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Since January's presidential transition, and recent federal budget and policy developments, APHSA has been actively engaging with member agency leaders on how current national policies impact their organizations and communities. Most recently, we published a new webpage providing an overview of recent executive orders (EOs) related to human services.
Earlier this month, we shared a more in-depth examination of the White House EO, “Implementing the President's 'Department of Government Efficiency' Workforce Optimization Initiative.” In this document, we cover DOGE’s implementation to date, including authorized executive actions, ongoing practices, and legal implications for the human services sector.
Over the last week, both the House and Senate passed budget resolutions on their way to budget reconciliation, please see our House and Senate Budget Resolution Comparison. As the process continues to evolve over the next few months, we will continue to work closely with our members to elevate and analyze proposed inclusions. If you'd like to receive weekly updates from us around the federal budget, EOs, and other more policy-focused news, sign up for our second and most longstanding newsletter, This Week in Washington.
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Courageous Imperatives for Human Services Series
In preparation for the presidential transition, APHSA published a seven-part series titled, Courageous Imperatives for Human Services. Each paper provides recommendations to the incoming administration and Congress on developing strategies to unlock the potential of human services. Visit our website to explore each paper and contact us at policy@aphsa.org to discuss our recommendations.
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APHSA Joins State and Local Groups in Response to Proposed Changes to SNAP, TANF, and SSBG
APHSA, along with a coalition of bipartisan membership organizations, submitted an open letter addressing proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Social Services Block Grant (SSBG). Directed to leaders within the House and Senate, the letter outlines the critical role of these programs in providing crucial services to Americans, especially those in rural areas. It makes clear our opposition to any benefit reductions that would increase the burden on state and local service providers and urges Congress to protect funding for complementary nutrition programs such as school and summer meals.
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Addressing the Complex Needs of Youth: A Call to Action
APHSA released a research report titled, Addressing the Complex Needs of Youth: A Call to Action. This report highlights the critical challenges and opportunities in serving youth with complex or high-acuity behavioral needs. Developed in collaboration with over 125 human services agencies across 16 states, it underscores the immense challenges these agencies face and provides actionable recommendations to drive meaningful changes at the federal, state, and local levels. For questions or comments, contact Meg Dygert, Senior Policy Associate of Child and Family Well-Being, or Adrian Geraldo Saldaña, Organizational Effectiveness Consultant.
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New Course on THRIVE
In the new THRIVE course, EQ Unleashed: Leadership through Emotional Brilliance, leaders gain a deep understanding of their own Emotional Quotient (EQ), explore how to engage with the emotions of others, and learn to effectively navigate environments with empathy. Through multimedia content and interactive exercises, this course offers practical insights that will transform your approach to leadership and interpersonal relationships.
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CSNS Cohort 2 Case Studies
A new series of case studies from the Coordinating SNAP & Nutrition Supports (CSNS) Cohort 2 program have been released. These case studies focus on CSNS pilot projects from Illinois, North Carolina, San Francisco County (CA), and Caroline County (MD), with each pilot aiming to generate replicable lessons learned, improve benefits access, and streamline customer-centric service delivery models nationally. For more information about CSNS, contact Morgan McKinney, Senior Process Innovation Associate of Community Collaboration.
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AFEM Capstone Brief
Advancing Family Economic Mobility (AFEM) was a four year-long initiative dedicated to creating sustainable pathways to economic mobility and well-being for all individuals and families. Funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Doris Duke Foundation, and administered by APHSA in collaboration with the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Office of Regional Operations (ORO), the AFEM network aimed to foster new approaches that enhance long-term, systemic economic mobility at all levels. In our recently published AFEM Capstone, we summarize the learnings and actionable insights gained from our work with agency leaders, community-based organizations, and private partners. For more information about he AFEM initiative, contact Mary Goble, Senior Manager of Strategic Operations.
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Announcing the 2025-2026 APHSA National Leadership Academy Cohort
We are thrilled to announce that after an overwhelming response and highly competitive selection process, 25 outstanding leaders have been selected for the 2025-2026 APHSA National Leadership Academy cohort! This dynamic group will begin their journey in March, participating in transformative learning, collaboration, and leadership development. We are excited to support and grow alongside these leaders as they drive meaningful change in their organizations and communities! To learn more, contact Trinka Landry-Bourne, OE Consultant - Leadership Development.
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APHSA and its affinity groups have an exciting series of conferences planned for 2025. Review the event details below and submit your proposals by the deadlines to ensure your voice is heard. |
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SUBMISSION DEADLINE: March 4: We are seeking proposals for the APHSA National Human Services Summit in Philadelphia, PA, June 1-4. Submissions should highlight innovative policy, practice, and system approaches; elevate the important work of the human services sector; and showcase leadership strategies that foster a sense of resilience, workforce well-being, and productive collaboration. Submit today! |
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SUBMISSION DEADLINE: March 12: Call for proposals is also now open for the Public Human Services Attorneys (PHSA) Education Conference in Reno, NV, October 19-22. We are seeking proposals that highlight innovative, evidence-based, best and/or promising practices, as well as important foundational content. Submissions should reflect on the current landscape of agencies and the communities they serve. Submit today! |
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Interested in getting involved at APHSA? Click here to learn more about our affinity groups and peer communities, or reach out to our membership team at memberservice@aphsa.org.
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