Moving Forward Together
As we continue navigating changes at the Home and Community Living Administration, I want to honor the dedication and professionalism you show every day. Over the past several months, we have faced major structural adjustments and challenging budget realities, requiring us to reimagine how we serve our communities.
I know these transitions have not been easy. With the most significant adjustments now behind us, our focus is on moving forward together. This issue we are highlighting all of the incredible ways YOU serve our community members. We are committed to building a healthier, more supportive work environment where collaboration, trust, and care for one another strengthen us as an HCLA team that continues to connect people to critical services that make a difference in their lives.
September Focus: Alzheimer’s Awareness and Fall Prevention
Alzheimer’s Awareness: The Dementia Action Collaborative continues to provide goals, strategies, and recommendations to guide our work over the next five years. Their partnership is vital in preparing our state for the growing number of people living with dementia. DSHS is also highlighting powerful mini stories from Washingtonians with dementia and their care partners at Let’s Talk Dementia online.
Fall Prevention: Falls among older adults remain a serious public health risk. The Governor’s Office recognized this challenge through a proclamation, and the National Council on Aging provides a toolkit with resources to reduce injuries, improve strength and balance, eliminate hazards, and support community education.
Looking Ahead
I am profoundly grateful for your resilience, dedication, and commitment to our mission of partnering with people to access support, care, and resources. Let’s take this next chapter as an opportunity to support one another and face future challenges with compassion and determination.
Please continue to take care of yourselves and each other. Your well-being is the foundation of all we do.
DSHS Employees Support Canoe Journey
The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe near Port Angeles hosted this year's annual canoe journey, Paddle to Elwha 2025, which drew thousands of participants from Washington, Canada and Alaska.
Lower Elwha invited DSHS employees to support the weeklong event. This opportunity gave employees a chance to learn about the Lower Elwha tribe's history and culture and promoted tribal members’ familiarity with DSHS so that tribal families and community members could feel more comfortable accessing services and requesting assistance.
During preparations for the Paddle to Elwha, Developmental Disabilities Community Services employees from the Port Angeles and Port Townsend offices volunteered at the Elwha Klallam Heritage Center in Port Angeles in giftmaking sessions, where they painted rattles and small dance paddles, beaded necklaces and created other handmade gifts. And Home and
Community Living Administration's Tribal Affairs program hosted a series of Lunch & Learn events in Lacey where employees could learn about the canoe journey, ask questions and help make handmade gifts.
Some DSHS employees officially volunteered during the Paddle to Elwha, both at Elwha and at other tribal events as canoes made their way to their destination. Volunteers handed out water, prepared food, drove elders around in golf carts, and picked up litter. Employees also staffed an information and resource booth at the potlatch, where they provided informational and promotional materials. It was a great way to meet people where they are, answer questions and educate about DSHS programs.
“Dancers” Photo by: Grier Jewell.
“Many thanks to Lisa (Pemberton) for the invitation to attend. I hope others consider this in the future. It’s a beautiful experience to spend the day bathed in the energy of drums, dancing and connection.” – Grier Jewell
Throughout the week, employees working directly with Lower Elwha tribe or tribal clients were encouraged to witness the ceremonial portions, including the arrival of the canoes, listening to songs and storytelling from dozens of canoe families, and watching dances.
The Nisqually Tribe near Lacey will host the 2026 Canoe Journey. The dates have not yet been announced.
The State of Washington has a government-to-government relationship with each of the 29 federally recognized Indian tribes in the state, as outlined in the Centennial Accord and RCW 43.376. DSHS implements that relationship through DSHS Administrative Policy 7.01, American Indian Policy. Staff participation in tribal events, when invited, supports the 7.01 plan with Lower Elwha.
Building Bridges Through Deaf Community Partnerships Across Washington
The Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing continues to partner with state and national community organizations to enhance visibility and promote communication accessibility for all Washington residents. Community organizations are the backbone of Deaf Culture, founded and run by Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing people. They focus on awareness events, education, and community connections. The Office is committed to collaborating with and expanding its reach to ensure that all Washingtonians have access to support, care, and resources.
Employees from the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing had the privilege of partnering with community organizations at multiple summer events across the state.
Washington State Hands and Voices, a chapter of the national non-profit and parent-driven organization aimed at supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing, held two Summer Family Socials: one at Kelsey Creek
Farms in Bellevue on July 26 and another at Manito Park in Spokane on July 29.
The Washington Advocates of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing hosted their 31st annual Deaf Senior Citizens picnic in Centralia on August 13. WADHH is a long-standing non-profit organization that focuses on advocacy and interpreting services for residents in the Vancouver, Tri-Cities, and Spokane areas.
Additionally, Washington state has one of the largest DeafBlind communities worldwide. The DeafBlind program at the Lighthouse for the Blind hosted its 2025 Seabeck DeafBlind Retreat from August 24 to August 30. DeafBlind participants came from across the country and the world to participate in an access-rich environment.
The Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing proudly partnered with these community organizations to help people find human services to shape their own lives.
September is National Deaf Awareness Month
This annual observance includes:
International Week of Deaf People: (September 22–28) This year’s theme: “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights”.
International Day of Sign Languages: (September 23) Recognizing the importance of sign languages for equal rights and access.
More on the history and themes: World Federation of the Deaf (wfdeaf.org)
Support, Community, and a Place to Call Home
Susan Pfundt, DDCS Administrator, shares a good news story about Case Resource Manager Christa Hewitt in the Enhanced Case Management Program.
SW, and his wife V, paid a significant amount of rent to live in a crowded, cluttered and unsanitary trailer. Conditions were so bad that the couple spent their days in the community riding the bus and going to the library to avoid going back to the trailer. They told Christa they were desperate to move out and into their own apartment but were unsure how, especially with V’s health issues and recent surgery.
Christa, SW, and V worked with a Community Engagement provider in Kitsap County to search for, apply for, and secure housing. On August 1, 2025, the couple moved into a low-income studio apartment in Bremerton. Friends from their church helped them move, their daughter's adoptive mom gave them towels and a shower curtain, and even their bus driver gave them a free coffee pot!
S reports he feels safe, relaxed, and happy. They have already met and bonded with some of their neighbors and have a friend from the Special Olympics. V is making great strides, and S said he is ready for a helper and to start looking for work. With laundry services and a food bank right down the hall, it's the little things like getting to know their neighbors, having their own bathroom or an apartment that locks with all their things inside.
“This is why we do what we do,” said Heather Lum, ECMP Program Manager.
Ramp Builds Hope Thanks to Community and Case Manager
“Good afternoon. This is BG and I’m writing to you about my son’s case manager, Andrea Gomez (DDCS Case Resources Manager, Region 2). We are grateful for all the help she has done for this family and for DB. From contacting Rampathon (a volunteer ramp building program run by a joint King and Snohomish counties master building association) to help build an accessible ramp for DG, to answering any questions we may have, we are happy to have her as a case manager. I’ve attached below some photos of the ramp as well, we couldn’t have done it without Andrea.”
“I feel it was all Rampathon that should get all the credit. They have a great team. I am currently working on an environmental adaptation request for this family and if approved it will be a great win,” said Andrea.
“[Andrea] is being modest for sure - she works really hard to find and share resources, and really seizes on all the opportunities for her caseload,” said Catriona (Cat) Braid (DDCS Field Services Administrator).
The project ended up making the King 5 news: Volunteers build ramp, transform a boy's daily life | king5.com
Let Go to Grow!
Chasing control, perfection, and certainty is exhausting. Intentionally letting go of things beyond your control, embracing imperfection, and leaning into the unknown with hope and curiosity can help you lighten your backpack so you may enjoy the hike. Here are some things to try:
Let go of mental clutter: Practice five-finger breathing to ground yourself and reset your nervous system. Place the index finger of one hand at the base of the palm of your other hand. As you take in five slow, deep breaths, drag your index finger up and down each of your fingers (and thumb), one inhale/exhale per digit.
Let go of harsh self-talk: Speak to yourself like you would a dear friend. Practice self-compassion, kindness, and grace. Celebrate small successes and praise your efforts and iterative improvements.
Let go of things beyond your control: Ruminating about the past calcifies pain into suffering. Worrying about things beyond your control robs you of today’s peace and joy. Choose what you allow your brain to spend energy on, and you will find growth and contentment in the present as well as a greater sense of well-being.
Explore our Focal Point library and register for any of our change, resiliency, or burnout prevention sessions for support and connection. Invest in letting go to grow. You are worth it!
APS Hosts Innovative National Conference in September
Home and Community Living Administration’s Adult Protective Services is thrilled to welcome the 36th Annual National Adult Protective Association conference next month in Bellevue, from September 8-10, 2025. Hosting this event highlights Washington's strong commitment and leadership in enhancing Adult Protective Services nationwide. This is an exciting opportunity for us to share the innovative work we are doing and learn alongside colleagues from across the nation.
APS will present numerous interactive workshops designed to help professionals better serve individuals experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation. These workshops will showcase our cutting-edge training for supervisors and investigators, our successful centralized intake process, and demonstrate efforts to modernize our policies. We will also offer valuable sessions focused on traumainformed care, organizational wellness, financial exploitation prevention, and quality assurance.
As a recognized leader in social services, we are proud to set standards for innovation, excellence, and compassionate care nationwide, and positively impact the lives of vulnerable adults and communities. We continue to demonstrate our dedication to continuous improvement and collaboration within the APS field, and we are honored to host this year’s conference. For more information about the NAPSA conference visit their website.
DDCS Recruiting Direct Support Staff
Recruitment for Community Residential Agencies
Developmental Disabilities Community Services has an ongoing recruitment need to hire direct support personnel to support people with developmental and intellectual disabilities living in their own homes. Community agencies seek qualified professionals who align with the DSHS mission to partner with people to access support, care, and resources.
In 2021, Jeanne Whalen (DDCS Money Follows the Person Workforce Development Program Manager) was hired to lead recruitment and retention efforts. Jeanne attends career fairs across Washington state, shares information about the profession, agency opportunities, and the impacts direct support professionals can make.
Agency providers and DDCS employees often join her, creating a collaborative recruitment effort. Together, they create welcoming spaces for job seekers, offer clear expectations and goodwill (and her booths offer small giveaways!). Jeanne has participated in over 170 in-person events, reaching more than 33,000 attendees and has spoken with approximately 6,000 job seekers and shared 1,800 referrals with agencies. We thank Jeanne for her dedication and the difference she continues to make in communities across Washington.
Recruitment continues beyond these events through DSHS’ Find a New and Rewarding Career page and the dedicated email, workforceDDA@dshs.wa.gov, where interested individuals can connect with local agencies hiring direct support professionals.
September Upcoming Events!
Sept 9: WorkSource Thurston State and Private Employers Job Fair
Sept 11: Caregivers Job Fair in Bellingham
Sept 16: Jobconnection Job Fair in Vancouver
Sept 17: WorkSource Vancouver Public Sector Hiring Event
Sept 18: WorkSource North Seattle
Sept 19: WorkFirst Virtual Job Club Rainier
Breaking the Silence to Save Lives During Suicide Awareness Month
September is Suicide Awareness Month, which gives us an opportunity to expand our knowledge on this difficult subject. It's one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., and Washington's suicide rates have been higher than the national average. Over 1200 of our neighbors in this state lost their lives to suicide in 2022. Everyone can agree that these numbers are daunting, but many people are unsure of how they can help.
Generally, suicide occurs with warning signs. Common signs include increased use of alcohol or drugs, social withdrawal and planning. Research shows that many people who have attempted suicide did a Google search as part of their planning.
Research shows that if someone was already thinking about suicide, asking questions is not what pushes them over the edge. Instead, asking questions encourages conversation and offers an opportunity to help.
Andrea Anderson Makes a Lasting Impact for Families in Need
“I have been working with Andrea Anderson (DDCS Case Resource Manager – FROST, Region 2) for the past 8 months or so to help navigate gaining DDA and Medicaid coverage for my son who has significant disabilities. We did not think we qualified nor could get these types of coverage, to our detriment, but we thought we'd give it a try and then Andrea came into our lives. This process is extremely complex and so hard to follow. Andrea makes every step of the process understandable and direct with what we need to take action on. Although many steps of the process take a lot of time to complete/get approval, what
Access to lethal means is one of the highest risk factors for suicide attempts. Locking up guns and pills may provide a few extra moments and a chance for a person to think and change their mind. Many people admit that they have had fleeting thoughts about suicide when faced with overwhelming situations. Most have no intention of following through. Often, people who have survived suicide attempts say trying to take their own lives was terrifying. Repeated attempts can chip away at that fear and present potential to increase the lethality of the method. Silence, fear, and stigma contribute to this issue in tremendous ways. But with courage, compassion, and a listening ear, we can make a difference.
– Your Residential Care Services Behavioral Health Support Team!
(Statistics courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and the Washington State Department of Health. )
Andrea helps us with does not, so that we are not the bottleneck in any step. She is an extremely effective communicator who is always timely with her email responses or happy to hop on the phone. And she knows the impossible process like the back of her hand! She also does not assign priority or judgement with any little question I had, she replied very empathetically to get me quick answers. I just can't say enough about her. This coverage will help my family financially but also support T’s needs potentially for a lifetime.” – RS, parent
The Administrative Team That Keeps WA Cares Moving
At the center of WA Cares are the administrative assistants who help the team maintain momentum every day. They may not always be in the spotlight, but their work, values and spirit of teamwork are woven into every success of the program.
As an administrative assistant for the program director, Jo has led the way. For her, it’s the mission that makes the work meaningful. “I enjoy working for WA Cares because I believe in our mission to serve the public and contribute to making the world a better place. We are people who care about people, and that is really special.”
Beth, who supports the benefits and customer care administrator, shares that her teammates make the work joyful. “Everyone in WA Cares has been so welcoming and genuinely appreciative of one another’s contributions.”
For Tim, the administrative assistant for the deputy director of operations, the passion of the people he works with is what stands out. “All of my team members bring a different background and believe in the culture that has been built within WA Cares.”
Jordy, who supports the executive administrator, joined WA Cares in search of something more than just a job. “I wanted to do something that is both rewarding and serves a higher purpose.”
Manny, Cheryl and Ashley, who support the regional administration, echo those same values. Each brings their own background and experience, but what connects them is the shared spirit of teamwork and care.
Want to stay connected?
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Together, Jo, Beth, Tim, Jordy, Manny, Cheryl and Ashley are more than just an admin team—they are the backbone of WA Cares. Their dedication and kindness, which reflect their commitment to one another, reflect the heart of the program: ensuring every Washingtonian has the support they need when they need it most.
Preventing Falls and Protecting Independence for Older Adults in Washington
With fall just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to talk about Falls Prevention. Falls are one of the most serious risks facing older adults and a critical public health concern.
Did you know:
• Falls are the leading cause of injury and death in adults aged 65+ and the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.
• In 2019, falls caused 83% of hip fracture deaths and 88% of hip-fracture-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations.
• Every year, 14 million Americans aged 65+— about 1 in 4—experience a fall.
• In Washington, 1 in 3 adults in this age group falls each year (the rain in the west and ice in the east don’t help!).
With 17% of our population over 65, it’s important to remember that falls are not an inevitable part of aging— most can be prevented. Taking steps to prevent falls helps older adults stay active and independent and live where they want to with better physical and mental health.
Join us in recognizing Falls Prevention Week, September 22-26!
DSHS partners with the Department of Health’s Older Adult Falls Prevention Program, local advocates and coalitions, emergency medical services and fire departments, and various health care organizations to coordinate evidence-based exercise and balance classes and to promote multidisciplinary programs proven to reduce falls.
Awareness, education, and community engagement are essential to helping older adults live confidently without fear of falling. Take action today by exploring resources on the Department of Health website: Fall Prevention Resources.
Introducing the Strategic Engagement and Access Team
We're excited to announce our new team's name: the Strategic Engagement and Access Team! This name reflects our evolving focus and deep commitment to building more inclusive, responsive, and connected systems of support across HCLA. This team will consist of:
Claire Knight
Jamie Wiggins
Linda Garcia
Morgan Olson
Teddy Kemirembe
Thanh Tran
While our name has changed, our values remain the same. Equity, Diversity, Access, and Inclusion work continues to thrive in powerful and intentional ways across this organization, not just in big initiatives, but also in everyday actions and commitments.
We want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the many places where the seeds and fruits of EDAI live and grow from 1-1 conversations, daily interactions with our clients and customers, shared learning spaces, team commitments to shared values, using the Conversation Starters, the list is endless and magical.
Some of the most consistent feedback we continue to receive is, "Thank you for holding this space. We needed the time together to connect, learn, and practice during such a hard time." These reflections remind us why this work matters—not only in policy or process but also in how we care for each other and create opportunities to honor each other's humanity.
Thank you to everyone who continues to make the space and commitment to EDAI, not just the concept but also a practice embedded in how we show up for each other and the communities we serve. We look forward to continuing this journey with you!
Cynthia Scoville Earns Praise for Compassion and Excellence
“Colleen & I had one of the most helpful meetings with a WA State Department of Disability employee. Her name is Cynthia Scoville (DDCS Case Resource Manager – FROST, Region 2). We were having a 4-hour DDA Assessment Zoom meeting about our wonderful son, L. I was dreading a long zoom on this topic! But Cynthia Scoville turned it into the most helpful, kind and productive meetings I could have ever imagined. She was probing tough issues with empathy and never seemed to give up until we got to the heart of the matter. It's difficult stuff to talk about - and her professionalism and kindness made all the difference. It made me proud to be living in Washington State - a place that has such programs run by professionals like Cynthia Scoville.” – JL, parent
I want to share this KUDOs received through the Governor’s office from a constituent you met with when assessing her son. It is clear from her message that you are empathetic, knowledgeable, thorough, and professional. Thank you for demonstrating so clearly the values of the organization. You made a real difference to this family and turned something they were worried and stressed about into a positive experience. Sincerely, Bea Rector
It is not often we get such kind words about the hard work that case managers do and the impacts they make on the lives of the people they support. You must be remarkable, and I am so grateful you are on our team. Thank you!! - Jaime Bond
Cynthia is a remarkable assessor and employee who embodies what FROST [Family Regional Onboarding Services Team] in region 2 tries to accomplish every day. – Aaron Peterson
Aging is Cool and Everyone’s Doing It
We’re all aging every day, and our habits shape how well we age.
September is Healthy Aging Month—a time to take action for better physical, mental, and social wellness. Simple steps like moving more, eating well, sleeping better, staying connected, and keeping your brain active can make a big difference.
Healthy aging starts early and benefits everyone. Research shows that early health disparities can affect lifelong well-being.
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion supports healthy aging through:
• Move Your Way® to promote physical activity
• MyHealthfinder for easy-to-use health info
• Nutrition tools for professionals
• Inclusive resources for all abilities
While we can’t control everything, we can make choices that help us and others age well. Even small changes matter.
This month, think about how you can support your future self—and encourage others to do the same. Healthy living is healthy aging.
Focal Point Sessions
Focal Point trainings are a continuous learning experience provided by HCLA staff for HCLA staff. All division employees are encouraged to participate in any of the available offerings.
Schedule can be found at: Focal Point Training Topics or Focal Point SharePoint site
Coffee Chat!
Video series features interviews with leaders, helping build connections and inspire viewers. Watch today!
HCLA Organizational Development
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Click to read!
HCLA Organizational Development SharePoint
Wellness Note
HCLA Wellness note highlights a different dimension of well-being and provides a one-page resource.
Read 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.
Accessibility Resources
Tools by Software
Microsoft Word Step by Step Instructions Checklist
PowerPoint Video: Slides Reading Order PowerPoint Checklist
Adobe Acrobat Verify PDF Accessibility Instructions
Adobe Checklist
ALT Text Resources: Writing Effective Text
WebAIM: Alternative Text Alt Text Decision Tree Section508.gov
Quick Links: Accessibility Resources
Plain Talk Policy
DSHS Templates DSHS Logos Word Style Guide
Reimagine DSHS
Your voice is critical in the reimagining process. Please share your questions and offer feedback by contacting us at Reimagine@dshs.wa.gov.
Share your idea by completing the Reimagine DSHS Idea form
Visit the Reimagine DSHS SharePoint Page
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.
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!
September
35 Years
Tracey L Bozanich
30 Years
Sea Ky
25 Years
Christopher Janas
Johanna Brickle
Roberta Lynn Gibby
Valerie Nafe
20 Years
Annie D Humphrey
Jeanette K Childress
Joan M Gaasland
Michelle Marie Wolf
15 Years
Cathy A Prentice
Gina Danyel Meier
Patrick G Levens
10 Years
Amber Nichole Sullivan
Andria Marie Underwood
Brian F Shearer
Carissa Ann Staley
Daisy Adilene Gonzalez
Dominique L Chavez
Donna Louise Ramsey
Gabrielle Angela Giroux
Jennifer Christine Barr
Kellie Dawn Williard
Lashonda Shana Southern
Mary Elizabeth Barr
Michele A Grumke
Molly A Mcisaac
Noel Rose Aguilar
Shane Dennis Patrick Lucey
Susan Rae Winfield
Sychanh Bounthong
5 Years
Alicia Marie Hawkins
Alyssia A Medina
Harold Clinton Cole
Morgan Francis Olson
Quinn Snow
Rachael H Ropkey
Suria T Filiga
Jessica M. Barbour, Contract Specialist 2, MSD
From the moment Jessica was hired .... she has made a huge impact. She showed up every day ready to roll up her sleeves, jump in wherever needed, and does it all with a positive, can-do attitude. She is driven, dependable and the kind of teammate anyone would be lucky to have. Thank you for being a baddie!!! - Tammy K. Layton
Ana C. Alcala, Social Service Specialist 4, APS Region 1
Ana leads by example with professionalism and integrity when performing her duties as the Central Region Lead Investigator for APS. She recently investigated a difficult and complex case involving a long history of domestic violence. Her exceptional work on the investigation resulted in a substantiated finding and making sure the victim's voice was heard. Ana is always willing to take on challenging assignments and help others. She is respected by her colleagues and is a joy to have on my team. - William B. Stakelin
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!
Collin E. May, Training, Performance, & Operations Project Manager, OAS
Collin May thank you for your strategic systems thinking, integration of change management principles, daily continuous improvement and innovation, exceptional customer service and always thinking about the user's experience and helping us ensure we are compliant with policy and actively identifying and mitigating risk. Your leadership is more impactful than I can say. Thank you for being you! - Amy Besel
Acadia L. Clohesey, Case Resource Manager, DDCS Seattle Children’s Team
Words of appreciation from a client’s mother after Acadia got a 30-day overnight respite stay approved: "I’ve been doing all of the things I haven’t been able to these last 4 years. Honestly, I think about you with gratitude all the time Acadia! I think a lot about how to express my appreciation, and nothing seems worthy, but I want you to know that I think about you with gratitude kind of ridiculous amount." - Shea Hetrick
Michael J. Boyd, Social Service Specialist 5, HCS Region 1
I had an AV come into the office for an interview who wanted an HCS application which was provided. I asked Mike if he would be able to assist the AV further with a face to face and any other HCS questions she might have. Mike was more than willing to help out and met with her even as this was a last minute request. Mike showed the commitment between HCS and APS and the care for the community by giving of his time. THANK YOU, MIKE, FOR ALL YOU DO! - Michael S. Day