Director's Message

April 28, 2006

To: DHS employees

From: Dr. Bruce Goldberg, DHS Director

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world"

--anonymous

With the Special Session over, I now have the opportunity to spend more time meeting with staff, clients, partners and stakeholders. During May we will be having a series of community meetings around Oregon to begin discussions about our 07-09 budget development and to gather public input. Information about dates and places is available at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/news/2006news/2006-0428.shtml

Boardman

This past week I went out to Boardman to meet with staff in SDA 12. I walked into the room and noticed a preponderance of peace signs and tie-dye shirts; disco music was playing in the background, everyone looked relaxed and happy. It was quite different from what I thought and had heard about SDA 12. The clues were obvious but my ability to pick up on them was not immediate. I just thought: hey, SDA 12, things look different here.

Yes, I'm a little slow, but I did finally catch on, SDA 12, encompassing Morrow and Umatilla counties, chose a '70s theme for its all-staff meeting. In addition to the energy and enthusiasm these 140-plus individuals brought to this meeting, I appreciated the thoughtful questions and insightful feedback on a wide range of subjects from methamphetamine abuse to food stamps.

Speaking of food stamps, I must point out, with great pride and delight, that our DHS food stamp error rate right now is the lowest it has ever been -- 5.43 percent -- since the 1970s. Our self-sufficiency staff throughout the state has worked diligently to reduce the rate from a high of 13 percent just two years ago. A big thanks to all who have been involved in that wonderful effort.

The Boardman meeting was a perfect example of our agency working as one department rather than separate agencies or programs. In addition to staff and managers from child welfare, self-sufficiency, vocational rehabilitation, and seniors and people with disabilities, managers from Blue Mountain Recovery Center also participated. Kim Carnine, who is the SDA 12 manager, said that last summer's management trainings gave field and institution managers the opportunity to work together and recognize the value of maintaining their professional relationships beyond that setting.

We talked about increasing caseloads, needing to work smarter and more efficiently, and having to do more with fewer resources. Staff had some great ideas about integrating services and expanding the use of videoconferencing to save on travel and increase communication.

The morale in SDA 12 is high and the spirit of cooperation and camaraderie is strong. I, along with cabinet members, will continue to make these visits to field offices throughout the year to meet with you and to learn more about what you are doing. This time I was joined by Ramona Foley and Jim Neely, who by the way looked great with peace symbols around their necks.

Volunteering

April 23-29 is National Volunteer week. This year's theme, "Inspire by Example," is reflected by volunteers every day as they strive to improve our communities and the lives of others. As part of our 2005-2006 DHS Leadership Academy, Erika Miller has put together a list of Oregon and national volunteer opportunities. The list can be found at http://www.dhs.state.or.us/tools/volunteer.htm

We have the power to make change in our communities and in ourselves. As you can see from the list, the opportunities are many. Whatever your passion, there is a place for you.

Have a great week.

To provide feedback email: DHS.Directorsoffice@state.or.us

This message is intended for all department employees. Please read it electronically, if possible. Managers and supervisors are asked to share the message each week with employees who do not have email access.

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