August 2021
In this edition:

  • Notes from the Director
  • Intimate Partner Violence Specialists support staff, families
  • CYF works to improve staff well-being
  • Photo: Project Prom's new home
  • CSP continues to ease the stress and burden of eligible caregivers
  • Kudos: Jessica McKown, Stephanie Meyer, Cynthia Shields and Brian Wolford
  • Five questions with Brandi Harrison

News articles are uploaded to the DHS website as soon as they become available. For the most up-to-date news, visit DHS News online. 
We are currently in the process of finalizing several different plans and budgets for the coming year(s) which had opportunities for public comment/feedback, including the hearings I mentioned in my note last month. 
Intimate Partner Violence Specialists support staff, families

In 2019, DHS's Office of Children, Youth and Families (CYF) was selected as a research and capacity building site by Quality Improvement Center on Domestic Violence in Child Welfare (QIC-DVCW). This work has allowed CYF to enhance supports that help staff assess, engage and plan with families who are experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). One of those enhancements is the addition of more IPV specialists – Women’s Center and Shelter staff members who are available as supports for CYF staff. 
CYF works to improve staff well-being

A culture shift is happening in the Office of Children, Youth and Families (CYF) designed to help staff improve their holistic well-being by making sure they are both trauma-informed and trauma-skilled.
The Project Prom Shop has officially moved into its new home at 10 Duff Road in Penn Hills. Recent downsizing at Thriftique in Lawrenceville had the Event and Donations Team looking for a new venue that was conveniently located on a public transit line and had space to allow the project to grow. The Event and Donations team is excitedly looking forward to spring 2022 when they’ll have the opportunity to open the new space to local teens for prom season.
CSP continues to ease the stress and burden of eligible caregivers

The DHS Area Agency on Aging’s (AAA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) offers a helping hand to family caregivers right here in Allegheny County who work daily to balance caregiving with other life responsibilities.
Kudos: Jessica McKown, Stephanie Meyer, Cynthia Shields and Brian Wolford

DHS staff members Jessica McKown, Stephanie Meyer, Cynthia Shields and Brian Wolford were part of a group of six County employees who received the Exemplary Employee Award for their work on the Safe Haven Hotel. 
Five questions with Brandi Harrison
 
Brandi is project manager, forensic services on the Office of Analytics, Technology and Planning (ATP) Planning and Innovation Team. 
We welcome your story ideas, employee news and comments. If you’ve got news you’d like to see in DHS News, please contact Mark Bertolet at mark.bertolet@alleghenycounty.us or 412-350-3439.