Wellness Newsletter - Fall 2025

WELLNESS Newsletter • Fall 2025 DBHIDS.ORG

WELLNESS Newsletter • Fall 2025

WHY WE LOVE FALL SO MUCH, ACCORDING TO PSYCHOLOGY Research shows that experiencing temporal landmarks can boost motivation to pursue goals. And in fall, a season we’re socially conditioned to associate with going back to school, that motivation may be directed toward our careers in adulthood.

Click to read more.

Staff Wellness Survey Results Your Voice, Your Wellness Thanks to everyone who shared feedback in the recent DBHIDS Wellness Survey! Most staff feel supported and aware of wellness activities, with strong encouragement from supervisors and leadership. Insights on communication and how staff stay informed will help shape future efforts, making wellness more visible, accessible, and responsive.

Results Coming Soon Wellness at DBHIDS MISSION To cultivate a supportive workplace that empowers holistic well-being 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.

Have an idea for wellness at DBHIDS? We’d love to hear from you!

DBHIDSwellness@phila.gov.

1

JULIE HUDSON

MEET

WELLNESS CHAMPION SPOTLIGHT

How long have you be

I’ve been with CB Clinical Care Man What does being a W

Bridging the gap colleagues in pur also means givin treatment-avoid in our city.

What’s a small change you’ve made recently to improve your ove

I’ve struggled with my weight most of my life. Recentl program and met with a nutritionist to better unders which helps strengthen my optimism during times of

How do you manage stress at work, and what strategies do you f

I’m grateful for my amazing team in Children’s Comm on colleagues to notice and lift me up. Boundaries he prayer, writing, exercise, or coloring help quiet my mi

How do you maintain a work-life

Boundaries are key, and m texts or calls after 10 p.m identifying what restores daily or weekly routine to

What role do you think team bon When you build commun feel like work. It gives you small wins. It feels good t space with those you’d ra

What’s the best way to get in touc

I’m always accessible via e

een with DBHIDS and what is your role?

BH for almost a year and a half. My current role is nager, Office of the Chief Clinical Officer, CBH.

ellness Champion mean to you?

between work and life means supporting myself and rsuing health goals that promote wellness in all areas. It ng voice to people who are underserved, unheard, or ant, and carrying the mantle of whole-person well-being

erall well-being?

ly, I joined CBH’s Health Fitness Connection 90-day stand my body and options. I also work with a therapist, uncertainty and change.

find most helpful?

munity Based Services. When I need support, I can count elp me keep work and life separate, while meditation, ind.

e balance, and what tips would you share with others?

mine aren’t all rigid. My top boundary is not answering m., everyone knows I value my sleep. I recommend s you when you’re running low and making it part of your o prevent burnout.

nding and social connections play in overall wellness at work? ity and connect positively with co-workers, work doesn’t u a group who understands your frustrations, limits, and to see people you like and respect instead of sharing ather avoid.

ch with you?

email or teams at Julie.Hudson@phila.gov.

R

eal Wellness in Uncertain Times

“Andrea’s session felt informal yet highly informative and engaging. I loved every minute of it.” - Anonymous participant

On July 16, DBHIDS staff gathered or a workshop led by Andrea October, CBH Manager for Provider Training and Development.

The session offered more than just information, it created space. A space to reflect on the last five years, to name the exhaustion and uncertainty many of us have felt, and to normalize those experiences in community with one another.

Andrea invited staff to pause, share honestly, and honor both challenges and triumphs.

What unfolded was powerful. Staff laughed together, shed tears, and recognized one another’s resilience. From celebrating personal victories to acknowledging collective fatigue, the conversation reminded us that wellness is not about perfection, it’s about being real, human, and connected.

Andrea blended professional insight with personal warmth, making the session feel approachable yet deeply meaningful. By modeling openness, she helped staff see that wellness is not an extra task to add to our to-do lists, but a way of supporting ourselves and each other as we navigate uncertainty.

Thank you, Dre, for sharing your time, talent, and knowledge with your DBHIDS family. Your leadership reminds us that even in uncertain times, we can find strength, joy, and wellness... together.

Step Into Wellness:

Join a DBHIDS Wellness Walk!

Clear your head, stretch your legs, and connect with colleagues during our DBHIDS Wellness Walks. Join on your own, bring a friend, or walk with your team.

It’s an easy way to recharge in the middle of the day.

Walks start from 1601 Market, 1101 Market, and 701 Market, with options at noon or 1 p.m.

Check the intranet calendar for dates and details. To receive an Outlook invite, email Christe.Lee@phila.gov

Mental Health in the Workplace with Dr. Marquita Williams On July 23, DBHIDS staff joined a lively, personal session with Interim Commissioner Dr. Marquita Williams, who answered staff questions on mental health, grief, burnout, and wellness.

Ahead of the event, Dr. Williams shared a video invitation encouraging staff to submit questions, setting the tone for a warm and meaningful conversation.

Key Takeaways: Leadership can foster wellness by setting boundaries, honoring communication styles, and supporting staff well-being.

It’s OK to ask for help and prioritize self-care, especially on stressful days.

Small daily habits such as pausing, moving, or checking in with colleagues make a big difference.

Acknowledging grief, collective stress, and caregiving challenges is key to caring for yourself and others.

Thank you, Dr. Williams, for your time, and insights!

Creative Hour Need a midweek reset? Take a break and join us for Creative Hour, a relaxed, social space to recharge and connect while working on something creative. Bring your knitting, crochet, sketchbook, paper crafts, digital design, or even that project you’ve been meaning to finish.

No experience needed, just curiosity, creativity, and good company.

Tuesdays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

1101 Market St., 7th Floor, Main Conference Room All staff are welcome! No sign-up required, just bring what you’re working on, share ideas, or simply enjoy the energy of creating together.

Questions? Contact Trish: Patricia.Houck@phila.gov

DBHIDS WELLNESS

Lunch Bunch

We’re excited to bring back a staff favorite, now with a fresh, in-person twist. What started as the Virtual Social Lunch Hour during the pandemic has returned as the DBHIDS Wellness Lunch Bunch: a casual midday meetup to connect, recharge, and share good conversation.

Bring your lunch, bring your curiosity, and take a welldeserved break with colleagues. A volunteer facilitator will spark light, engaging conversations; no agenda, just community. Lunch isn’t provided, but the company will be worth it.

Open to all staff, join when you can!

Want updates?

Click to complete the Lunch Bunch Interest Form.

Together, we’re building community one lunch at a time.

Caring for our‌

DIGITAL WELL-BEING‌ A Mayor’s Intern Project

his summer, DBHIDS welcomed Bryan BalmoresT‌ Jumarang, an intern through the Mayor’s Internship Program, who shared thoughtprovoking presentations with the Human Resources and Training & Education units on Digital Wellness and the use of Artificial Intelligence in HR and wellness.

Drawing on his personal interest and research, Bryan highlighted both the benefits and challenges of our always-online lives. His key message was simple but powerful: digital wellness is personal. There’s no onesize-fits-all; it’s about making small, intentional choices without judgment.

Bryan reminded us that social media, AI tools, algorithms, and nonstop news cycles can leave us feeling distracted or drained. Caring for our digital wellbeing doesn’t mean giving up technology; it means building everyday habits that bring balance and calm.

Tips from Bryan’s Research Start your day with intention. Try keeping the first hour free from news or social media. Use the time to stretch, read, journal, or connect with loved ones.

Set gentle boundaries. App timers and scheduled breaks can protect your focus.

Choose meaningful activities. Swap endless scrolling for a creative project, a walk, or time outdoors.

Be intentional online. Seek out tools and platforms that foster connection, learning, or creativity.

Pause and reset. Step away from constant updates or AI overload when it feels overwhelming.

Even small steps can boost focus, lift your mood, and strengthen overall well-being. Bryan encouraged all of us to give ourselves permission to unplug, reset, and explore what digital wellness means in our own lives.

DBHIDS Book Club Upcoming Book Talk The DBHIDS Book Club is part of our ongoing wellness efforts to support professional development, connection, and shared learning.

Whether you finish the book or not, all are welcome to join the conversation. Let’s keep reading, reflecting, and growing together.

Sky Full of Elephants Cebo Campbell For more information, email DBHIDS.Wellness@phila.gov.

Noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 7

Visit Intranet.DBHIDS.org

Healthy Veggie Soup When the weather turns chilly, nothing feels more nourishing than a pot of homemade vegetable soup. This “seriously good” recipe is packed with fresh, colorful produce and bright flavors like lemon and a hint of curry. It’s easy to make, naturally vegan and gluten free, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re looking for a cozy lunch, a light dinner, or a way to use up extra veggies, this soup is a simple way to care for yourself and share comfort with others.

CookieAndKate.com

Ingredients: Olive oil Onion, carrot, celery, garlic Zucchini, bell pepper, green beans 1 can diced tomatoes (28 oz) 2 cans beans (any kind) Veggie broth (6 cups) Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper Small pasta (1 cup) Spinach or kale (3 cups)

Instructions: Sauté onion, carrot, and celery in oil (5 min).

Add garlic, zucchini, pepper, and beans.

Stir in seasoning.

Pour in tomatoes, broth, and beans.

Simmer 15 min.

Add pasta, cook 8 to 10 min.

Stir in greens until wilted.

Taste, season, and serve!

Submit your recipe!

DBHIDSWellness@phila.gov

FEATURE

GARDENING FOR HEALING AND WELLNESS DBHIDS Wellness recently hosted Gardening for Healing and Wellness led by Daniel Davis, facilities management assistant at CBH. Davis shared how gardening, once a small family project, became his sanctuary after the devastating loss of his wife and son. “The garden was a keepsake for my mental health,” he reflected, describing how tending plants helped him find peace, strength, and a path toward healing.

The session highlighted the many benefits of gardening, from stress relief and mindfulness to the simple joy of nurturing growth. Participants also created a sign-in tree keepsake at Davis’ request, which will be displayed in his honor. Everyone left with seeds he saved himself, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, or sweet peppers, along with a pot of soil to begin their own journey of growth and renewal.

This DBHIDS Wellness event was a moving reminder that caring for the earth can help us care for ourselves.

SHOW US HOW YOU SEE THE SEASON! SNAP A PHOTO OF AUTUMN’S COLORS, CRIMSON LEAVES, GOLDEN TREETOPS, OR A COZY NEIGHBORHOOD SCENE.

O L F IAGE L L A F

T O O PCH ONTEST ENTER BY NOV. 7

W I N N E RS W I L L B E F E AT U R E D IN UPCOMING WELLNESS C O M M U N I CAT I O N S . G R A B Y O U R CA M E R A , TA K E A W A L K , A N D SHARE YOUR FALL VIEW!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

DBHIDS Wellness Champions Wellness Champions are here to support you!

Whether you have questions about wellness programs, ideas to promote well-being in your team, or need help accessing resources, feel free to reach out.

We’re here to listen, connect you to tools that support your well-being, and help make DBHIDS a healthier, more inclusive workplace for all.

If you are interested in joining the Wellness Champions, please email DBHIDS.Wellness@phila.gov.

UPCOMINGEEvveennttss Visit the DBHIDS intranet wellness page to stay up to date on all wellness activities and events.

Events and details may be subject to change.

OCTOBER Creative Hour Tuesdays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

08

Wellness Walk Noon to 12:30 p.m.

14

Breast Cancer Awareness with Fox Chase 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., CBH, 801 Market St.

22

LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group Meeting 11 a.m. to Noon

24

Navigating the Multigenerational Workplace 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

29

Lunch Bunch Noon to 1 p.m.

NOVEMBER Creative Hour Tuesdays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

12

Navigating Grief Noon to 1 p.m.

26

LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group Meeting 11 a.m. to Noon

Oct. 13, Indigenous People's Day Nov. 11, Veterans Day Nov. 27 and 28, Thanksgiving

RESOURCES Employee Assistance Programs Employee Assistance Programs are available to support your mental, emotional, and overall well-being.

You can contact your EAP for a wide range of services, including: Personal and emotional support.

Counseling services.

Parenting and caregiving resources.

Financial and legal guidance.

EAP services are confidential and free to all employees.

In addition, we encourage all staff to contact their respective medical insurance providers to better understand the mental and behavioral health benefits available through their individual plans.

Your well-being matters. Please don’t hesitate to seek support when you need it.

Find contact information at Intranet.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 988 is your connection to free, confidential support during a mental health, substance use, or suicidal crisis. You will be connected to a warm, professional counselor 24/7.

Call, text, or chat 988.

DBHIDS.ORG