OCCR Newsletter - The Squeeze: Issue I

THE S UEEZE

ResourcesConnecting People

A Message from the Director

Greetings:

It is a privilege to kick off our employee newsletter and I’m glad that it will serve as a place for us to share, learn, and grow together as we continue our mission of "Connecting People and Resources." On the fast-paced highway of our day-to-day operations, it is our incredible staff who keep the engine running. Your commitment, passion, and professional expertise form the vehicle for our success, and for this, I want to express my sincere appreciation.

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A Message from the Director

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I am proud to work alongside an exceptional team in the Director’s office. It is my responsibility to set an overarching vision for the department within the policy parameters set by the CEO and Board of Supervisors. It is also my job to advocate for all OCCR programs at the corporate County level, seeking resources and policies that support the work that you do, while balancing the fact that we are one department among 22 others that need resources and have policy considerations too. I could not do my job without Cymantha Atkinson, the Assistant Director, who provides vital support in strategic decision-making and oversees the five key programs that make up OCCR. Cymantha ensures that the department vision is executed effectively and supports me in tactical implementation of strategies with the Program Directors.

Maria Roa, our diligent Executive Assistant, keeps our affairs in order and serves as a primary point of contact and ambassador for our office. Our Public Information Officers, Mechelle Perez and Erica Yun, ensure that our message reaches the public with clarity and transparency and are a resource to both OCCR and the County.

Every employee at OCCR is a valuable resource, contributing to our mission in many ways. It is your tireless efforts, your unique skills, and your commitment that uplift our community and make a tangible difference in the lives of the people we serve. You are the embodiment of our mission, connecting people and resources through your work. Thank you for making a difference.

If ever you have questions or thoughts you want to share, shoot me an email, reach out to Maria, or drop by my office. My door is always open, and I welcome the opportunity to connect with each of you.

In closing, I leave you with this: Did you hear about the person who invented the knockknock joke? They won the “no-bell” prize!

All the best,

Dylan Wright OCCR Director

CONNECTINGPEOPLE &RESOURCES

Admin Services

Administrative Services’ diverse team provides professional, efficient, and effective administrative services which enables our OCCR Program partners to function successfully in their support of OCCR’s mission of connecting people with resources. While Admin Services is comprised of seven business functions, we strive to work as one team to ensure our program ’ s success.

Admin’s services vary from one unit to the next, but each plays an important role Thus, whether it is ensuring our bills (and our staff) are paid, new team members are recruited, vendors are secured and services are solicited, budgets are balanced, facilities are upgraded and maintained, Board approvals are sought, or your technology functions; rest assured Administrative Services is helping to make it happen.

As a mission driven team, we welcome partnership with program, make the commitment, and embrace the challenges

Did you Know?

Procurement regularly purchases frozen mice and rats for snakes located at Nature Center at Caspers Park

OCIT supports 3278 computers and 2629 users.

OCCR Accounting has 53 distinct Funds under it’s purview. This is more than HCA, SSA, JWA and OCWR combined.

BusinessOffice

Finance HumanResources

InformationTechnology

Procurement

StrategicOperations& ProfessionalStandards

Accounting

OC ANIMAL CARE

OCAC plays a crucial role in not only serving animals, but the community as well. As a municipal animal shelter, OCAC is responsible for balancing public safety and animal welfare. OCAC is a way-station for animals in need. Animals often come to us sick, underaged, or injured and in need of a safe space to heal and grow, time, and TLC. Around the clock care for the animals who need it the most is made possible thanks to our incredible community members who choose to foster

Our guardian foster caretakers will take in kittens late at night by picking them up at the shelter or having officers drop them off at their homes. Bottle baby kitten fosters specialize in fostering kittens as young as one day old. We have dedicated individuals who take in shelter pets recovering from broken bones or surgeries that require longer treatment, rechecks with our partner veterinarians, and specialized care. Many of our foster volunteers promote the pets they’re fostering to find adopters for them prior to returning to the shelter!

Kitten Season is the time of year when cats populate at higher rates and orphaned kittens are brought to shelters across the nation. Through generous donations and sponsorships, OCAC equips first-time foster caretakers with Foster Starter Kits filled with supplies on-hand to care for the kittens. Through this incredible partnership with the community, in 2022, volunteers fostered over 2,000 pets!

DIDYOUKNOW?

For those who are not quite ready for a forever pet, OCAC offers the flexibility of fostering! Volunteer foster caretakers give pets, like kittens and puppies, a safe and nurturing environment, helping them grow and develop before they find their forever homes.

OC COMMUNITY

SERVICES

I participated in their free online workshops for resume writing, and went to their job fairs to meet with hiring companies. The workshops were very informative, and the staff was so helpful Whenever I had a question, they responded right away It's because of them that I have the position I have now, working in the field I trained for

Office on Aging

The Office on Aging implemented an iPad Program for seniors over the age of 65. The iPad program helps seniors enhance their knowledge of electronics and access to community resources at their fingertips. Seniors can use iPads to attend over 4,000 online classes and virtual meetings to learn how to navigate an iPad This program enriches seniors lives and provides them with access to free applications and the ability to obtain information on how to search for services that interests them such as traveling, food/nutrition, and health & wellness programs.

Veterans Services Office

The Veterans Service Office (VSO) is committed to serving those who have served, and continue to serve in our armed forces, and their families Recently, VSO had an opportunity to assist a 75-year-old homeless veteran and his wife secure benefits earned for the veterans' honorable service during the Vietnam War. The couple suffered from financial hardship due to loss of income, eviction, and recent hospitalization They found it difficult to navigate the VA claims process and find a safe place to rest their head, until they connected with the VSO. The veteran was award 70% VA compensation. VSO connected the veterans to much deserved assistance, and eventually end their cycle of homelessness

Workforce & Economic Development

The Veterans Employment-Related Assistance Program (VEAP) provides resources to veterans in need of services such as housing and employment opportunities At a recent job fair, a US veteran made a valuable connection with a VEAP career coordinator. In working with the career coordinator, the veteran was able to get assistance in developing a resume and a referral to the Working Wardrobe program He received a professional outfit and assistance in interviewing techniques Through the collaboration of VEAP and Working Wardrobe, the veteran was hired by Lowes. Additionally, VEAP career coordinator was able to link the veteran with additional resource benefits through the OC Veterans Service Office

The

OC HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

OCHA recently completed leasing 57 studio units for formerly homeless individuals in Buena Park in what was originally a motel named Airport Inn. Airport Inn was converted into a modern apartment complex offering several community amenities including a dog park, a basketball court, and outdoor fitness equipment The property was renamed from Airport Inn to Ascent Apartments as a reminder where the property began to where it is going.

OC Housing & Community Development contains three divisions, each connecting with and serving people. The Housing Assistance Division, known as the Orange County Housing Authority, connects low-income households with rental assistance. OCHA pays a portion of the rent for over 12,000 households throughout Orange County on a monthly basis The service that OCHA provides is integral to connecting people with housing

The Community Development Division oversees the Federal grant funding allocated to the County from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for housing and community development activities. Community Development helps to connect eligible participating cities with funding that can improve a lowincome neighborhood, such as improvements to sewers, sidewalks, and/or senior facilities and housing rehabilitation for low-income residents They also are an integral part of making sure the use of funds is compliant so the County can continue to receive these funds to continue to serve low-income communities and households.

We recently received a call from a client who had been living in her car for several years and was thanking us for inspecting and approving her unit, she was calling to let us know that she had just picked up her keys and was on her way to move into her unit. She thanked us for helping her through the process

Housing Development administers the County’s affordable housing programs. This includes both affordable housing development as well as a first-time homebuyer program. Housing Development connects with various stakeholders including developers, cities, service providers and other County agencies all in an effort to build future affordable and supportive housing in Orange County that serves not only the individual low, very-low or extremely low income household, but that also serves the community by preventing and ending homelessness.

WELLNESS

AreYouDrinking EnoughWater?

Prioritize preventative health care by drinking more water! We lose 2-3 liters of water daily; therefore, we need to compensate for fluid loss. The water in our bodies works to cushion and lubricate our joints, regulate temperature, and to nourish the brain and spinal cord Dehyrdration causes notable drops of energy, mood, skin moisture, blood pressure, as well as signs of cognitive impairment. Optimal hydration can lower the chance of stroke, help manage diabetes, and potentially reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Getting the right amount of liquid makes a world of difference.

S A C

CALIFORNIA STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES

INNOVATION AWARD RECIPIENT

WellnessCredit

Don't forget to earn your wellness credit before August 18, 2023, to take advantage of 5% savings of your health premium- this could save you anywhere from $14 to $53 per pay period, or $850 annually! By doing so, your name will automatically be entered for a chance to win opportunity drawing gift cards!

https://countywellnesscenter. bl / ll dit

Congratulations to the OC Public Libraries for being awarded the 2022 Innovation Award for their Pathway for Lifelong Learning: Kindergarten Readiness Initiative The Innovation Award is the top award presented by CSAC and represents OCPL’s submission being the highest-scoring program throughout the state of California! This was not an easy feat, as the 2022 cycle had 370 entries spotlighting innovative programs from counties all across the state.

To commemorate the achievement, CSAC traveled all the way to Orange County to present at the June 27, 2023 Board of Supervisors Meeting. Congratulations to OCPL, as the award is well earned!

Watch this brief video to learn more about the Kindergarten Readiness Initiative!

Did You Know?

Discover & Go is a partnership between OC Public Libraries & local cultural institutions, which allows you to reserve free or low-cost passes to participating organizations!

Participating Institutions:

AquariumofthePacific

BreaGallery

CabrilloPlayhouse

CasaRomantica

CurtisTheatre

AnaheimDucks

MuckenthalerCulturalCenter

NewportWhales

For more information, visit:

https://ocpl.org/discoverandgo

OCCRANNUALREPOR

2021-2022

Check out the recently issued OCCR Annual report, which highlights the multitude of ways each OCCR team member dedicates their time and talent connecting people and resources!

T

RESTEDINRIDESHARING?

NI T E

Interested in finding better and easier ways to commute to work? OC Rideshare offers various rideshare modes and incentives to help you get started!

New memberships can earn a $40 sign-up incentive, and are also eligible to participate in monthly drawings for a $25 bonus (paid via payroll) and other special perks. For every year you renew, you get a $15 bonus. For more information, visit:

https://hrs.ocgov.com/employeebenefits/rideshare

Did you know that students save 25% on Metrolink Fares? Click here for more information.

Click here to watch the Director s message!

OC Parks serves more than 16 million visitors each year at our many regional, wilderness and historical parks and coastal facilities. Every day, thousands of people visit OC Parks facilities to go for a walk, enjoy a hike, spend a day at the beach, visit the OC Zoo, have a picnic with family and friends or explore trails by mountain bike or horseback.

In addition, OC Parks hosts hundreds of free, family-friendly events and activities throughout the County park system, including guided walks, interpretive programs, historical tours, free concerts and movies, and more. OC Parks' events and programs connect visitors with the rich natural and cultural resources found within the County of Orange, and engage them with fun, affordable outdoor recreational offerings for all ages throughout OC Parks' facilities.

Close to 252,000 people attended public programs at OC Parks in 2022, a nearly 60% increase from 2021.

OC Parks' Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema film series events offer thousands of visitors a unique opportunity to experience regional parks and coastal facilities with family and friends while enjoying live music and movies for free. For many people, this is their first visit to an OC Parks facility. Nearly 40,000 people attended OC Parks' Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema film series in 2022, introducing many to the diverse outdoor opportunities available within OC Parks.

These events are free to attend with free parking, and include fun pre-show entertainment, interpretive programs, giveaways, and information about OC Parks' amenities and services.

OC PARKS community appreciation

I'm an OC native and very proud to live here Thanks for doing such a great job with our parks!

Parks are neat and clean. I feel safe bringing my family Friendly staff!” The organization for events always appears to be top-notch

SERVICE AWARDS

January 1, 2023 - June 30, 2023

Maria Aguilar, OCPL

Sandra McCoy, OCPL

Elizabeth Ramirez, OCHCD

Chris Hill, OC Parks

Erik Hanson, OC Parks

Cheryl Duszynski, OCAC

Jared Olivares, OC Parks

Ruben Martinez, OC Parks

Salvador Cervantes, OCPL

Lisa Salchak, OCPL

Perry Khorn, OCHCD

Steve Hunter, OCAC

Cyrise Smith, OCPL

Joanne Veedor, OC Parks

Brittney Detki, OCAC

Bryanne Kneip, OCAC

Jalene Vu, OCHCD

Betty Lopez, OCAC

Mayra Alvarez, OCAC

Jessica Amezcua, OCCS

Marco Rodriguez, OCCS

Jae Jo, OCPL

Zhen Li, OCPL

Paula Becker, OCPL

Kelly Anderson, OCPL

Katie Dietzman, OCPL

Crystal Michaelis, OCPL

Celso Revollar, OC Parks

Nina Campmas, Admin Services

Molly Waldram, OC Parks

Larry Acosta, OC Parks

Melanie Goss, OC Parks

Renee Glosecki, OC Parks

Francisco Martinzez, OC Parks

Vincent Garcia, OC Parks

Todd Lister, OC Parks

David Place, OC Parks

Alvaro Pedraza, OC Parks

Nicole Bengtson, OC Parks

Adriana Sanchez, OC Parks

Raul Castaneda, OC Parks

Julia Fear Hamilton, OCAC

Raul Castaneda, OC Parks

Bethia Sheean-Wallace, OCPL

Audrey Yahn, OCAC

Maria Ruiz, OCPL

Julia Butler, OCPL

Benjamin Abeltin, OCPL

Kasey Covarrubias, OCPL

Blanca Valdovinos, OCHCD

January Johnson, OCHCD

Cynthia Madrigal Naranjo, OCHCD

Alina Aguilar, OCAC

Stacy Raines, OCAC

Richard Ayala, OC Parks

Kevin Lezama, OC Parks

Amir Shehata, OC Parks

Linda Bazmi, OC Parks

Dennis Shaffer, OC Parks 10 5

Eric Heaton, OC Parks

Timonthy Nieblas, OC Parks

Leonard Ojeda, OC Parks

Yvette Fernandez, OCAC

Grace Chun, OCPL

Kayli Shrieves, OCPL

Hoang Trinh, OCPL

Jessica Luna, OCPL

Briana Bickal, OCPL

Vivian Strabala, OCPL

Karina Millan, OCPL

Amber Zuniga, OCPL

Kelly Bradford, OCPL

Michelle Zdeba, OCHCD

Luis Pena, OCPL

Yang Wang, OCPL

Brittany Richey, OCPL

Olivia Sorensen, OCPL

Chad Ward, Admin Services

Julie Lyons, Admin Services

Elsa Rivera, OCCS

OC PUBLIC LIBRARIES

OCPL helps our communities learn, explore, connect and have fun! OCPL creates an environment in which all individuals have the freedom to explore ideas without judgment or censure. OCPL's 1.6 million item collection is shared between our 32 libraries among the 24 member cities in our library system. Leveraging the systemwide collection, any book can be requested and sent to your home library, free of charge. OCPL's ebook and eaudiobook collections, Interlibrary Loan and Zip Book services all augment the collection. OCPL harnesses its ability to meet community members where they are. OCPL is committed to digital inclusion and equitable access to resources and provides eCards for instant access to digital material OCPL provides databases for workforce development, construction trades, law, business, science,

news, literature and genealogy in addition to multilingual ebooks, eaudiobooks, digital magazines, music and media. High speed broadband access is available inside and outside our libraries. Chromebook and hotspot lending and in-branch computer use are our most widely used services Library services help people become more engaged with their communities and provide an opportunity to impart their knowledge and skills on the world. Our library spaces and programs bring people together and help people engage with their communities. Our programs explore arts, culture, health, civics, science, history and technology. Career and business resources assist job seekers and small businesses Staff teach information literacy via how-to videos, 1-on-1 assistance, phone and chat.

thanks. thanks. thanks.

A patron who receives regular computer assistance has learned how to copy and paste, print, and use notepad Thanks to the library's computer use services, he obtained a new job creating family trees and gathering genealogy information. This is his first job since being laid off during the pandemic

I am writing to you to thank you for the most enjoyable experience I had yesterday with one of the staff members I went to the library because I wanted a quiet place to do my Zoom Interview for a scholarship for graduate school. I instantly felt at ease because I didn't have to worry about that and did so well on my interview that I got the scholarship! I am grateful to this staff worker who helped me, and I would like to thank the library for giving the public a place to study, work, or have a virtual interview.