The Latest News from the Mississippi Department of Human Services |
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Jonathan Rider
Investigator/Office of
Inspector General, Field Office
Investigator Rider is a shining example of what an MDHS investigator should be. He combines consistent investigative practices with an incredibly strong work ethic; his work product demonstrates the type of commitment needed to restore trust in this agency. The quality of his work and his preparation makes life easier for everyone in OIG.
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Jameson Smith
Accountant/Auditor, Budgets & Accounting, State Office
Jameson has brought a fresh new approach to the Budgets and Accounting Team by always being eager to learn and having a positive mindset. He exemplifies the agency's mission by being available to address all customer service needs to the providers and making sure that all of his agencies have assistance in whatever capacity they need, and he can provide. James does his best every day to serve the families within the state of Mississippi
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Employee Assistance Program |
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Available any time, any day, your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, confidential benefit to help you balance your work, family, and personal life. All employees and their household members/dependents are eligible to access the EAP. This includes retirees and employees who have recently separated from their employers.
Username and Password are mdhs.
Select the (+) sign on to the online seminars.
Program Access: You may access the EAP 24/7 by calling the toll-free Helpline number, using our iConnectYou App, or instant messaging with a work-life consultant through our online instant messaging system.
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Employees celebrated Wear Pink Day on Oct. 22 to support breast cancer survivors and serve as a reminder of the importance of early detection. |
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Oakley Youth Development Center |
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This year the staff and youth at Oakley were involved with raising awareness that consisted of putting on an exhibit and a Breast Cancer Awareness walk. |
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Adult Protective Services (APS) attended the State Health Insurance Program's "Small Town Project" in Marks, MS.
Participating Staff (pictured L to R): Sunda Spears, Social Work Supervisor, Jakeiona Benson, Area Social Work Supervisor, Bethany Neyland, Secretary Administrative, LaVada Singleton, Sr. Program Manager, Anita Ballard, Bureau Director. Not pictured Izalda Anderson, Area Social Work Supervisor.
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MDHS, with the coordination of Harold Broome, partnered with MEA and Vigilant Health to provide influenza vaccinations and A1C screenings for MDHS employees. A total of 86 employees received the influenza vaccine, and 30 employees participated in the A1C screening provided by Vigilant Health.
MDHS encourages a healthy workplace and a healthy Mississippi.
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MiBest Celebration at Holmes Community College |
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Sandra Herring, from the Division of Workforce Development and Partnership Management Southcentral MS Works Area, participated with other partners at the Mississippi Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (MIBEST) celebration at Holmes Community College.
The MIBEST program is a workforce and economic development initiative that moves low-skilled, non-credentialed Mississippians from the economic sidelines into careers earning family-sustaining wages.
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The Older Adult Nutrition Program visited the Trio Central Kitchen in Harvey, Louisiana, after Hurricane Ida. They were given a tour of their day-to-day operations and shown how they continue deliveries to older adults, despite the city still recovering from the storm and being without internet services. Trio Louisiana currently serves Harrison, Hancock, Jackson, and Pearl River counties. |
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Executive Director Bob Anderson Speaks at Black Caucus |
MDHS Executive Director Bob Anderson recently met with the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus - Issues and Policies Committee to share the 2022 legislative agenda. |
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Mr. Anderson shared the message of hope and resilience that the department provides each day to Mississippians young and old. Included in the agenda are requests for funding the Dementia Caregivers Respite Program and the Adolescent Opportunity Program. The 2022 Legislative Session begins in January. |
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Aging and Adult Services Programs
at the State Fair
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The Division of Aging and Adult Services participated in Senior American Day at the MS State Fair on October 13, where they shared information with older Mississippians about their services. |
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The Division of Aging and Adult Services celebrated National Bosses Day by having a team lunch at Babalu.
Pictured left to right: Brenda Hille, Division Director; Heike Gutierrez, Staff Officer; Marshae Cooper, Program Manager; Kenyada Blake-Washington, Director; James Davis, Senior Program Administrator; Mary Shearrill, Program Administrator; Anita Ballard, Bureau Director; Benae Jackson, Special Projects; and Gloria Adams, Administrative Assistant.
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August's EAT Winner: Claiborne County! |
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Congratulations Marquetta! |
After 34 years of service, Marquetta Brown has retired as County Director at the Issaquena County office.
We wish you all the best in the next chapter of your life!
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Lori Armstrong
20 Years
10/15/21
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Irma McCallum
20 Years
10/17/21
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Chie Prystupa
10 Years
10/3/21
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Irma McCallum, Customer Service Representative, Economic Assistance, was presented her 20 year certificate of State Service by Hershel Barefield, County Director, Kemper County. |
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MDHS continues criminal investigation into misspent TANF funds |
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New information into the largest embezzlement and fraud case in state history involving misspent TANF money - funds meant to help needy families in Mississippi.
The investigation could include names not already released in civil complaints issued this week by State Auditor Shad White.
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Keep an eye out for updates about the holiday decorating contest and other upcoming events! |
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Have something that you'd like to feature in next month's newsletter? |
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