February 2019

Friends of DES,
 
The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision that every child, adult, and family in Arizona will be safe and economically secure. We work together to improve outcomes for individuals, children and families and look forward to continuing to collaborate with you to create a better tomorrow by providing support today.
 
The diversity and richness of DES programs and services was new to me when I first joined the Department as Director nearly two years ago. Having the privilege now of serving alongside our dedicated and passionate men and women, I’ve been able to watch the agency continuously improve in its mission to strengthen Arizona communities.
 
In an effort to keep our staff, clients, stakeholders and community partners up-to-date on the latest developments and successes of the Department, we present to you the inaugural issue of the DES newsletter. Stay tuned for quarterly announcements. In the meantime, stay connected with DES via our website and social media channels ( Facebook and Twitter ).
 
Thank you for all you do to serve those in need.
 
Michael Trailor
Director
The Department of Economic Security is with you, from your kitchen table to your next job interview...

We serve Arizona communities and community partners to help provide critical needs. We work with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision that every child, adult and family in Arizona will be safe and economically secure.

We look forward to working with you to create a better tomorrow by providing support today.

The Phoenix Precision Project

As Governor Doug Ducey proclaimed in his 2017 Executive Order , Arizona is an Employment First state, dedicated to expanding quality job opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

On February 5, Governor Doug Ducey, DES Director Michael Trailor, The Precisionists CEO Ernie Dianastasis, First Place Founder Denise Resnik, and other industry and community leaders announced the Phoenix Precision Project to support this initiative. The project is expected to create more than 500 Arizona jobs for adults with Autism and other special abilities within the next three to five years - and about 1,000 total by 2025, according to GPEC's economic impact analysis.

Several workers have already been placed within the Department of Economic Security, with several more to join the agency in the coming months.
Group Supported Employment for Ability Members at Culver’s
Ability offers a variety of services to adults with developmental disabilities, including comprehensive employment services. Members of Ability's Transition to Employment program, funded by the DES Division of Developmental Disabilities, currently work at Culver's to learn how to be successful in the workplace.
A Feat of Feet: How AzEIP is Helping One Special Toddler Shine

When you first meet two-year-old Brinley Hild, you notice her heart-warming smile, captivating blue eyes and cute little pigtails. One second glance, you notice there's something unique about her. Brinley was born with a rare disorder, without arms. Thanks to services being provided by the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP), the Hild family is able to help their daughter adapt to her own special way of doing things.
Building Bonds for Success
The Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) selected social-emotional skills as an important milestone on which to focus. And for four consecutive years, AzEIP has exceeded its own expectations.
Helping Others Reach Their Potential
Expanding Local Food Banks to Help Those in Need
In his FY2019 budget, Gov. Ducey made a $1 million investment to support the vital missions of Arizona's food banks. DES partners with food banks to feed the hungry with donated food left over from harvests.
Lifting Those Who've Served
Marc Goldman and his daughter were living on the streets of Phoenix. After meeting DES caseworker, Veronica Townsend, this 16-year Army veteran found hope, and a place to live.
Navigating the Workforce
When Wayne Byram lost his hearing, he slipped into a depression. It wasn't until he encountered the DES Vocational Rehabilitation program that he reentered the workforce and regained his hope for the future.
It's Not Just a Job, It's a Passion
Patricia Hernandez is a retired Marine with a 22-year career in the armed forces. Stemming from her experience in the military, her passion to serve continues at DES with outreach to homeless and unemployed vets.
Niel Nielson's family is grateful for the services the DES Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) provides. He sought a position within the Division, applying his professional experience as a means of giving back.