Wellness Newsletter - Winter 2025

DBHIDS Staff

WELLNESS Newsletter Winter 2025

THE QUIET GIFT OF SOCIAL HIBERNATION Why stepping back might be the healthiest choice you make.

Social hibernation restores energy and keeps you within your window of tolerance.

Intentional rest strengthens authentic connection rather than performative engagement.

Knowing your limits is psychological wisdom that supports emotional well-being. >> 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.

Click here for results.

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

FALL FOLIAGE

T O O PCH ONTEST

Thanks to everyone who participated.

Your beautiful snapshots of autumn captured the season’s spirit perfectly.

Congratulations

Erin Maloney The T he C CBH B H sstaffer’s taffer’s p photo h o t o iiss ttitled itled G r a t e f u l l y Horsin’ Gratefully H o r s i n ’ Around.

Around.

HONORABLE M HONORABLE MENTIONS ENTIONS Maira M aira A Asif, sif, A Angel ngel R Rosa-DeJesus, osa-DeJesus, Laura L a u r a Tompkins T o m p k i n s (Clementine), ( C l e m e n t i n e ) , and and L a ’ T o y a Dabney.

La’Toya Dabney.

Single Count Authority Autumn Season Celebration The Single County Authority unit celebrated the autumn season with a team gathering at their 1601 Market St. location.

Pictured: Vivian Lopez, Maisha Richardson, Kayylah Hodges, Tien Duong, Christopher Florence, Juanita Savage, Antoinette Jackson, William Johnson, Joseph Treegoob, Lisa Crudup, Brittanie Applewhite, Jennifer Harris-Hayman, Destiny Simon, and Mark Hackney.

Looking good, team!

Monthly Virtual

Chair Yoga

Starts January 9

Recharge your mind and body, without leaving your desk!

Take a purposeful mid-day pause and join Rebecca Curry from IDS for Virtual Chair Yoga, beginning Jan. 9, from noon to 12:45 p.m.

This gentle, accessible practice is designed for busy professionals who want to reduce stress, improve focus, and restore energy. No special equipment or prior experience needed, just bring yourself and a chair.

Why join?

Boost mental clarity and reduce stress.

Improve posture and flexibility during your workday.

Reconnect with your breath for a sense of calm.

Sessions will be offered every second Friday of the month, so you can make wellness a regular part of your routine.

Invest in your well-being, your patients benefit when you do.

Click here to register and reserve your spot!

LISA FULLER

MEET

WELLNESS CHAMPION SPOTLIGHT

What is your role at DBHIDS? Administrative Coordinator II consists of administrative work, human resources tasks for the department, onboard/offboarding staff, client phone wellness checks, extensive data base work, etc.

How long have you been with DBHIDS? I have been with PMHCC for 13 years and started in the Human Resources Department as the front desk/administrative assistant. Then I moved to Housing and Homeless Services doing housing applications and data processing as well as supporting Behavioral Health Justice Related Services (BHJRS) as a data processor. I eventually moved to full-time with BHJRS and now we are an entire DBHIDS division - BHJD! What does being a Wellness Champion mean to you?

Wellness is more than just being free from illness or disease and it’s not a one-size-fits all concept it is personal!

This means for me making myself a priority, making choices toward a more fulfilling life, such as my mental well-being, healthy eating habits, movement and exercise, and having healthy work/life balance.

What’s one habit or change you’ve made recently that supports your well-being?

Since being cancer-free, I became vegan, but I love fish so much so now I am a pescatarian.

How do you handle stress during a busy workday?

I read my daily devotional every morning, drink a nice cup of herbal tea whenever I need, take a nice walk at lunch.

What strategies help you maintain balance between work and personal life?

Since becoming a chaplain, I do the “prayer corner at 15th and Market” at my lunch sometimes. They are out there every Thursday from the hours of 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. I take fun free classes Tuesday evenings, also I am a certified cake decorating teacher and teach beginner thru advanced classes.

How do team relationships and camaraderie contribute to wellness at work?

This contributes by boosting moral and getting to know your co-workers in a relaxed setting. We recently played “Halloween Bingo” at lunch and I brought treats! We also decorate the office for any season together and we created an Employee of the Month board that is going so well!

What helps you stay energized and well during the colder, darker months?

Brisk 10-minute walk, fun activities: such as baking, crocheting, taking weekend trips, visit free activities in the area you live, visit museums.

What’s the best way to get in touch with you?

Email me Lisa.Fuller@phila.gov.

P

Planning for Peace of Mind: Estate Planning and Wills

“This was extremely valuable. I recommend this occur at least twice a year!”

“The information provided was very helpful overall. I gained new insights that will be useful when preparing a will, and the handouts will also serve as valuable resources.”

- Participant Quotes

In September, DBHIDS Wellness hosted a session on estate planning and wills led by April Scott-Street of the Philadelphia Register of Wills Office. The presentation clarified an often-overlooked part of personal wellness: planning for the future.

April explained why having a will matters, how to start, and common misconceptions. Staff learned that a will ensures wishes are honored and reduces stress for loved ones.

Participants asked questions, received helpful materials, and left with clear next steps. The event reinforced that financial and legal preparedness is essential to overall wellness, offering peace of mind for you and your family.

Click here for resources from the Register of Wills Office.

Local Resources Philadelphia Register of Wills – Guidance on creating and filing wills, estate administration, and inheritance.

City Hall, Room 180. phila.gov/wills.

Free Library of Philadelphia – Law Division – Free legal self-help resources and estate planning workshops. freelibrary.org/law.

Philadelphia VIP – Connects income-eligible residents with volunteer attorneys for civil legal issues, including wills. phillyvip.org.

SeniorLAW Center – Legal advice and advocacy for older adults, including wills and powers of attorney. seniorlawcenter.org.

Key takeaway: Estate planning isn’t just paperwork, it’s about protecting loved ones, your legacy, and your peace of mind.

Join Creative Hour Take a break and get inspired! Creative Hour is a weekly, casual meetup where you can work on projects in good company. Whether you knit, crochet, sketch, craft, design or just want to finish something you’ve started, this space is for you.

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

1101 Market St., 7th Floor Main Conference Room All staff are welcome, no sign-up needed. Bring whatever you’re working on, connect with others and enjoy a relaxing creative break during lunch.

Questions?

Contact Trish at Patricia.Houck@phila.gov.

Wellness Walks RETURNING IN SPRING

Thank You for Walking With Us! A big thank-you to everyone who joined our Wellness Walks this year. Your energy, laughter and commitment to moving together made each walk a fun and uplifting way to prioritize health, connection and self-care.

We’ll pause scheduled walks for the winter, but we’ll be back to kick off the spring season on Wednesday, April 1, in celebration of National Walking Day.

DBHIDS SHINES PINK for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In October, DBHIDS honored Breast Cancer Awareness Month with an inspiring and educational, event at 801 Market St. Representatives from Fox Chase Cancer Center shared valuable information on prevention, early detection and the latest advances in treatment and support.

The highlight of the afternoon was hearing from several DBHIDS colleagues who courageously shared their personal stories and journeys with breast cancer; reminding us of the power of community, compassion and early screening. Their experiences underscored the importance of regular mammograms, knowing your risk, and supporting loved ones through care and recovery.

We extend our deepest thanks to Fox Chase Cancer Center for their partnership and to all who participated and helped make this event a success. Together, we continue to promote awareness, education and support for those affected by breast cancer.

Local Resources for Breast Cancer Awareness and Support Fox Chase Cancer Center – Comprehensive breast care, screening and survivor support. 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA foxchase.org.

Penn Medicine Abramson Cancer Center – Mammograms, genetic testing and specialized programs. pennmedicine.org/cancer.

Einstein Breast Health Program – Affordable mammograms and education programs. einstein.edu/breasthealth.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) – Free education, helplines and peer support. lbbc.org.

Susan G. Komen Philadelphia – Community education, financial assistance and advocacy. komen.org/support-resources/support.

Remember Early detection saves lives.

If you’re due for a mammogram, schedule your screening today, and encourage a friend or colleague to do the same.

FEATURE

NAVIGATING GRIEF with Brienne Jennings In our November 12 Navigating Grief session, Brienne Jennings, former DBHIDS employee and certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist, offered a compassionate space to explore how we experience and cope with loss. Brienne reminded us that grief is a normal and universal response and is something everyone experiences in their own unique way.

A key takeaway was that, in addition to the primary loss, we often face many secondary losses connected to it which can include changes in routine, identity, or relationships. We are not always prepared for those impacts. Recognizing this can help us extend patience and kindness to ourselves and others as we navigate the layers of grief.

Brienne’s presentation slides include helpful resources and supports and she has offered to be available for continued conversation. If you are interested in receiving a copy of Brienne’s slides and resources, please email Christe.Lee@phila.gov. To reach out to her directly for a follow-up conversation, please contact Brienne at griefbygrace@gmail.com.

As we move through the season, let’s remember to take care of ourselves and each other. Grief is part of being human, and healing happens in community.

Brienne Jennings, MA, LAC, CGRS, ACC Learning and Organizational Development Consultant Brienne (Brie) Jennings is an International Coaching Federation (ICF) certified leadership coach who helps leaders grow through dynamic training, coaching, and highimpact learning experiences. With a background in behavioral health and organizational development, she brings expertise in leadership development, culture transformation, and innovative learning strategies. Brienne holds a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling and is also a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist.

DBHIDS Book Club Meet Up The DBHIDS Book Club is more than just reading, it’s part of our ongoing wellness initiative to foster professional growth, meaningful connection, and shared learning.

Taking time to pause and reflect through books can be a powerful way to support mental health and well-being.

Sky Full of Elephants Cebo Campbell For more information and to sign-up, email DBHIDS.Wellness@phila.gov.

HYBRID

Noon to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 7

701 Market St., 5th Floor, Main Conference Room.

Visit Intranet.DBHIDS.org for more info.

Click here to attend virtually.

Healthier Cookies for a Cause A huge thank you to all our amazing bakers and attendees who supported the DBHIDS Healthy Cookie Bake-Off to raise funds for the Philadelphia Combined Campaign!

Thanks to your delicious efforts and warm participation, we raised $136 for our community partners. This event truly combined wellness, generosity, and connection, in a very tasty way!

Congratulations!

Lisa Fuller, winner of the Tastiest Healthiest Cookie with her Paleo Lemon Cookies!

Thank You Bakers!

Brooke Stello, Erin Maloney, Victoria Wilmore, Samantha Grannum, Charles McCrea, Laura Tompkins, Kori White, Iris Lozada, Casey Jurimas and Christe Lee, who donated their time, ingredients, and creativity to make it all possible.

All funds raised went to SHARE and MANNA, two local anti-hunger organizations and all attendees received a digital recipe book packed with the healthy-cookie creations. This year we were proud to spotlight our guest charities who are doing great things in the community: The ECO Foundation.

Vetri Community Partnership.

Bread & Roses.

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 wellbeing, 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.

DBHIDS Division

Administration, Finance, and Quality

Behavioral Health

Community Behavioral Hea

Commissioner’s Office

Planning Innovation

Intellectual disAbility Servic

520 Delaware Ave.

Name, Unit, Email

Christe Lee, HR and Training, Christe.Lee@phila.gov Erica Gerald, Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Erica.Gerald@phila.gov

Corlette Monroe, Housing and Homeless Services, Corlette.Monroe@phila.gov Destiny Simon, (SCA), Destiny.Simon@phila.gov

Leslie Edwards, Human Resources, Leslie.Edwards@phila.gov Julie Hudson, Clinical Care Management, Julie.Hudson@phila.gov Keely Mack, Human Resources, Keely.Mack@phila.gov Andrea October, Provider Training and Development, Andrea.October@phila.go Ogo Ike-Asogwa, Centralized Systems Project Coordinator, Ogo.Ike-Asogwa@phila.gov Brittney Bryant, Systems Integration, Brittney.Bryant@phila.gov Donnia Holden, Peer Culture and Inclusion, Donnia.Holden@phila.gov Sean Brinda, Peer Culture and Inclusion, Sean.Brinda@phila.gov Iris Lozada, Community Affairs, Iris.Lozada@phila.gov Khylil Robinson, Community Outreach, Khylil.Robinson@phila.gov Johnny Wilcox, Community Wellness Engagement, Johnny.Wilcox@phila.gov Kori White, Administrative Specialist, Kori.White@phila.gov

Marlena Smith, Early Intervention, Marlena.Smith@phila.gov

Novenia Woodard, Targeted Case Management, Novenia.Woodard@phila.gov

UPCOMINGEEvveennttss

Visit Intranet.DBHIDS.org for times and event details

JANUARY 7 9 14 15 19

Book Club, 701 Market St., Fifth Floor, Conference Room Virtual Chair Yoga Lunch Bunch Fox Chase Cervical Cancer Awareness Education Session MLK Day of Service

FEBRUARY 6 13 18 25

Wear Red Day for Heart Health Virtual Chair Yoga Lunch Bunch, Noon to 1 p.m.

Love Park Walk and Bake Off

MARCH 3 18

Virtual Chair Yoga Lunch Bunch Noon to 1 p.m.

TBD Nutrition Education and Cooking Demo The Food Trust

HOLIDAYS Three Kings

Lunar New Year Valentines Day

Jan. 6

Feb. 17 Feb. 14

RESOURCES Employee Assistance Programs EAPs are available to support your mental, emotional and overall wellbeing. EAPs offer a wide range of confidential, no-cost services for employees, including: Emotional and personal support Counseling Parenting and caregiving resources Financial and legal guidance Staff are also encouraged to check with their health insurance provider to learn more about mental and behavioral health benefits available through their plans.

Your wellbeing matters. Do not hesitate to reach out for support.

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 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.

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