October & November 2024
Our DSHS Mission
We partner with people to access support, care, and resources.
Our DSHS Values
Welcome all with access and inclusion. Serve with respect and dignity. Collaborate with community. Improve services continually. Communicate with clarity and choices.
Our DSHS Vision People fnd human services to shape their own lives.
Our ALTSA Purpose Statement (Coming Soon)
Staying Connected
Link to Inside DSHS
Celebrating our People: Rave Review Roundup
Kudos for:
Jessica Barbour
Contract Specialist 2
I needed to give customer feedback about her excellent job performance and very high level of professionalism. I have interacted with a million government representatives all over the world and I can tell you she is one of her kind. She is very articulate, passionate and kind throughout the process. She leaves one smiling, even when you have a hell of a day. Really, good people still do exist! – Paul Macharia, Maasai Mara AFH
Kudos for:
Julie Manning
Contract Specialist 2
I just want to let you know that Julie Manning is a superstar when it comes to ProviderOne (and with all kinds of other things as well). The ProviderOne system seems to be getting stickier and stickier these days and she once again has come to the rescue.
– Melissa Diebert
Thank You for Your Public Service with ALTSA!
If you know any of the awesome ALTSA teammates listed below, please take a moment to send them a TEAMS message or a RAVE review to thank them for their service in ALTSA!
All DSHS Service Anniversaries may be found here.
Our First Post-Pandemic EMT In-Person Meeting
ALTSA Teammates -
I am so grateful for the work each of you do every day in ALTSA to support the people we serve.
trust and psychological safety, grow and practice system’s thinking, strategize about the challenges that lie ahead and the importance of continuing to innovate so we can serve the increasing number of people across our state who need our services and supports.
I also want you to know you are valued by our entire Extended Management Team (EMT), which includes our Headquarters and Regional leadership. October 3rd, we held our frst post-pandemic EMT in-person meeting in Lacey. EMT will meet quarterly moving ahead and is comprised of our Directors, Deputy Directors, Ofce Chiefs, Regional Administrators, Deputy Regional Administrators, Ofce of the Assistant Secretary Administrators, Mike We all held a deep sense of gratitude we face our pressing and Anbesse and myself. for your dedication, passion, future capacity needs. Our engagement, and innovation. ability to meet our mission
• Here are a few photos from the day.
• Here is a lovely video featuring nature photographs from HCS R3 RA, Debbie Willis, which played as we arrived.
• Also, I am happy to share leaders donated over $400 through a small Combined Fund Drive silent auction for the Humane Society Disaster and Rescue eforts related to the recent hurricanes.
Our goals were to create connection and organizational alignment, share appreciation, build
I want you to know as we met as a leadership team and discussed the subjects above, we all held a deep sense of gratitude for your dedication, passion, engagement, and innovation. These qualities you bring are essential to our ability to fnd new ways to do our work, thinking and operating together as a system, as
to partner with people to access support, care, and resources and fulfll our vision to ensure people fnd human services to shape their own lives is driven by your ongoing engagement and innovation. We are grateful for your partnership and the work you do every day.
We are heading into a season of gratitude and connection opportunities with the Combined Fund Drive campaign and the many upcoming holidays celebrated by a variety of diferent faiths. Please take time to connect through those events and in spending time with the people important to you.
L-R: Earnest Covington, III; Bea Rector; Christine Morris
Self-Care Makes A World Of Diference
Kathy Morgan Director Adult Protective Services
As we move into the fall and winter seasons, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your hard work and dedication. Every day, you make a real diference in the lives of adults in our community who need support.
The colder months can bring new challenges. Shorter days and colder weather might afect our mood and energy levels. The holiday season can also add stress. It’s important that we take care of ourselves so we can continue to help others.
Taking care of yourself helps you stay healthy and strong. When we feel our best, we can do our best work for the people we support.
Here are some simple ways to look after yourself this season:
1. Stay Active: Try to move your body each day. A short walk or some stretching can boost your mood.
2. Eat Well: Choose healthy foods when you can. Seasonal fruits and vegetables can give you the nutrients you need.
3. Get Enough Sleep: Aim for a good night’s rest to help your body recharge.
4. Stay Connected: Spend time with friends, family, or coworkers. Talking with others can help reduce stress.
5. Set Boundaries: Remember it’s okay to say no when you need to. Make time for yourself.
6. Practice Mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to breathe deeply or meditate.
7. Ask for Help: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to someone you trust or a professional.
Please remember that DES ofers support for your well-being. The Employee Assistance Program is available if you need to talk to someone or fnd resources.
Thank you for everything you do, and for taking the time to care for yourselves as well. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact in the lives of the people we serve.
Wishing you a healthy and peaceful season ahead. Thank you for everything you do, and for taking the time to care for yourselves as well.
Refecting On The Importance Of Gratitude
Cathy Kinnaman Director Home & Community Services
As we move through November, we fnd ourselves in a season rich with opportunities for gratitude, refection, and connection. Early in the month, Veterans Day invited us to honor and recognize those who have served in the armed forces, especially our colleagues within the division. Later, Thanksgiving ofers a moment to not only share a meal with loved ones, but also to refect upon the importance of gratitude and thankfulness as a community and a nation.
absent, attending and advocating at medical appointments, providing needed transportation, and sometimes performing complex medical tasks. They often miss sleep, sacrifce personal time and career opportunities, face fnancial strain, sufer health impacts, and experience emotional and physical stress.
“There are only four kinds of people We know caregiving can be challenging in many ways, in the world: those who have been yet it is vital to the strength of caregivers, those who are currently our families and communities. caregivers, those who will be Caregivers, your dedication caregivers, and those who will need and compassion are seen and caregivers.” - Rosalynn Carter deeply valued.
November is also National Family Caregivers Month, a time to acknowledge the tremendous dedication of family caregivers. Nearly one million caregivers in Washington State alone provide daily, compassionate care for their loved ones. Nationally, over 53 million Americans provide constant, unpaid care to family members each year, an efort valued at more than $470 billion. These caregivers provide physical, emotional, and fnancial support to loved ones—often at great personal cost. These unsung heroes enable aging adults to remain in their homes, surrounded by cherished memories and people they love, creating an environment of comfort, familiarity, and security.
As former First Lady Rosalynn Carter once wisely noted, “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” Family caregivers are indeed the backbone and safety net of the American long-term care system: flling in gaps when an in-home care worker is
Here at ALTSA and HCS, we see frsthand the extraordinary impact family caregivers make every day, and we know that this role requires resilience, patience, and endless compassion. As we recognize Family Caregiver Month, let us not only thank caregivers but commit to supporting them with the resources they need to continue their invaluable work.
We also recognize the exceptional commitment of our HCS team. Your hard work ensures that our aging population and those with long-term support needs receive the care that empowers them to live with dignity and independence. Thank you for your unwavering dedication, empathy, and teamwork.
This season, let us express gratitude for the veterans, caregivers, and colleagues who inspire us. Together, through our shared commitment, we are building a community rooted in compassion, service, and support. Let’s remember that, together, our gratitude fuels the hope and strength we need to keep making a diference.
Hi everyone,
Getting Ready For Legislative Session
Eric Mandt Director Management Services Division
This is not strictly a budget exercise. It usually
involves program experts from other divisions,
On January 13th, the legislature will begin their information technology, rates, accounting, and long 105-day session. This is when they create the sometimes facilities information to provide an biennial budget for the next biennium, the two-informed estimate in a short turnaround time. year period from July 2025 through June 2027.
The fscal note cost estimate is often the single
This will likely be a challenge due to the state’s most important factor in determining whether revenue staying essentially fat while caseloads, the legislature passes a bill or if the Governor including those in ALTSA and DDA, are rising chooses to sign it into law or veto the bill. rapidly and driving up costs. It also will include another budget proposal from
A new wrinkle this year is that DSHS has Governor Ferguson after Governor dropped the BATS bill analysis system Inslee leaves ofce, which is the frst and will not be switching to BEARS. Governor transition in 12 years in our state and increases the potential for
Instead, we will be using the new surprises. system. The bill
analysis usually gives the
In MSD, our most visible, budget team a clear and likely most view of what costs important role or savings may be related to the if the bill passes. session, is creating fscal
notes. For every new bill that the legislature proposes, the Governor’s Ofce of Financial Management determines if there is a cost or savings to the state if the bill is passed by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor.
Once OFM makes that request for any bill that afects ALTSA and/or DDA, we produce a cost estimate – within 48 hours.
So far Lobby.gov
seems to be easier to use, and based on reports from other organizations that already use it Lobby.gov is more stable (BATS had a bad habit of crashing frequently, resulting in lost work).
Before session starts, I hope everyone gets a chance to take some time of work to rest up and recharge and spend time with friends and family over the holidays.
We will be using the new Lobby.gov system.
Last issue, MSD highlighted staf promotions and returning ALTSA staf. We continue to have many new and returning faces here at MSD. In addition, we also have a longtime face departing and an academic achievement to celebrate.
First of all, help us bid fond farewell to our Finance team leader Julia Mosier, who is leaving state service at the end of November. I will surely miss her expertise, her kindness and her high volume of passion for her work and getting things done correctly. Julia said, “I would like to thank everyone in MSD for their support of Finance team and me personally during my 11 years with ALTSA. I will miss MSD team greatly, and I would like everyone to know that I am not leaving ALTSA for a better place to work, I am leaving the workforce- at least for now, and if I ever will look for work again- it will be in ALTSA as it’s the greatest agency to work for and our Leadership team is amazing and staf is the best! Thank you and I will miss you all!”
We have many new staf to introduce, frst up is Sara Vogel, who is our new Customer Service Specialist at Blake. Sara said, “I have 2 children who keep me pretty busy most days. I love, love, love to read. Sci-Fi and fantasy novels are my favorite along with poetry. I do enjoy being outdoors and exploring when possible but also am a homebody that enjoys relaxing at home with a blanket. I love Halloween and anything spooky. I went to massage school and am very passionate about it and last but not least I love cofee.”
Katie Luft, new to our timekeeping team, said, “Hello! My name is Katie Luft, and I am very excited about my new role as a timekeeper for ALTSA. I started state service with the HCS division of ALTSA where I was an Administrative Assistant for 3 years and worked on an Overpayment Resolution team. I am lucky to have an amazing family that includes my husband and 2 beautiful daughters. We spend the majority of our time at a basketball court or ball feld! I am looking forward to working with all of you and I appreciate everyone’s patience as I continue to learn my new role!”
New to ALTSA’s Accounting is Beth Rheinschmidt, who said, “Hello all, I am excited to be here at ALTSA.
My husband and I decided to leave the snow and ice of Eastern Washington behind and relocate to Olympia. Not only do we enjoy the weather here better, but we are also closer to family. It has been fun taking trips to the ocean and fnding new camping sites as we settle into our new community. I am looking forward to contributing to the team and getting to know as many as I can.”
And two staf have returned to ALTSA since our last update was drafted! Help us welcome back Sarah Baker and Darah Nunley!
Sarah joined the AAA and Grants unit as a Management Analyst 5. Sarah worked previously in the unit and enjoys travel, especially camping, and spending time with her friends and family. In addition to her grandchildren she has two sugar gliders, Sugar and Spice, to dote on.
Darah is also returning to the AAA and Grants unit after a time away. She’s had some pretty big life events recently, buying a house in April and getting married in September! She loves to travel, and recently visited Walt Disney Word, Disney world, Maui, and Las Vegas three times (including one trip for her wedding there). Darah spends her free time playing Texas Hold ’em poker and loving on her rag doll cat, Cleo.
Raina Rivas most recently joined the ALTSA/DDA HQ Contracts Unit as a Contract Specialist 3. Raina is happily married with four children, three being big kids who are out and about, and the youngest being a two-year-old. She also has a one-year-old Boxer that keeps her plenty busy. She previously spent six years working as a contracts and data support specialist at the Southwest Washington Area Agency on Aging.
Jessica Barbour, a Contracts Specialist. Jessica loves our beautiful state, especially when it’s on full display on sunny days. She is married to her high school sweetheart, with whom she has a daughter and two grandkids. Spending time with them is her favorite thing to do, but there’s always time for her three rescue pups as well.
(MSD - continued on page 8)
(MSD - continued from page 7)
Finally, our own Andre Eubanks recently earned his Bachelor’s majoring in Law and Justice graduating Summa Cum Laude from Central Washington University. Andre chose this degree in part in pursuit of justice, but also in pursuit of a larger goal – law school. He’s currently working on his applications and hopes to enroll in the fall of 2025. He had this to say about studying while working at ALTSA and his future.
“The advice I would give to others studying while working would be, do not be afraid to take time of for tests! The people around you for sure infuence your performance so keep that in mind. Luckily for me I had a great boss, Eric Mandt. He was super supportive of approving my Tuition Reimbursement requests and gave much appreciated advice on my journey! Also, folks in the Contracts Unit, Budget Forecast, Timekeeping, and Finance helped keep my head on straight and always gave kind words of encouragement.
My bachelor’s degree was both a steppingstone and a personal goal. As far as I know, I’m only the third person to graduate from college out of all my siblings and cousins on both sides of my family. And so, it sets an example for the younger generations of my family.
their clients through the lens of moral and ethical behavior. On the other side of the coin, I wouldn’t be opposed to being an attorney for the state or even the district attorney’s ofce so that I can learn how to win.
But ultimately no matter which path I choose, I will still branch of once I’m established to represent the downtrodden and the disadvantaged because it was not so long ago that I was in similar situations.”
“The people around you for sure infuence
I would say I want to get into your performance...[my team] helped keep my head on Corporate Law to begin with straight and always gave kind words of encouragement.” which seems to come into confict with my earlier statements. However, an attorney’s role is not only to advise on the aspects of the law, but they also have a duty to represent
Expanding And Celebrating Access
Earnest Covington, III Director
Ofce of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
ODHH’s community partners Manos de Washington and Cascadia Deaf Nation hosted a successful Deaf Fiesta event on Saturday September 28 in Ellensburg, Washington at Central Washington University. Per Manos de Washington, there were 135 attendees at Deaf Fiesta, which was “founded to create a...space where Latine
at Blake Ofce Park East. We have made notes of community’s feedback and are now working with the vendor and IT department on troubleshooting and resolving the issues you experienced during our testing sessions.
Legislative trainings for the Deaf, DeafBlind, families with DHH children and their siblings and Hard of Hearing community was provided could engage with statewide resources, parents, by Management Analyst, Morgan Jericho, and service providers, and relevant partnerships. Deaf Legislative Analyst, Laura Han. This training took Fiesta addressed signifcant gaps in access to place on November 7th and 9th. There will be education, employment, advocacy for DHH a specialized legislative training session for the children, emphasizing the need for DeafBlind community on December 7th. comprehensive support.” Deaf Fiesta is a crucial and valuable event for
TVW also created ASL accessible videos for Washington State. voters’ guide for the recent elections. The videos are on the TVW website for
Over the years, Hearing Video Voters’ Guide Loss Association of 2024 - TVW America, Washington chapter (HLAA-WA) has been
In the United States, the last very active on the state week of September is known level, advocating for as Deaf Awareness Week the rights of people (DAW). DAW’s roots date back to with hearing loss. HLAA-WA worked with WA State Legislature on House Bill 1222 in 2023-24 to expand coverage of hearing aids, on Senate Bill 5179 in 2017-18 which pertained to Public/Medicaid Coverage for Hearing Instruments, and fnally, on Senate Bill 5210 in 2019-20 which focused on Bluetooth/Telecoil education. We owe many thanks to HLAA-WA for their hard work and eforts to improve the quality of life for people with hearing loss in Washington State.
We also want to thank community members from HLAA and Hands and Voices who have attended our testing sessions for our temporary WiFi FM system
September 1958, when the World Federation of the Deaf established “International Day of the Deaf”, in Rome, Italy. This day was quickly extended to a full week, becoming the International Week of the Deaf People (IWDP).
IWDP is celebrated by the global Deaf Community during the last week of September each year. According to the United Nations, the International Week of the Deaf has “evolved into a global movement of deaf unity and concerted advocacy to raise awareness of the issues deaf people face in their everyday lives.” (https://www.un.org/en/ observances/sign-languages-day)
Thank you to our community partners for their hard work.
Making The Holidays Bright For Your Loved Ones
Amy Abbott Director Residential Care Services
As we head into what is typically considered a holiday season in the United States, many of us began to think about our favorite pastimes, food, activities, and memories. Regardless of the holiday(s) we celebrate, and our own cultural traditions associated with these holidays, we have something we look forward to each year.
The holidays are a special time of year and a wonderful time for family and friends to
movies and family videos or look through photo albums with your loved one. This is a wonderful way to revisit memories, remember good times the family shared, and make your families and friends feel loved.
Plan - If you’re unable to see your loved one during the holidays, plan and make sure someone will be able to visit them. This will ensure your loved one isn’t alone and still feels included and cared for. If your come together. The question is often asked about the family member lives in longbest way to assure all family members term care community, call the With the holiday facility and see what kinds of are included in the festivities. season in full swing, the question is often asked about the best way to assure all family members are included in the festivities, especially those members with decreased mobility, memory difculties, or those who live in a long-term care setting. Although the cook in the family may no longer be able to stand in the kitchen for days creating a feast for 30+ people, and the storyteller may not recall all the stories, there are many ways they can still be included and make the season enjoyable for all:
Create new traditions - plan less intensive activities such as board games rather than outings, or plan outings that require minimal transferring in and out of a vehicle (looking at light displays and home décor, taking a drive in a winter wonderland). Plan a meal that allows everyone to assist and doesn’t place all the burden on one person, such as a potluck. For those who can’t cook anymore, invite them to assist in cooking tasks such as decorating cookies or mixing ingredients. Ask the individual to help select the songs for the get together.
Revisit old memories -You can also watch holiday
activities will be planned. If they still live on their own, call neighbors to ensure someone will check in on them. You can also schedule temporary home care aides who will assist your senior with meal preparation and ensure that they aren’t alone at the holidays.
Remember routines – Although friends and family members want to be included in celebrations, as their cognitive and physical abilities change, they also need some certainty around their routine. A person who needs to use the toilet more often (or needs an accessible toilet) can’t go on an outing where there is no guarantee of toilet facilities. Someone who takes medications at specifc times and has specifc instructions with those medications needs to be certain they can meet those requirements (eating with the medication, eyes closed for ½ hour, sitting up for a period, drinking plenty of fuids – which leads back to the toilet concern). Be sure to ask the individual or their care staf if certain routines should be incorporated into the festivities. This will assure the enjoyment of all.
Celebrate at the LongTerm Care Community
the individual lives in a long term care facility, and you determine that they would
other residents of the community who have no
Consult The Individual First - For an older
or someone with a change in physical either become agitated or cognitive health, the or disoriented by moving holiday season can to a new location for sometimes be a day or two or not depressing. This physically capable of person may have going out, you can always been the still brighten their person to plan spirits and celebrate activities for the
There are many ways they can still be included and make the season enjoyable for all. with them. Here are a few suggestions:
• Decorate the individual’s apartment or room with a small Christmas tree or a menorah, lights, holiday cards, and gifts. Set up a device to play holiday music. Be sure to coordinate with a roommate if there is one.
• Participate with activities ofered at the community. Many long-term care communities make signifcant eforts to make the holidays special for residents and their families.
• Plan a holiday party for the individual’s friends and neighbors in the long-term care community. Depending on the size of their living quarters, you may be able to bring in a catered feast, holiday music, and decorations so the celebration can include friends and
family around this time and can no longer do so. Holidays can be one more reminder of their change in abilities. Ask the individual what they would like to do for the holidays and give them the opportunity to be involved in decision making.
Holiday traditions and activities are important to so many people at this time of year and fnding ways to include all family and friends can make the season even more special. I hope each of you have a tremendous holiday season, and I hope this information has given you valuable tools to consider for including all your friends and family in the celebrations
Winter Inclement Weather
Serena Segura Emergency Manager and Risk Ofcer Communications, Government and External Relations
A slow-developing La Nina is favored to infuence conditions for the upcoming winter. In the PNW, this typically means that it will be wetter-than-average and colder-than-average conditions with a more northerly storm track. NOAA models for the threemonth outlook from November through January indicate that we will see seasonal temperatures that are equal changes or normal and precipitation that is above average (graphic below).
In Washington, winter weather hazards are windstorms, avalanches in the mountains, snow, ice storms, and extreme cold. These hazards can impact us when there are disruptions to transportation routes, school and ofce delays and closures, and power outages. We can all prepare for inclement winter weather by making sure we are 2-weeks ready, prepare our homes to keep out the cold, make sure our vehicles are winter weather ready and have an emergency car kit, and are safe.
Stay safe during winter weather by avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven. Install working carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
Resource Links:
NOAA News Release – Winter Outlook (10/17/24): https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/us-winter-outlook-warmer-and-drier-south-wetter-north
NOAA Climate Prediction Center: https://www. cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/
Ready.gov – Winter Weather: https://www.ready. gov/winter-weather
Department of Health Fact Sheets on Disasters: https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/be-prepared-besafe/publications/fact-sheets
Vehicle Safety and Preparedness: https://mil. wa.gov/asset/5ba42022b243f
Two maps of the United States showing Seasonal Temperature Outlook and Seasonal Precipitation Outlook for the November 2024 - January 2025 period.
Organizational Development Updates
Amy Besel
Senior Organizational Development Administrator
ALTSA Organizational Development
Below are some key updates for you! Please review the ALTSA Organizational Development November Update for links to Focal Points, Connection Cafes and much more.
Combined Fund Drive (CFD) campaign is underway through mid-December. I hope you will consider joining me in donating to charities through this safe and secure payroll donation program. Learn more about the CFD here. Thanks to everyone who participated in the DSHS Online Silent Auction. I expect DSHS to share results soon! Giving through the CFD helps charities reduce administrative costs and is one more important way you can make an impact on big issues like social justice, the environment, and services and supports in our communities. Giving also helps us have a sense of agency and is good for our wellbeing. I give a dollar a paycheck to 20 diferent charities! It all adds up and makes a diference. Sign-up here!
Support Resources: If you continue to need
Your Wellbeing Matters
support following the recent election, please take a moment to review these resources shared in Inside DSHS by the Employee Assistance Program. Take time to care for yourself so you may continue to care for others. Your wellbeing matters.
DSHS Employee Survey: Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey. Results will be shared in January and our ALTSA Survey Action Plan will be updated.
Required Trainings: Thank you for working on getting your required trainings done by Dec 31, 2024. Put time on your calendar to complete these. Then go to your Learning Center Dashboard and get them done. These are important for everyone’s safety and our agency risk as well as compliance with policy. Thank you for the hard work you do every day to support each other and the people we are here to serve. You make a diference and are appreciated more than you know.
Please be sure to check out the latest ALTSA Wellness Note and explore the links! The ALTSA Wellness Note is created just for you each month with tips, resources, and support for your wellbeing. Here’s where you may fnd notes from past months.
Join Derrick Ross, ALTSA’s Engagement and Wellbeing Manager, at the next ALTSA Thrives Connection Café to grow your mindset, skills, and relationships in an inclusive, safe, and positive space. Bring a friend! You’ll be glad you did! Thank you for taking good care of yourself.
Cofee Chat with ALTSA Leadership
Please enjoy this Cofee Chat with ALTSA Deputy Assistant Secretary, Mike Anbesse. Get to know his core values, gain insight into how his leadership perspectives have evolved, and learn why he thinks supporting our employees is so important to our mission! Previous Cofee Chats may be found on our Employee Engagement SharePoint site.
Improving Outcomes By Promoting CHOICE
Nina Banken Interim Director Communications, Government and External Relations
ALTSA’s Six Strategic Priorities are becoming a part of our everyday language as we seek to improve outcomes by promoting CHOICE.
We CHAMPION access, choice, and integration
We HONOR independence, rights, health, and safety
We OPTIMIZE partnerships and lived experiences
We IMPROVE quality, accountability, and responsiveness
We CULTIVATE strong workforce and technology supports
We EMPOWER belonging, engagement, innovation, and wellbeing
Ask yourself: how have you contributed to a great outcome today?
Share your story @ nina.banken1@dshs.wa.gov Click on the House of
New Strategic Plans
Explore these links (which are a roadmap to the future of our services). Take a few minutes to review and talk to your supervisor and teammates about how your work connects!
• The new DSHS Strategic Plan may be found here.
• ALTSA’s goals in the plan may be found here.
New Mission, Vision and Values
Take time to fnd your connections and use these branding resources. Additional resources have been added based on staf feedback to VisualCommunications@dshs.wa.gov.
Strategic Planning to see the full graphic.
Honoring and Recognizing Indigenous Peoples
Tamara Gaston Tribal Afairs Administrator Tribal Afairs
This month, we honor and recognize the sovereignty of Tribal Governments and highlight the history, resiliency, and the lives of Indigenous People.
November commemorates the traditions, values and beliefs of the Indigenous people that have had an integral role in the narrative of our history and our lives today.
Indigenous people fought many years to recognize the richness of our culture, from pushing to have a day to celebrate, to a week in November, that led to eventually in 1986 the U.S. Congress passing a joint resolution to a weekly proclamation and moving forward with a monthly celebration.
From 1990 onward, presidential proclamations have been issued out annually to celebrate the richness of our heritage and culture of Tribal Nations.
This month brings community gatherings, ceremonial events, festivals, government, and education activities. Tribal Afairs encourages you to learn more about the traditional pathways and the contributions of our people by attending these.
As Tribal Afairs continues to bring traditional knowledge to ALTSA, I ask that you look to your peers who may be of descendant or an enrolled tribal member that could share their traditions, values and beliefs.
Tribal Afairs is announcing a Business Resource Group that will share traditional knowledge and much more, it is called SOVEREIGN, Supporting our Voices, Empowering Rights and Indigenous Governance.
Read more about how Christelle Arnett Established SOVEREIGN, a Space for Indigenous and Tribal Employees.
The founding members are Michelle GladstoneWade, Director of Ofce of Tribal Relations; Al Andy, Deputy Director, Ofce of Tribal Relations (both at Department of Commerce); Christelle Arnett (the frst full time state-level Tribal Relations Administrator for Division of Vocational Rehabilitation); lisaaksiichaa Braine, Tribal Relations Liaison, Ofce of Equity in the Ofce of the Governor; Amber Coleman, Pro-Equity Consultant at OFM. The Executive sponsor is lisaaksiichaa Braine
Sign up for the newsletter here.
The SVRN BRG launches its frst quarterly meeting November 20th from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
If you wish to sign up to be part of a BRG please feel free to reach out to sovereign@ofm.wa.gov.
Additional Resources
Employer of Choice
Please use this EOC Ideas Submission Form to share your ideas for helping DSHS be an employer of choice.
Check out the new SharePoint site Employer of Choice - Home (sharepoint. com)
Alternative Dispute Resolution Service
Explore this new resource from the DSHS Ofce of Justice and Civil Rights to learn more about Mediation, Facilitation, Confict Coaching, and Training.
Appreciation!
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! Who do you appreciate? Tell them now!
Shared Leave
Check out the Shared Leave site. Did you know you may donate your leave to a coworker in need of leave if you have over 80 hours of Annual Leave, over 176 hours of Sick Leave, and/or Personal Holiday available? Any amount of leave donated would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your consideration.