DFLEMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/JAN’15

DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/JAN’15

april's notes

Hello Staff,

I always look forward to the new year and the enormous promise it holds. As 2015 begins, I find this is a time of opportunity to reflect on what we’ve accomplished in 2014, and what we will prioritize in the next 12 months.

As I reflect on the past calendar year, I think about the experiences, accomplishments, and challenges that we saw in 2014. Although it was a tough year for us, I truly believe that we have come out on the other side stronger, more prepared, and more efficient than ever before. I am so appreciative of each of you for your hard work, new ideas, and unrelenting dedication and determination to seeing us succeed last year.

Because of you, we have overcome

funding and methodology

challenges, innovated new life-saving

services for our community, and changed tens of thousands of lives – just in 2014 alone. Thank you.

As I look forward to the new year, I see tremendous opportunity to continue to strengthen and grow our vital services and supports for families, children, and adults. One opportunity that has already been initiated was bringing our Access, Call Center, and Billing Departments back in-house this month. Netsmart and Directions for Living mutually decided to end our contractual agreement regarding Netsmart’s previous management of these departments so that we may better utilize our own expertise in serving our clients through these functions. This decision is the most beneficial

to our agency, our employees, and the well-being of our clients as we plan for the future, and we are already seeing positive results in client care since the transition two weeks ago.

Another opportunity that I see for Directions for Living in 2015 is continuing to secure our position in the community as trauma-informed care experts. We are off to a great start. Recently, our agency was top-of-mind to reporters at both ABC Action News and WFLA NBC when they were seeking behavioral health and trauma experts during news reports on the recent tragedies in our community. We were sought out by Pioneer Productions, a Sarasota-based film production company, to appear as experts in an upcoming substance abuse documentary, which will be filmed later this month. Directions for Living was also recently interviewed by a SAMHSA representative regarding our innovative street

TWO

outreach teams to be included in an upcoming resource guide for law enforcement-community behavioral health integration throughout the United States. Our community is increasingly looking to us as a resource, an advocate, and a change-leader in our industry, and I could not be more proud or protective of our talent in these arenas.

To add to the excitement and promise of this new year, Directions for Living was identified as one of three finalists for the Clearwater Regional Chamber of

Commerce Large Not-for-Profit of the Year 2015 award. We won this prestigious award in 2012, which made us ineligible to receive it for the two following years. Our nomination and interview have gotten us to the final stage again this year, and it is very exciting to have been selected again alongside the Homeless Emergency Project and Suncoast Hospice. The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce will announce the winner at their Annual Awards Dinner on January 28th. I look forward to sharing the results with you

next month.

All of our accomplishments are a direct result of the individual and collective talents, time, and dedication of each of you - we are stronger together and we are unstoppable as a team. I am looking forward to working alongside each of you in 2015 as we reach for new milestones and continue to improve ourselves, our agency, and the lives of our community, day by day. Keep up the great work.

-April

DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/JAN’15

THREE

It’s back! SoundBites will, once again, be open to all staff this year!

When: The 4th Friday of each month

Where: Rotating Centers

What: Spend your lunch break with a complimentary meal and receive updates from our President & CEO, April Lott. SoundBites will also include a department spotlight each month, giving you an opportunity to learn more about the services offered at our agency.

More information to come. If you have any questions about SoundBites, please see your Supervisor.

HOLIDAY DRIVES! One of our families that received Christmas gifts from a donation (left); a pile of teddy bears donated from HUB International (middle); staff at Gilbert Garcia Group that donated gifts to our kids

PIES TO THE FACE! Family Preservation met their Directions for Giving goals and, in return, got to throw pies in their supervisors faces! Would this incentive have inspired you?

HOLIDAY CHEER! DFL staff had the oppportunity to all gather together in celebration of the holidays last month with a breakfast hosted by the Sunshine Committee!

DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/JAN’15

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DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/JAN’15

SIX

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY

1/19/15

MEMORIALDAY

5/25/15

INDEPENDENCEDAY

7/03/15

LABOR DAY

9/07/15

THANKSGIVING THANKSGIVING(BLACK FRIDAY)

11/27/15

CHRISTMASEVE

CHRISTMAS

12/25/15

FLOATING HOLIDAY DAY OF YOUR CHOICE

NEW YEAR’S DAY 1/01/15

If you have any questions, please contact HR.

2015 HOLIDAYSpaid

11/26/15 12/24/15

CHAMBER AWARDS

JAN '15 Submit important February dates for next month’s edition by emailing marketing@directionsforliving.org

CHAMBER AWARDS

MLK DAYMLK DAY Celebrate the life and achievements of Martin Luther King, Jr. with a paid holiday on 1/19/15.

Will we be named Large Not-for-Profit of the Year by the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce? We will find out on 1/28/15!

DATES TO REMEMBER THIS MONTH

SOUNDBITES Join President & CEO, April Lott, for SoundBites on 1/23/15 at the Clearwater Center from 1pm - 2pm. Lunch will be provided!SOUNDBITES

The Sunshine Committee will sponsor a sports team in Spring 2015! With seasons beginning in March, which is our Wellness Warrior Month, we will focus on staying active, showing camaraderie, and having fun! If you would be interested in joining a DFL sports team this spring, click here to vote which sport youwould like to see us participate in! More information to come.

DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/JAN’15

SEVEN

LET THE SUNSHINE IN!2014 WAS A GREAT YEAR AND 2015’S FORECAST LOOKS SUNNY!CAN WE GET 100% PARTICIPATION IN 2015? IT IS UP TO YOU!

did you know?

100% of funds go back to support Employee Life & Social Events

The Sunshine Committee provides gifts and supports for Life Events such as New Births, Marriages, Illness, & Death in Family

The Sunshine small contributions ($1 - $3 on average) can be automatically donated from your paycheck

did you know?

The Sunshine Committee would like to thank all of our co-workers and leaders for your participation and support in 2014. We want all of you to know that we wholeheartedly support you and want to continue to take as many opportunities as possible to show you that you are appreciated and valued at work. As we enter into the year 2015, we ask that you consider recommitting to the Sunshine Fund. If you have any questions about your current contribution, or would like to increase your donation, please contact HR.

Softball

Kickball

Volleyball

Basketball

Flag Football

Soccer

Other

DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/JAN’15

JANUARY BIRTHDAYSJANUARY BIRTHDAYS1stKerline Raymonvil

3rd 5th

12th 13th

16th

21st

22nd 25th 26th

28th

29th

John Mullenix Jeila Alai

Michael Anthony Summer Perez Rebecca Gorski Wendy Kubar

Shamery Fernandez

Sharon Gibbs

Chris Mastridge

Emma Rafferty

EIGHT

April White

Blair Steiger

welcome to the family!Congratulations to Project HOPE Counselor, Lola Naqo, on her beautiful daughter, Ariana (left) and to Largo Therapist, Tyne Pierce, on her handsome son, Luke (right)!

welcome to the family!

11th

18th

Tiffany Sigurbjartsson

7thAnnalise O’connor

Rashid Mizell

Debra Roach

DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/JAN’15

one yearone yeartwo yearstwo years

JANUARYanniversariesTHANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO DIRECTIONS FOR LIVING, YOU ARE INSTRUMENTAL IN MAKING SURE ‘LIFE GETS BETTER HERE!’

LauraSchultz

milestonemilestone

NINE

MaureenReynolds

BenjaminTreadway

KairyCorrea

TheresaEvans

AlicaKicic

FrankGrasso

CherylO’Connell Perry

Roman

ClaireYogman

CELEBRATING

eleven yearseleven years

NancyProper

five yearsfive years

KristieGiancola

four yearsfour years

DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/JAN’15

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

CHERYL O’CONNELLTEN

EV

ERYD

AY HERO

My typical day as a Family Works counselor includes consulting with my care manager, Stephanie, to review appointments and discuss any new issues with our clients. Then I meet with my clients in their homes to work toward their treatment plan goals, attend IDT staffings, and consult with my supervisor, Chris, about my clients.

Being a middle child, the peacemaker, has contributed to my choosing a career in helping people. I have always volunteered, including working with nursing home residents, assisting teen moms through labor and delivery, and running groups for first time parents and their infants. That’s my “fun” time, giving back and paying it forward.

The accomplishment I consider most significant occurred recently with a family assigned to my caseload. I had the privilege of observing the transformation of a woman, from withdrawn,

hidden, abused, and concealed, to a woman who is attending school, parenting her children on her own, looking at people when they speak to her, and surviving and thriving with her children. She is my hero. I continue to be amazed at the resiliency of people despite hardship. I feel incredibly blessed to have been one small agent of change in her transformation.

A perfect Saturday. That’s easy. Disney with my daughter! We love everything Disney, and we spend as much time at Disney as possible. The perfect Saturday would be me outscoring my daughter at Toy Story Mania!

DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/JAN’15

interview

SHE HAS A STRONG RAPPORT WITH HER CLIENTS AND ALWAYS MEET THEM WHERE THEY ARE. SHE IS VERY THOROUGH IN TREATMENT PLANNING WITH HER FAMILIES. SHE IS ALWAYS OPEN TO FEEDBACK, HELPFUL HINTS, AND TIPS. HER FAMILIES ALWAYS HAVE SUCH GREAT FEEDBACK FOR HER AND HOW SHE HAS HELPED AND ENCOURAGED THEM.. -Feleesa Bryant

The Employee of the Month is selected each month by Directions for Living President & CEO April Lott based on nominations submitted by staff members. The Employee of the Month receives 8 hours of PTO, a reserved parking space, certificate of distinction, and recognition in the monthly DFL Employee Newsletter.

EV

ERYD

AY HERO

Thank you to Allison Hall for going above and beyond with all your cases! Families appreciate all you do and it shows that you really care about them!

ALLISON HALL

The Everyday Hero, selected by the Editor, receives 1 hour of PTO and recognition in the monthly DFL Employee Newsletter.

ELEVEN

CONGRATULATIONS CHERYL! EACH MONTH THE EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH WILL HAVE A FEATURE IN THE DFL NEWSLETTER. THIS MONTH WE ARE CELEBRATING CHERYL O’CONNELL! Describe your typical day

Why Directions for Living?

Your greatest career accomplishment

Describe your perfect Saturday

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH NOMINATION

DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/JAN’15

WELCOME

1. Barbara Alcena-Josue2. Jill Brownfield3. Tina Lafleur4. Ronald Rempfer5. Kimberly Riggs6. Virginia Ryan

Family Care Manager Early Childhood ConsultantFamily Care ManagerREHIRE- PsychiatristAccounts Payable/Payroll ClerkRelief Pool

TWELVE

1

2

3 4

5

6

TO THEfamily

DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/JAN’15

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CODE REDA CODE RED IS INITIATED TO COMMUNICATE A RISK AND MOBILIZE A RESPONSE TO PROTECT CLIENTS, STAFF, VISITORS AND PROPERTY IN THE EVENT OF SMOKE AND/OR FIRE.

Code Red should be immediately activated if a fire is suspected or observed. This may include:

SEEING SMOKE OR FIRE

SMELLING SMOKE OR OTHER BURNING MATERIAL

FEELING UNUSUAL HEAT ON WALL, DOOR, OR OTHER SURFACE

NOTIFICATION BY STAFF OF A FIRE

CORRECT STAFF RESPONSE:

STOP WORK WHEN ALARM SOUNDS Assist any clients or visitors within your area with vacating the building by using the appropriate exits.

ENSURE ALL DOORS ARE CLOSED WHEN EXITING If a door feels hot to the touch or if there is smoke coming from underneath, do not open the door.

TAKE THE STAIRSAlways use the designated stairs to exit. Do not use the elevator. Do not go back into the buiding.

REMAIN OUTSIDE AND AWAY FROM THE BUILDING The Fire Chief will give you the “all-clear” to re-enter. If a drill, your safety officer will sound the “all-clear.”

STOP WORK WHEN ALARM SOUNDS

ENSURE ALL DOORS ARE CLOSED WHEN EXITING

TAKE THE STAIRS REMAIN OUTSIDE AND AWAY FROM THE BUILDING

‘LIKE’ US ON FACEBOOKHAVE YOU SEEN SOME OF THE GREAT CONTENT ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE? IT IS THE BEST WAY TO RECEIVE DFL NEWS THE SECOND IT HAPPENS!

DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/JAN’15

FOURTEEN

Everyday Heroes

KUDOS

Jennifer D: Thanks for always being positive, even

when getting a safety monitoring plan and a five

o’clock case transfer.

-Feleesa Bryant

Thank you to Angela Glore for being a part of the

case management team and for always willing to

help out!-Rebecca Murphy

Barbara Alcena-Josue - thank you for hitting the

ground running and seeking me out to get trained.

Welcome aboard!

-Michael Webb

Kudos to Ashley Treadway, Melissa Behrmann, Megan Gilmore, Matthew Robertson, Sharnette Hollowell, Rande Reichard, Laura Shultz, Amanda Bott, Emma Rafferty and Adelisa Sisic for exceeding their target for adoption finalizations this quarter. Great job!-Edina Gurdic

Christine: Thank you for always

being open to suggestions and doing

your best to bring positive energy to

the office and raise rapport amongst

your co-workers.

-Feleesa Bryant

Lauren Pione - thank you for ALWAYS

taking care of the little, medium, and

big details that no one ever sees (except

me!) All those little details make a

BIG difference!

-Michael Webb

Tina and Barbara: Welcome to the

team!-Feleesa Bryant

Summer Lott presenting #NOSHAME to fifth

graders at the Great American Teach-InFamily Preservation feeling silly during a team

building exercise last month.

Christine: Thank you for always

being open to suggestions and doing

your best to bring positive energy to

the office and raise rapport amongst

your co-workers.

-Feleesa Bryant

Lauren Pione - thank you for ALWAYS

taking care of the little, medium, and

big details that no one ever sees (except

me!) All those little details make a

BIG difference!

-Michael Webb

Tina and Barbara: Welcome to the

team!-Feleesa Bryant

DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/JAN’15

FIFTEEN

Many thanks to Natalie Rosado for your ideas on how to help a family. Your ideas are always much appreciated!-Rebecca Murphy

Christine Murawski - thank you for your heading up our holiday decorations. For being positive for every child you meet, making us all laugh until it hurts, and always being available and teachable!-Michael Webb

Thank you for the combined efforts of the 2nd Floor Front Desk Staff (Crystal, Luis, and Elizabeth) and the Medical Assistants (Katie and Karrielynn) for helping me streamline the appointments and services for the USF Research Project. From checking them in, to delivering messages, to facilitating lab draws, I could not have done my work without your assistance. You make a great team!-Nida Stang

Denise Andrews - thank you for being teachable, for being a great partner to Fabi, for checking in with me every day, and for being devoted to your families health and wellbeing! -Michael Webb

Thank you to Mandy Carr for your insight and help on a shared case!-Rebecca Murphy

Chris: Thank you for always being available to your staff.-Feleesa Bryant

Thank you to Jennifer Rivera for your insight on cases and just for being YOU!-Rebecca Murphy

Congratulations to Blair and myraida for graduating from supervising for excellence!

Starkey Lakes enjoying the delicious Thanksgiving

Luncheon, hosted by the Sunshine Committee!

Martin Bimler and a collection of stuffed animals

donated for Directions for Giving!

DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/JAN’15

SIXTEEN

Ben Treadway - thank you for your patience and devotion with your families, for your willingness to learn, and for bringing a positive attitude to work every day! -Michael Webb

John Fernandez, you have been such an asset to our Department and you will be sorely missed. Thank you for always being willing to take on new projects, help train new hires, and to do your part to keep morale high. (yes, I’m referring to the singing!) I am so proud of you for starting on this exciting new chapter and I know you’ll do great! Keep in touch!-Nancy Proper

Fabi Likaj - thank you for your very hard work and long hours with your families. You are a great partner to Denise and the two of you make a great team. Never hesitate to stop by to talk about your families!-Michael Webb

Thank you Rebecca Murphy for letting me be your shadow for all this time, and going above and beyond to help out!-Allison Hall

Brandy: Thanks for all your hard work with difficult families, your efforts do not go unnoticed. Thank you for your professionalism even when you’re “whelmed”-Feleesa Bryant

Richard Leschinsky - thank you for being a great partner to Lauren, an independent worker and growing your avatar skills! Your holiday spirit is great!-Michael Webb

Robert: Thanks for helping out other teams while you’re waiting on a partner. -Feleesa Bryant

Senior Adoption Case Manager, Melissa, with Brandon during his adoption finalization.

DFL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER/JAN’15

SEVENTEEN

Constance Jones - thank you for having never-ending energy, perpetual persistence, a positive outlook, being an independent worker, getting everyone to laugh together....and always taking care of your families.-Michael Webb

Benisha Jackson - thank you for your consistent presence of strength and calm that you freely give to our team and your families. For your hard work, daily communication, kind spirit, attention to detail and keeping Constance together. And for helping with the holiday decorations!-Michael Webb

Thank you to Kortney Ferguson for always being willing to lend a hand. Whether it is a Sunshine Event or just daily tasks, you jump right in and help without hesitation! You’re fabulous!-Nancy Proper

Amanda Brown - thank you for working SO HARD EVERY DAY with a great attitude, being teachable and a great partner to Christine! You are an asset to your families and our team! And for helping with the holiday decorations!-Michael Webb

Thank you Bobby Goddard for making sure I’ve got all my ducks in a row before I head to court. You make what could be a stressful situation a whole lot easier, and I really appreciate that!-Nancy Proper

I want to thank Melanie Davenport for her dedication to working with her clients. Her support of them never waivers. She treats them with compassion, dignity, and respect, and lives out the saying, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Melanie is upbeat and positive each day, and is an inspiration to her teammates!-Michael Zaycer Our President & CEO, April Lott, on her

monthly Studio 10 appearance last month.