyandprofessionally.
VISION
Weenvisionaworkplacethatfostersacultureofwell-being, resilience,andcollectivegrowthwhereeveryemployeehas theopportunitytoflourish.
Have an idea for wellness at DBHIDS?
We’d love to hear from you!
CCORLETTE ORLETTE MMONROE ONROE
How long have you b I have been working role is a program
What does being a W Being a Wellness (physical, mental, encouragement,
What’s a small change you’ve made recently to improve your ove
I have prioritized self-care, including weekend getaways, prayer time, exercise, hugs, quiet moments, and other
How do you manage stress at work, and what strategies do you Most important: Pray daily before leaving home and approach challenges with an objective mindset, talk things take walks and breaks, listen to worship music, seek
How do you maintain a work-lif
Disconnect from work intentionally make a conscious effort not schedule time for family/friends
What role do you think team bo
Social connections and team workplace wellness as they of connection. Building connections to learn from one another, need encouragement and
Program Manager
Housing
and Homeless Services
Behavioral Health
Division
een with DBHIDS, and what is your role?
working at DBHIDS for six years, since 2019, and my current program manager.
Wellness Champion mean to you?
Wellness Champion means actively striving for holistic wellness mental, and spiritual) while providing resources, encouragement, and supporting others in their own wellness journeys.
erall well-being?
getaways, staying connected with friends and family, laughter, other enjoyable outings and activities.
find most helpful?
continue to pray throughout the day, prioritize tasks and things through, LAUGH and LAUGH LOUD (from the belly), support when needed, cultivate an attitude of gratitude.
e balance, and what tips would you share with others? intentionally leave all work equipment at the office and not to discuss work after hours; prioritize self-care, family/friends and enjoyable activities. I give myself grace.
onding and social connections play in overall wellness at work?
team bonding are deeply intertwined and essential to they foster camaraderie, relationship-building, and a sense connections with coworkers is meaningful, as it allows us another, encourage each other, and provide support. We all and support!
How to reach me: Email me at Corlette.Monroe@phila.gov.
ROOMS
DBHIDShasdesignatedWellnessRoomsateachof ourfivebuildinglocations.Theseprivatespacesare availableforavarietyofpersonalwellnessneedsto supportyourself-careduringtheworkday.
PleasevisitWellness–DBHIDSIntranetforall locations,guidelinesandinstructionsforuse. Forgeneralquestions,pleaseemail DBHIDS.Wellness@phila.gov
P
hiladelphia Leads the Way: Building a Sensory-Inclusive Workplace
Recapping the 2025 Sensory Inclusion Training
The Philadelphia Office for People with Disabilities relaunched Sensory Inclusion Program Training for all City employees, reinforcing our commitment to inclusive, supportive spaces for staff, clients and community members.
Whysensoryinclusionmatters
Sensorydisabilities ofteninvisible canmakeeveryday environmentsfeeloverwhelming.Sensoryinclusionmeans respondingwithcompassionandflexibilitytocreate workplaceswhereeveryonefeelssafeandunderstood.
Awarenessandunderstanding
Commonsensorytriggersinclude:
Backgroundnoise(talking,typing,music). Harshlighting.
Strongodors(perfumes,cleaningproducts,food). Visualclutteroruncomfortableseating.
Duringsensoryoverload,someonemayappeardistracted, agitated,orwithdrawn.Acalm,supportiveresponsecan makeabigdifference.
Fosteringaninclusiveculture
Asensory-inclusiveworkplace:
Normalizesquietareasandfragrance-freezones. Supportsmovementbreaksandself-regulation. Embracesdifferentwaysoffocusingandengaging. Encouragesempathyandreducesstigma. Thesepracticesbenefiteveryone—notjustthosewith sensoryneeds.
Simplestrategiesforteams
DBHIDSstaffareencouragedto:
Identifycommonsensorytriggers. Designatequietorlow-stimulationspaces. Useheadphonesorfidgettoolsasneeded.
Maintainfragrance-freesharedareas. Usewellnessroomsormobilesensorykits. Needhelp?ReachouttoyourHRmanagerforsupport. Thankyou
Thankyoutoeveryonewhocompletedthe2025Sensory InclusionTraining.Yourengagementhelpscreatea healthier,moreequitableworkplaceforall.
Look Look Back Back Wellness Wellness
Wellness Walks, Wellness Walks, Saving & Budgeting, Saving & Budgeting, and Indoor Plant Care and Indoor Plant Care
Take a moment to look Take moment to look back at some of our back at some of our recent wellness events! recent wellness events! From getting outside for From getting outside for a walk, to learning smart a walk, to learning smart money habits, to money habits, to nurturing greenery nurturing greenery indoors these indoors — these moments captured how moments captured how we care for our minds, we care for our minds, bodies and spaces bodies and spaces together. Check out the together. Check out the highlights below! below!
A Heartfelt Thank You WELLNESS WEEK 2025
DBHIDSWellnessWeek2025wasapowerful reminderofwhatwecanaccomplishwhenwe cometogethertoprioritizeourhealth, connection,andcommunity.Frommovement andmindfulnesstocreativityandconversation,
DBHIDSstaffembracedeveryopportunityto rechargeandreconnect.
Thankyoutoeveryonewhomadethisweek suchameaningfulsuccess!
Weextendourdeepestgratitudetothe incrediblevolunteerpresentersandfacilitators whosharedtheirtime,talents,andwisdom. Yourcontributionshelpedusallexperiencenew pathstowell-being—whetherthrough breathwork,bodymovement,healthyhabits,or momentsofreflection.
-DBHIDSAFQHRWellnessTeam
CongratulationstoOur WellnessChallengeWinners!
BINGOWellnessChallengeWinner: MarcDamario
StepChallengeChampions: Individual:TariaGraves Team:BHJDBigSteppers(Anthony Kupecz,LisaFuller,CharlotteHarayda, EmilyVenezia,AlexBonagura)
Whetheryouhityourstepgoals,tried somethingnew,orjustshowedupfor yourselfandyourcolleagues,youmade WellnessWeekasuccess.
Clickhereforphotohighlightsand r relivethosegreatmoments!
Let’scarrythisspiritforward—because wellnessisn’tjustaweek.It’sawayof showingupforourselvesandeachother.
DBHIDSBookClub LauncheswithPowerful
FirstDiscussion
Thankyoutoeveryonewhojoinedthefirst DBHIDSBookClubmeetingonJune3.Staff engagedinathoughtfuldiscussionofThe UpcycledSelfbyTariqTrotter,thisyear’sOne Book,OnePhiladelphiaselection.
Participantsreflectedonthemesofresilience, identityandcreativity,andhowtheyrelateto ourworkandpersonalgrowth.
TheBookClubsupportsstaffwellness, professionaldevelopmentandsharedlearning.
Noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 3 Mental
GrilledFishTacos
These mouthwatering Grilled Fish Tacos are a guaranteed taco night favourite. You can’t go wrong with boldly seasoned, tender grilled fish topped with tropical grilled pineapple salsa and all the extra toppings
With a short marinating time and quick cook on the grill, this fish tacos recipe makes an excellent dinner
Ingredients:
4 white fish fillets
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
8 small corn tortillas
1 ripe avocado, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime (zested and juiced) 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 cup shredded cabbage
Instructions:
Grill Fish: Season fish with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through.
Make Salsa: Combine avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice in a bowl
Prepare Yogurt Sauce: Mix Greek yogurt with fresh lime juice.
Warm Tortillas: Grill tortillas for about 1 min per side. Assemble Tacos: Flake the fish and place on tortillas
Top with cabbage, salsa, and yogurt sauce.
Enjoy: Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
PEER CULTURE UNIT CHAMPIONS WELLNESS AT WORK
Donnia Holden, Administrative Assistant to Sean E. Brinda, Director,PCCI
ThePeerCultureandCommunityInclusionUnit(PCCI) coordinatesCertifiedPeerSpecialisttraining,promotes occupationalwellness,andofferscommunityandemployment resources.Theunitalsoprovidestechnicalsupporttopeer serviceprovidersandindividualswithlivedexperienceofmental health,substanceuseorco-occurringchallenges.
PCCIdoesn’tjustpromotewellness itpracticesit.Theteam facilitatesactivitieslikeWRAPintheWorkplaceand“Piesfor PIES,”whileprioritizingbothpersonalandcollectivewell-being.
art of its safety and wellness , the unit recommends terly wellness events. PCCI loped an inclusive list of ities accessible to all, rdless of health or mobility. ness walks and game days he list, with game days n the favorite and yes, ks are non-negotiable.
Whiletheteammightgroanatfirst,theyalwayswalkaway gratefulfortimespentrechargingtogether.
Wellnessisacorepeervalue.AtPCCI,it’smodeledfromthetop downandbottomup,withleadershipandstaffsupportingone anotheronthepathtowell-being.Thatculturestartswithinthe unitandextendsthroughouttheDivisionofPlanningInnovation andthebroaderDBHIDScommunity.
PCCI’sfocusonwellnessgoesbeyondfunevents.Teammembers supportoneanotherthroughcrises,coverforeachotherwhen someoneisout,andencouragetakingtimeofftoavoidburnout. Bymakingwellnessapriority,theunitstrengthensproductivity, teamworkandresilience buildingnotjustbetteroutcomes, butastrongerteam.
Special Thanks Special Thanks to the to the
Wellness Week Facilitators Wellness Week Facilitators
Your energy made Wellness Week shine!
Julie Hudson, CBH
Shannon Wise, Phila. Dept. of Public Health
Ayanna Moore, Phila. Dept. of Public Health
Monava Jones, Commissioner’s Office
Rebecca Curry, IDS
Laura Tompkins, IDS
Shaakira Gillette, BHJD
Lisa Fuller, BHJD
Matt Williams, Phila. Department of Publi
Fayetta McMillion-Jones, Commissioner’
Danielle Byard, AFQ
Cheryl Spera, Higher Ground Recovery and Yoga
George Hanson, AFQ
Martin Long, 2025 Phila. Golden Glove Boxing Champion
Christina Crews, Commissioner’s Office
Corlette Monroe, BH
DBHIDSWellnessChampions
WellnessChampionsareheretosupportyou!
Whetheryouhavequestionsaboutwellnessprograms,ideas topromotewell-beinginyourteam,orneedhelpaccessing resources,feelfreetoreachout.
We’reheretolisten,connectyoutotoolsthatsupportyour well-being,andhelpmakeDBHIDSahealthier,moreinclusive workplaceforall.
Resources
Employee Assistance Programs
EAPsareavailabletosupportyourmental,emotionalandoverall wellbeing.EAPsofferawiderangeofconfidential,no-cost servicesforemployees,including:
Emotionalandpersonalsupport
Counseling
Parentingandcaregivingresources
Financialandlegalguidance
Staffarealsoencouragedtocheckwiththeirhealthinsurance providertolearnmoreaboutmentalandbehavioralhealth benefitsavailablethroughtheirplans.
Yourwellbeingmatters.Donothesitatetoreachoutforsupport.
FindcontactinformationatIntranet.DBHIDS.org.
Healthy Minds Philly
Healthy Minds Philly is a free, public resource to support mental health and wellness. The website offers tools for self-screening, information on how to find support services, and access to local behavioral health resources, events, and training. It’s designed to help individuals and communities take proactive steps toward emotional well-being. Visit HealthyMindsPhilly.org.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Through the 988 Lifeline, you have access to free, quality, oneon-one assistance. Skilled, judgment-free counselors provide compassionate support. You deserve to feel heard and cared about anytime, anywhere, 24/7/365. Call, text, or chat 988.