APHSA is thrilled to welcome Tracy Gruber, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, and Charlie Brereton, Director of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, to APHSA’s Executive Governing Board. Executive Director Gruber has long been a valued leader within our association, having previously served as Chair of our affinity group, the National Association of State Child Care Administrators (NASCCA). Director Brereton also serves as a state representative on our Leadership Council. In this role, he works alongside state, local, and affinity group representatives to oversee implementation of APHSA’s policy and practice agenda. As board members, Executive Director Gruber and Director Brereton will play a critical role in shaping the strategic direction of the association and providing oversight of our operations. We are honored to have them step into these leadership roles as we continue expanding our collective impact and strengthening human services systems. | | | |
APHSA and Other National Associations Urge Congress to Take Action
Recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), coupled with the federal government shutdown, have caused major operational disruptions for states and counties. This occurred just as new financial accountability measures tied to payment error rates were taking effect. In response, APHSA joined the National Governors Association, National Association of Counties, National Conference of State Legislatures, and several others in urging Congress to extend the timelines that currently exist for some states to all states, which would help stabilize operations, maintain program integrity, and continue effective partnerships. While it looks unlikely that the immediately pending Appropriations package will include this language, we will continue to educate Congress about the importance of helping our members start H.R.1 implementation on the right track, and to consider these recommendations as new opportunities arise.
| | |
Adaptable Resources for APHSA Members on H.R.1 Changes to SNAP
In partnership with Social Finance, APHSA recently created and shared 22 adaptable template resources on our Member Resource Page , within the "H.R.1/Budget Reconciliation" section. This effort is meant to support state and local members as they move to comply with new H.R.1 requirements. The resources focus on changes to SNAP and aim to support agencies in both internal and external communication to client populations affected by H.R.1 regulations. Examples of available resource templates include an updated SNAP Work Rules Screening Flowchart and a SNAP Quality Control one-pager and primer. Members are encouraged to customize these templates as needed, which can include removing the APHSA logo and disclaimer, revising resource text, and making additional changes to align with specific needs. if you are an APHSA member and have not received the page password, contact APHSA's Senior Content Writer, Alex Clermont.
| | |
Closing Gaps in Summer EBT
APHSA and No Kid Hungry—a campaign of Share Our Strength—have authored the brief Closing Gaps in Summer EBT: Practical Solutions to Reach All Children, which examines early implementation of the permanent Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program. The publication identifies challenges such as overly-complex eligibility rules, delayed benefit delivery, and low awareness among eligible families, while also presenting detailed solutions to address these and other issues. Stressing the importance of coordinated communication and robust data systems, the brief is essential reading for leaders and practitioners interested in supporting their communities through the maturing Summer EBT program.
| | |
APHSA Launches a New SNAP E&T 101 E-Learning Course
APHSA has launched a foundational e-learning module that introduces learners to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment & Training (SNAP E&T) and its role in promoting economic mobility and reducing barriers to employment for individuals receiving SNAP benefits. Developed in collaboration with the APHSA policy team and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this 20-minute training provides participants with a clear understanding of SNAP E&T’s purpose, structure, funding mechanisms, eligibility requirements, and role within the broader workforce development ecosystem. Hosted on THRIVE, the APHSA Learning Management System (LMS), this module equips users with the knowledge needed to engage confidently in SNAP E&T and drive meaningful impact.
| | |
THRIVE on the GO!
There's a smarter, faster, and more flexible way to learn—right on your phone. Our THRIVE LMS mobile app makes it easier than ever to access eLearning courses and resources, track progress, and stay connected while on the go. Download the app today and experience:
- Instant access to your learning dashboard
- Seamless course navigation with user-friendly design
- Real-time notifications to ensure you don't miss an update
- Progress tracking to help you stay motivated and on target
- Interactive features that keep you engaged and connected
Whether you're commuting, traveling, or just prefer mobile learning, this app is designed to meet you where you are. You can find the THRIVE app on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
| | |
5 Key Takeaways from the OE Team for 2026!
In 2025, the APHSA Organizational Effectiveness (OE) team partnered with human services agencies across several states to strengthen leadership, workforce capacity, and organizational practice. Through this work, several consistent themes emerged—highlighting where targeted investments can drive meaningful systems change, improve workforce stability, and strengthen outcomes. OE has identified five key takeaways that capture these strategies and lessons, pointing to critical levers for impact across the sector. Read and share these insights today!
| | |
APHSA Co-Hosts Congressional Briefing on SNAP Implementation and H.R.1
APHSA proudly co-hosted a congressional briefing with the National Governors Association, National Association of Counties, and National Conference of State Legislatures on January 13. APHSA members Andrea Barton Reeves, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Social Services, and Melissa D. Wolf, Deputy Director with the Family Support Division of the Missouri Department of Social Services, shared their expertise in a briefing for congressional staff alongside our President and CEO, Reggie Bicha. They were joined by Director Hope Otto of Racine County, WI, Senator Paul Rosino from the Oklahoma State Senate, and Delegate Emily Shetty of the Maryland House of Delegates.
The briefing focused on educating congressional staff on the work that states and counties have been doing to implement SNAP provisions in H.R.1, their experiences during the government shutdown, and the need for all states to receive the same amount of time to reduce their error rates and assume the cost shifts in H.R.1.
| | |
Lessons from State Leaders on Supporting Youth in Behavioral Health Crises
APHSA recently hosted a webinar titled Mobile Crisis Units: Lessons from State Leaders. It explored Tennessee and Ohio’s models for responding to youth experiencing behavioral health crises, while also focusing on how states are building cross-system partnerships, stabilizing the lives of youth in the community, and reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and placements—particularly for individuals with complex or high-acuity needs.
This webinar was the first in our new Addressing the Complex Needs of Youth series. As we plan for the next session, APHSA is actively seeking state or local models focused on therapeutic foster care and innovative approaches to serving young people with significant behavioral health needs. If your state or locality is implementing promising work in this area, we would love to hear from you.
State and local leaders unable to attend are encouraged to reach out directly to Meg Dygert, APHSA Senior Policy Associate, Child & Family Well-Being.
| | |
APHSA and No Kid Hungry Host 2026 Summer Nutrition Summit
APHSA and No Kid Hungry recently organized the 2026 Summer Nutrition Summit. The event saw 47 states, 4 Territories, 3 Tribes, and Washington, DC, come together to discuss the Summer EBT program. APHSA President & CEO Reggie Bicha and Share Our Strength CEO Anne Filipic delivered opening remarks while APHSA members from Arkansas, Maryland, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and more presented in breakout sessions.
| | |
APHSA Featured in Pew Analysis on SNAP Changes
Chloe Green, Assistant Director of Policy at APHSA, was featured in a recent Pew Charitable Trusts article examining recent SNAP policy changes. She highlighted that while states often choose eligibility flexibilities to better serve residents, doing so may now come with increased financial risk related to payment error rates. Her perspective underscores the difficult trade-offs states will continue to face in responding to H.R.1. APHSA will continue to support members through H.R. 1 implementation through educational opportunities, resources, and spaces to connect with peers.
| | January 30, 2026, Application Deadline: The APHSA National Leadership Academy is a space for human services leaders to reflect on, grow, and strengthen their leadership skills for the challenges and opportunities ahead. This is your final opportunity to apply for the 2026 cohort. Don't miss your chance to grow as a leader while exploring leadership competencies that drive real change centered in people and community. | | February 13, 2026, Application Deadline: We're excited to share that the APHSA National Human Services Summit returns June 14–17, 2026, in Arlington, VA. Join the nation’s brightest leaders, innovators, and changemakers as we come together to shape the future of human services. Guided by the theme, Leadership for a Stronger Tomorrow, we invite you to submit a proposal by February 13, 2026. Learn more about our Call for Proposals—now open—and be part of the conversation driving impact nationwide. | | MOVING HUMAN SERVICES FORWARD | | Christine Johnson is the Assistant Director of Policy for the Child and Family Well-Being team at APHSA. In this position, Christine works to support the child welfare, child care, and early childhood policy portfolios. She also supports the Local CEO Council and the Leadership Council. To learn more about the work of the Policy Team and how we support members nationwide, reach out to Christine today. | | |
|
Interested in getting involved with APHSA? Click here to learn more about our affinity groups and peer communities, or reach out to our membership team at memberservice@aphsa.org.
If you were forwarded this email and want to join the mailing list, sign up today!
| | | | |
