JANUARY 2026
Table of Contents Message from Bea ............................................................................... 3
Our DSHS Mission We partner with people to access support, care, and resources.
Our DSHS Values Welcome all with access and inclusion.
Honoring Dr. King and Our Collective Quest to Create Community............................................................................................................... 4
Creativity Supports Brain Health.................................................. 5 Reflecting on a Year of Progress and Gratitude.................. 6 Pilot Launch Marks Major Step Forward for WA Cares.... 7 Gratitude for a Year of Challenges and Commitment................. 8 Championing Communication Access and Human Rights.... 9
Serve with respect and dignity.
HCLA Grievance System Update...............................................10
Collaborate with community.
2026 Legislative Session is upon us!......................................................11
Improve services continually. Communicate with clarity and choices.
Our DSHS Vision People find human services to shape their own lives.
Stay Connected Read Inside DSHS
Watch the “Meet Secretary Ramirez” Session Recordings...............................................................................................11 Courage in Crisis: DSPs Ensure Safety for Vulnerable Adults..........................................................................................................12 Winter Weather Preparedness.....................................................13 Celebrating Our People...................................................................14 Rave Reviews..........................................................................................15 HCLA Organizational Development........................................16 Wellness Note........................................................................................16
Feedback
Accessibility Resources....................................................................16
Follow this link to share your feedback on the HCLA Update!
Reimagine DSHS..................................................................................16 Shared Leave..........................................................................................16
HCLA Communication Team strives to ensure the monthly Update is inclusive for everyone to enjoy. Communications is always working to improve and refine the publication with feedback received from people with lived experience. If you notice anything that could be better, or have suggestions to share, please email hclacomms@dshs.wa.gov.
2
Home and Community Living Administration Update
Message from Bea This month’s reflection highlights how our everyday actions help move social justice forward. It encourages us to keep creating spaces where people feel respected, supported, and able to make their own choices. To learn more, explore Social Justice and Office of Equity, Access, & Belonging
Play Bea’s video Message Read Bea’s message
January 2026
3
Strategic Engagement & Access Team
Honoring Dr. King and Our Collective Quest to Create Community January 15th represents a special day personally as my father and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. share the same birthday. Although they’ve never met, their lives would be intertwined forever. My parents are Vietnamese refugees who came to the US to escape persecution after the fall of Saigon in 1975. Unbeknownst to them, a series of Gallup polls surveyed throughout 1979 asked Americans whether they would welcome Southeast Asian refugees into their communities as part of resettlement with 57% initially opposing the idea. As an adult, my family is grateful as I learned that over 80 Black civil rights leaders including Coretta Scott King advocated for refugees when it was unpopular as evidenced in a 1978 ad published in The New York Times sponsored by the International Rescue Committee connecting the plight of refugees to those of poor and Black Americans. This advocacy would slowly turn public sentiment in support of resettlement efforts in the US.
‘The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.’ – Coretta Scott King I’m reminded of Dr. Kings quote ‘injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ in his fight for social justice. This highlights the idea that the struggle for justice is not isolated; rather it is a collective fight that impacts everyone. Our work in DSHS is part of MLK's legacy of the Poor People's Campaign that demanded economic and human rights for poor Americans of diverse backgrounds and it is a privilege to honor his legacy in the work we do every day. To learn more about Dr. King’s legacy, I encourage you to visit The King Center's library which has videos about leaders including a virtual tour of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historical Park in Atlanta, recorded children's book readings, and more.
Thanh V. Tran 4
Home and Community Living Administration Update
Organizational Development
Creativity Supports Brain Health According to recent studies shared by Psychology Today, all of the doodling, dancing, instrument playing, gaming, scrapbooking or other creative hobbies you’ve pursued over the years are actually really good for your brain health, appearing to slow brain aging! How does it work? • In short, creative endeavors train our brains much like exercise trains our muscles. • Creativity helps challenge our noggins in ways that strengthen our brain’s neuroplasticity building capacity in the areas of our brains responsible for our communication networks. • The neural networks are used for things like planning, flexible thinking, motor coordination, and focused attention, which often decline as we age. • However, the brain’s aging process can be significantly slowed down by adding a little creative time. The best news is it has nothing to do with talent, but rather engagement! • The more someone practices or participates in creative endeavors, the more positive the impact on the brain’s aging. • The key, as with most “good for your health” efforts, is consistency. • So, in addition to getting in some daily movement and good nutrition, consider prioritizing a mere 10-15 minutes in your day to invest in doing something creative. • Explore beading, picking up that musical instrument, writing, playing with watercolors, dancing, experimenting with digital design or strategic gaming. With a little imagination, you can positively build your brain’s cognitive resilience while having fun at the same time! With a little imagination, you can positively build your brain’s cognitive resilience while having fun at the same time! Here’s to creating a healthier brain by infusing a little creativity in your day in 2026!
Amy Besel
January 2026
5
Residential Care Services
Reflecting on a Year of Progress and Gratitude It’s that time again where we close out the current year and look towards the start of the next. Looking back, 2025 conjures up thoughts of a roller coaster ride. Residential Care Services took this roller coaster ride firmly gripped to the handlebar, but also experienced moments of relief through the achievements by our team. Some highlights this past year include the launch of the “Coffee Chat with RCS Director/Deputy Director,” a bimonthly, one-hour informal meeting with staff to connect with leadership. Other achievements included: Revised licensing process for the Adult Family Home Program, implemented the Facility Reported Incident pilot in the Nursing Home Program to address facility reported complaints with increased efficiency, completed a panel review process to address instances of complainant dissatisfaction, created the RCS based Certified Community Residential Services and Supports evaluators to streamline the evaluation of our supported living facilities. We also launched our first day long virtual staff forums for each of the LongTerm Care programs, allowing field and headquarter team members to meet and learn from each other. Looking into the new year we thought about “how can we further build on what staff have already achieved” and “how can we continue to support our staff?” These guiding questions prompted the top priorities on the 2026 list: 1. FRI Pilot for the community programs. 2. Enhancement of the RCS Staff Forum. 3. Implementation of Governor’s Executive Orders and other legislative priorities. 4. Reduction of the backlog in our AFH and community programs. 5. Continue collaboration and communication with our external stakeholders. Every year brings its high and lows, this year has been no exception. In the difficult moments we had this year, we also witnessed courage, comradery and kindness. In looking back at quite the year, the word “gratitude” resonates.
Amy Abbott & Miriam Mina
6
Home and Community Living Administration Update
WA Cares
Pilot Launch Marks Major Step Forward for WA Cares As we look ahead to 2026, the WA Cares Fund is gearing up for an exciting year. We are kicking off the year with the launch of the WA Cares pilot program to begin offering benefits on a limited basis before our statewide rollout in July 2026. The pilot marks an important milestone in delivering long-term services and supports to Washington workers. We’ll start accepting applications from a small group of people who live in Lewis, Mason, Spokane and Thurston counties starting Jan. 6, 2026. "The pilot is our opportunity to test every step of our customer journey, from potential applicants’ first impression of the program all the way to beneficiaries receiving the services and supports they choose the lessons we learn will help us identify improvements to ensure all Washingtonians can easily access benefits” said Ben Veghte, WA Cares Fund Director. In April, beneficiaries will have the opportunity to create their online accounts. In midMay, they can use their online account to complete an application. Benefits will become available statewide on July 1.
After years of hard work and dedication our team is excited for the year ahead and to begin learning from this important step forward. Find more information and resources at wacaresfund.wa.gov.
In July, beneficiaries can move out of state and continue participating to receive benefits when they need care. Our resources are available in 15 languages for employers, business and professional organizations, community groups and anyone who wants to learn more ensuring that program information is accessible to more Washingtonians.
January 2026
Want to stay connected? Watch our webinar recordings, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram or subscribe to our newsletter for updates. 7
Home and Community Services
Gratitude for a Year of Challenges and Commitment As we reflect on 2025, I want to take a moment to recognize the dedication, and impact of HCS staff across the state. This past year brought significant change, including budget constraints and staffing changes that required teams to adapt quickly while continuing to meet the needs of the people we serve. Through it all, you showed flexibility, care, and a strong commitment to our mission. Even in a challenging environment, HCS teams delivered meaningful results. Staff supported one another, strengthened our systems, and found new ways to collaborate, innovate, and stay connected. The accomplishments below highlight just a portion of what you achieved together this year:
2025 HCS Highlights • Strong statewide service delivery Supported high volumes of hospital discharges, community transitions, and diversion efforts that helped individuals remain safely in their homes, while maintaining timely, accurate, and personcentered services. • Stronger systems and operations Advanced presumptive eligibility, modernized financial and eligibility processes, reduced backlogs, improved audit readiness, and expanded the use of data tools and dashboards to support effective decision-making. • Investment in our workforce Expanded mentoring, leadership development, training, and engagement efforts to support staff learning, connection, and resilience during a year of significant change. • Expanded access through partnership and innovation Strengthened housing, employment, aging, nursing, and well-being supports through new tools, funding streams, and collaboration with tribes, providers, and partner agencies. Check out these accomplishments and more in our 2025 HCS Accomplishments slideshow: HCS Accomplishments. Thank you for your hard work, adaptability, and commitment to the people of Washington. Your efforts this year truly matter, and I am grateful for everything you do.
Cathy Kinnaman
8
Home and Community Living Administration Update
Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Championing Communication Access and Human Rights ODHH plays a vital role in advancing social justice by promoting accessibility, inclusion, and creating space for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals to share their lived experiences as well as their expertise. ODHH meets its mission with these programs and services scope. Sign Language Interpreters Contracts and Resources Program implemented a new contract with a different approach for State Purchasers’ crucial, urgent appointments. Purchasers first contact agencies, and they work together to figure out interpreters’ availability and coordinate schedule with client appointments. Traditionally, State Purchasers make client appointments first and then hire interpreting services. This new contract is only for crucial and/or emergency coverage at DCYF, APS, CPS, and mental health crisis. Hard of Hearing Consultation and Resources Program partners with organizations advocating for individuals with hearing loss. The Washington Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) hosted two events to inform the public about the emotional impacts of hearing loss, latest technological advances, and getting support from local audiologists. Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program ensures individuals have communication devices pertaining to their specific needs. One of the laryngectomy patient TED provided the TruTone Emote artificial larynx to emailed saying the device made it possible for him to communicate with friends and family, both far and near, stating “it feels great being able to reach out to my support system with confidence.” This shows the power of adaptive equipment for any stage of life, for someone who was born disabled or got disabled later in life. Case Management works with Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing people to obtain resources, translate information from written notices to their primary signed languages. Different approaches are made in the CM program to promote individual advocacy skills as well as systemic advocacy skills. ODHH supports equity, dignity, and full participation in society. Accessibility is not a privilege – it is a fundamental human right. January 2026
9
Project Management Office
HCLA Grievance System Update We are evolving how grievances are handled for both Developmental Disabilities Community Services and Home and Community Services to make the process more accessible and user-friendly. There is a growing team of staff working to bring the new grievance system to life. The work includes development of a new HCLA Grievance Policy, standard operating procedures and a new technology system to manage grievances. These tools will supplement existing practices and create more structure and guidance for staff while increasing transparency and consistency for clients. Guiding Principles: • Voice of the Customer: Create streamlined consistent process for those receiving services to submit a grievance (and advocate for their choices and preferences). • Accessibility: Ensure that processes and systems are designed in plain language and universally accessible. • Transparency: Clear communications of rights, processes and outcomes. • Continuous Improvement: Use feedback and data to improve client experience. You will begin to hear more about the HCLA Grievance System in the coming months as we increase communication to ensure interested parties are engaged and have ample opportunity to contribute as we develop and support staff readiness and build confidence leading up to system launch, on or before July 1, 2026. We have several resources to assist you to learn more, including a bi-monthly Information and Feedback Series designed to build awareness during the design, build, and implementation phases. We will share updates, invite staff input, provide demonstrations and answer questions as features are developed. Resources: Project SharePoint Page HCBS Grievance-One Pager Frequently Asked Questions Take Action: Questions or Feedback? Join us for the next Information & Feedback series (save link to your calendar) First and Third Thursday of each month. 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. December 2025 - July 2026 All are welcome.
10
Home and Community Living Administration Update
Legislative Affairs
2026 Legislative Session is upon us! Our legislature convenes in the first quarter of each year to write biennial and/or supplemental budgets and write and pass laws. HCLA, as an executive branch agency, lends our expertise on long-term care to policy makers, legislators and the Governor as they write new policies that impact our book of business. For those who participate in our bill analysis process, you are doing incredibly important work that informs strategic policy engagements for the Office of the Assistant Secretary and the Office of the Secretary during the legislative session. The legislative process is not the most straightforward, here are some resources on how the legislative process works. • Watch 2026 Pre-Session Training Video • School House Rock’s How a Bill Becomes a Law Video • The Washington State Legislature’s How a Bill Becomes a Law step-by-step guide • HCLA Legislative Affairs SharePoint Site
Watch the “Meet Secretary Ramirez” Session Recordings Recordings from the December 17 “Meet Secretary Ramirez” sessions are now available, and we encourage all staff to take a moment to watch. These sessions offer a valuable look at our work across the regions, with HCLA Assistant Secretary Bea Rector opening each meeting with a focused overview of key priorities.
• LobbyGov Login Portal
You’ll hear directly from our new DSHS Secretary, Angela Ramirez, and get a sense of her vision and approach as she steps into the role.
Please Remember:
It’s a great opportunity to stay connected to the work happening across the department and the leadership guiding it forward.
• Bill Analysis SharePoint
Staff should not testify or write letters into the legislature on behalf of DSHS or in their official capacity without explicit approval from the Assistant Secretary. Due to state lobbying and ethics laws, if you want to testify or write a letter, you will need to do so on your own time. If you would like to engage on an issue that impacts HCLA, please coordinate with Laura at laura.han@dshs.wa.gov. January 2026
Session 1: Access, Case Management, & Navigation Session 2: Quality, Safety, & Regulatory Oversight
11
Developmental Disabilities Community Services
Courage in Crisis: DSPs Ensure Safety for Vulnerable Adults Three DDCS clients live just south of Monroe, WA. The home itself is far above the flood plain, but the only road in and out is mere feet above flood elevation. On Wednesday Dec 1, their staff were concerned about the flooding in the area, and one drove into town after dinner to purchase additional supplies. In the short time between when he left and returned from the store, Riley Slough had overflowed and the Skykomish River had risen. The road was closed, and sections of road on the opposite side of the valley, running alongside the Snoqualmie River, were closed, too. He had no choice but to turn around and go home. The three clients were potentially stranded with only one caregiver. Two other Direct Support Professionals, Harivola Ramangamananarivo and Hery Ramalanto, 7-year employees of Snohomish Supportive Living Services, LLC, and veterans of countless snow-events, power outages, and COVID quarantines, agreed to attempt to go to the site. They were prepared to stay for several days, if needed. After gathering food and supplies, they made the long drive around the flooded areas. Even in the dark, they could see almost the entire valley was underwater. When they reached the turn off to the client's home at 11:20pm, they saw that the road was submerged in waist-deep water, with an obvious current. Another vehicle attempted to cross the flooded section as they watched, but it stalled partway across and had to be towed out by a neighbor.
Images from the night of the flooding, showing rising water, road closures, and emergency response activity.
They called 9-1-1, explaining that three vulnerable adults were stranded with only a single caregiver. Snohomish County Fire and Rescue immediately sent a team to the site. Harivola and Hery parked their vehicle on the highest ground they could find within walking distance, packed their supplies into kayaks, donned life vests, and were escorted across a 100-ft section of flooded road by the emergency response team. On the other side, an off-duty firefighter came to meet them, and drove them to the clients' home, where they plan to stay until the roads are clear and safe again. 12
Home and Community Living Administration Update
Emergency Management
Winter Weather Preparedness Recent weather events have reminded us that winter weather in Washington is anything but stable and predictable! We’ve already dealt with near and in some cases record rainfall in much of Washington, to say nothing of the windstorms, levee breaks, flooding, land and mud slides, and mountain snow that came along with it. Whew!!! Being prepared for inclement weather and other emergencies is important. Regardless of where we are in the state, it can impact each of us by disrupting transportation routes, impacting utilities, and closing schools and offices. Thinking about the impacts to ourselves, neighbors, and communities can be very overwhelming when we start thinking about preparing for the next event. We get it – we can feel overwhelmed too! Fortunately for all of us it doesn’t have to stay that way. Ready.gov provides information on winter personal preparedness including preventing home heating fires, preparing for power outages, and winter travel. In addition, Ready.gov provides information on 12 Ways to Prepare in a Year where each month is dedicated to a specific area of preparedness. Being prepared at home, in our vehicles, and at work should be a priority for everyone. Office preparedness is also important. When there is inclement weather DSHS offices may be delayed or closed. There are several ways to get information on your office’s status. DSHS uses the Duty Station report online and it is updated by 6 a.m. There is also a phone number to call: 1-866-DSHS-EMP (1-866-3747-367).
January 2026
13
Celebrating Our People If you know any of these folks, please take a moment to send them a RAVE review which will be cc’d to their supervisor! Or send them a Teams message to thank them for their service. Either way, peer recognition matters, and is one more way we all contribute to HCLA being the culture we want it to be and our Employer of Choice!
January 35 Years
Tonia Brimhall Camly Ngo
Sarah Baker Jennifer Ferguson Anne Jacobson Jody Just Lori Jo Redford Melissa Thomas Jenny Walker
25 Years
10 Years
Linda Jones Betty Schlemmer
30 Years
Lara Arthur Julie Bangs Jennifer Beauchamp Lucas Doelman Nichole Garcia Diane Louie Dario Martinez
20 Years Tara Benson Jaysen Farr Amanda Green Paula Hughes Sarah Kennedy Gina Rodriguez Tracy Thomas Mary Valencia Stephanie Vanpelt Suzanne Zinke
14
15 Years
Shemaine Archer Janet Beams Sonja Fjetland George Foley Michelle Foxx Tania Gariano Heather Gethers Yvette Housley Laquita Kabre Gretchen Magcalas Michael Messinger Tiffany Meyers Lindsey Parker Kevin Roach Shelly Scarboro Vanessa Sherrill-Wiemer Melissa Sturm Holly Tagavilla Aaron Todd
5 Years Terry Bair Diane Campos Heather Chappell Jenoelle Davis Lisa Hauk Emily Hill Sarah Howard Kitty Hull Samantha Quiroz Nicholas Robertson Khaled Tantawy
Home and Community Living Administration Update
Rave Reviews Ashley Ramirez Ashley went out last minute to a client's residence after new concern of no power. Dean Schlaman went with Ashley. With everyone working together, law enforcement and after hours DCYF, the client went to the hospital. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the clients and community. - Nattalie Cariker
Rainavimarie Rivas When asked to go above and beyond her normal duties and responsibilities to serve on two hiring panels, Raina did not hesitate to accept the challenge, learn new skills, and efficiently and effectively carried out her role on the hiring panel to complete a smooth and successful hiring process twice while maintaining momentum on her normal duties and responsibilities. Thank you, Raina, for your partnership and collaboration! - Heather Wirick
Take time to appreciate others by sending them a RAVE Review! Bookmark the link! It’s so easy and can really impact a sense of connection and belonging for both the sender and receiver! Noel Jones-Stockwell Noel is a team player! She is always willing to help her co-workers and is continually striving to improve team efficiency and creating a sense of togetherness. She is willing to go out of her way to help and today is another example of collaborating with another investigator/team in Moses Lake to complete a face-toface interview in Pasco on a Friday. I applaud how she approaches the difficult work APS does to make sure vulnerable adults are safe and treated with dignity and respect. Thank you, Noel -William Stakelin
Susan King
Steve Wadkins Thank you so much for helping me print out what I needed so I can review some investigations while in training. You went over and beyond for me!!! -Susie Goodwin
Susan always goes above and beyond to assist clients. Today we received a voicemail from a client who was asking about services. Susan has tried to call the client back but was unable to reach them, she emailed back quickly that she had tried to reach the client and will continue to call the client back intermittently throughout the day to try to reach and assist them . This dedication to client service is much appreciated and deserves recognition. Thank you, Susan!! -Courtney Lightel
January 2026
15
Focal Point Sessions
Accessibility Resources
Check out our new Focal Points for 2026 on our updated Focal Point SharePoint site! These trainings are free growth and development opportunities created just for you on topics you tell us are important to you. All staff are encouraged to invest in themselves by prioritizing time to participate in sessions that speak to their interests and needs. Registration through the Learning Center is required.
Tools by Software
HCLA Organizational Development Monthly Newsletter Highlights relevant articles, training, and connection opportunities for everyone.
Microsoft Word Step by Step Instructions
ALT Text Resources: Writing Effective Text
Checklist
WebAIM: Alternative Text
Alt Text Decision Tree PowerPoint Video: Slides Reading Order Section508.gov PowerPoint Checklist
Quick Links: Accessibility Resources
Adobe Acrobat Verify PDF Accessibility Instructions
Plain Talk Policy
Adobe Checklist
DSHS Logos
DSHS Templates Word Style Guide
Click to Read HCLA Organizational Development SharePoint
Wellness Note
Reimagine DSHS
HCLA Wellness note highlights a different dimension of well-being
Your voice is critical in the reimagining process. Please share your questions and offer feedback by contacting us at Reimagine@dshs.wa.gov.
January's topic is Anchored, Aligned, & Accountable
Share your idea by completing the Reimagine DSHS Idea form. Visit the Reimagine DSHS SharePoint Page
Open Wellness Note
Human Resources SharePoint
EAP offers confidential support and tools to help you navigate personal or work-related challenges during uncertain times. Learn more at www.eap.wa.gov or 877-313-4455.
16
Shared Leave You can donate your leave to a coworker in need. Visit Shared Leave site. If you have: • Over 80 hours of Annual Leave. • Over 176 hours of Sick Leave. • A Personal Holiday available.
Home and Community Living Administration Update