Kim's Korner
Thank you for taking a moment to read the Human Services Department’s (HSD) first newsletter. This platform is designed to keep our HSD family connected with the latest news and information that effects the work we do and the bond we share.
The County has seen many changes six months into the New Year. One of the most significant was our transition in April to PeopleSoft. We have been live for approximately three months, and the Human Services Department is working diligently to move beyond the learning curve. Our steady use of PeopleSoft, logs of recurring issues, and contributions to the taskforce have allowed us to help the ERP Team improve the system’s functionality for optimum results. Thank you for your patience and participation in helping us move forward despite the challenges. Select ERP Learning for more information and training tips.
I am also pleased to announce that the HSD Leadership Team is embarking on a leadership development journey. Over the next few months we will be working together to identify our strengths and unique leadership styles, and will begin to explore how to use these in a way that positions the Department for future growth and broader collective impact. I always say, “HSD is one team with many services” and you can expect to see this philosophy in action as we begin to reach across sections and divisions and break down the silos that at times may separate us.
Finally, the Broward Addiction and Recovery Center (BARC) is one step closer to moving into their new home at 325 SW 28th Street in Fort Lauderdale! The official Ground Breaking Ceremony took place June 29th and building will commence shortly thereafter. Check your email and the coming newsletters for ongoing updates.
We welcome your ideas for our publication, so send them to us at hsdnewsletter@broward.org or call 954-357-6385.
Coffee & Conversation
This past February, Kimm Campbell and Patricia West created a “get to know each other” forum called Coffee and Conversation. It is designed to outline their vision for the Department, and to give staff an opportunity to speak their minds regarding concerns or good news about their work experiences. The first of these face-to-face meetings took place at BARC. Three separate meetings were held to ensure ALL employees (Executive Team and staff) were involved.
The results of these meetings were powerful. The atmosphere was relaxed and employees were trusting and forthcoming with their opinions and suggestions. As promised, their suggestions did not fall on deaf ears. Follow-up conversations were had, and additional meetings and trainings were scheduled. Kimm and Pat have also agreed to document themes that emerge, create plans of action to address issues and concerns, and will circle back with staff to close the loop and give as well as get updates on progress.
Coffee and Conversation sessions will be held with all Offices, Sections, and Divisions; calendar invitations will arrive soon for: Family Success, Elderly and Veterans Services, Community Partnerships, Civil Citation, the Office of Administrative Services and the Office of Evaluation and Planning. Kimm and Pat are hopeful the end result will create a more united environment with increased morale and productivity. Coffee and Conversation is a process not an event and as such will be held as often needed.
Motivational Moment
The Power of Words Video
Winds of Change
Hurricane season runs from June 1 until November 30 each year.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a NORMAL hurricane season for 2016 with a 70% chance of 10-16 named storms (we already had four) with four to eight developing into hurricanes. This includes one to four major hurricanes (category 3 or higher). On average one to two hurricanes make landfall on the east coast in any given year. When a hurricane does make landfall the probability of a Florida event is about 40%. There is, however, no correlation between the number of storms and the number of landfalls. In 2010, there were 12 hurricanes and not one made landfall that year.
The last hurricane to impact Florida was Hurricane Wilma in October of 2005. It’s impossible to predict when Florida will be impacted again. Therefore, it is prudent for all County employees to take steps required to prepare for an event that are listed on the County website as provided by the Broward County Emergency Management Division.
Training Days
Keep your skills sharp! Select the link below to sign up for the following required course.
You Asked; We Answered
Deren Stevens from HSD Administration wants to know when the entire Human Services Department will have a retreat.
- A retreat for the entire Human Services Department is tentatively scheduled for November 2016.
- Dwight Thompson with the Community Partnerships Division asked when will the Department do a Hurricane activation drill. Also, can hurricane shelter assignments be based on a staff person’s home address?
- Answer coming from Joel Mariani
Good News
Pat West received the Women of Distinction Award from the City of Fort Lauderhill
