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are several positions needing to be filled: Certified Nursing Assistants, Li- censed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, Institutional Food Se4rvice Workers, Institutional Attendants, in- stitutional Cooks and Social workers, I, II, III. “We hosted the Job Fairs to enhance our staffing at the Queen Louise Home for the Aged (St. Thomas) and Herbert Grigg Home (St. Croix),” said Roberts. “This was an opportunity for Virgin Islanders who are interested and qual- ified for the positions to present their credentials,” Roberts said. (For more info contact the VI Division of Personnel at 340-774-8588) The Department of Human Services hosted Job Fairs on St. Thomas and St. Croix for interested and qualified indi- viduals on October 5 and 6, respective- ly. Commissioner Designee, Dr. Anita Roberts said, “We are extremely con- cerned about the care of our seniors territory-wide. Their health and safety remains a priority and we intend to address this urgent matter holistically.” “In contemplating the department’s options, we must simultaneously ad- dress the immediacy of the need to adequately staff those facilities that are owned and managed by the Depart- ment of Human Services,” Roberts said. The Division of Personnel facilitated the hiring process at the fairs. There DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS Working Together To Make A Difference Oct./Nov. 2016 Volume 1, Issue 1 Department of Human Services Hosts Job Fairs Division of Personnel Territorial Administrator Recruiter and Clas- sification, Millicent Aubain speaks to prospects to guide them with the job application form. DHS Commissioner Designee Dr. Anita Roberts, along with more than 20 division managers of the Department of Human Services, filled the DHS confer- ence room on Friday, October 7, 2016, for an “Afternoon of Love” and imparted words of wisdom to the 17-year-old teen- ager who was assaulted by a peer on September 15, 2016, on St. Thomas. His jaw was dam- aged by the repetitive blows, causing him to get four plate implants that are now a perma- nent fixture on his head. According to his mother, the young man has always been a fighter and survivor of adversity. “He was born 1 pound 6 ounces and had to stay in the hospital for 9 ½ months be- fore I could take him home,” his mother said. “He has al- ways been a fighter from birth because he had a lot of issues.” Roberts introduced the teenager to everyone in the room as her new best friend, as they exchanged hugs. “We do NOT tolerate bul- lying. And it is NOT happen- ing on our watch,” Roberts emphatically expressed. Roberts planned the event to let the boy and his mother Afternoon of Love at the Department of Human Services know that the Department of Human Services would help him in any way. “We are family and family sticks together,” Roberts said. Despite all of the hardship he has experienced, the teenager continues to be very active in school as a Jr. ROTC sergeant, a rank he just attained. He has plans to join the military and to be- come a mechanic. His soft spoken demeanor won the hearts of everyone in the room. Dr. Anita Roberts Says Congratulations on a Job Well Done Commissioner Designee Dr. Anita Roberts congratu- lated the 2016 Employee of the Year recipients Mauretta Hazel (Juvenile Justice—YRC) of the St. Croix district and Alston “Magic” Creque (Division of Juvenile Justice) of the St. Thomas/St. John district. “I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the two Employee of the Year recipients,” Roberts said. “It is very important to recognize employees who work very hard to make a difference in our units,” said Roberts, “I am very pleased that our employees strive to make a difference and ensure the success of our depart- ment. I encourage everyone to continue to work hard because your work is noted and appreciated,” Roberts concluded. According to Roberts they truly exemplify DHS’ motto “To provide responsive and effective services, de- signed to motivate individuals and families to achieve their highest levels of self-sufficiency.” WE EXTEND A HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR OCTOBER CELEBRANTS! Mauretta Hazel of St. Croix is the recipient of the Employee of the Year 2016. She has worked for DHS for more almost 20 years! Alston“Magic” Creque of St. Thomas is the recipient of the Employee of the Year 2016. He has been with DHS since 1985! Alexander, Jacqueline Bailey, Natalie Benjamin, Sylvia Bess, Chyrise Bethelmie, Gertrude Brow, Mabeline Brunn, Florecita Burton, Joan Chapman, Maria Charlemagne, Goldine Charlery, Margarita Christian, Esteban Christian, Esteban Coggins, Karen Creque, Alston Daniel, Carolie Daniel, Christine David, Deborah Dover, Harley Misty Edwards, Helena Edwards, Monee Galloway, Miranda Garfield-Willock, Vinette Griffith, Christobel Gumbs, Cicely Halliday, Jasmine Herman, Maura Heyliger, Teresia Hobson, Xavia Howell, Duane Jackson, Audrey Jacobs, Rose Jones, Marcia Krigger, Judith Latorre, Lisandra Lewis, Shanequa Lloyd, Doris Martin- Simon Adinah Maxwell, Dora Maxwell, Stephanie Mills, Nadya Mollah, Eyshtar Mottley, Mellane Navarro, Luz Ottley, Sarah Parris, Mary Pennyfeather, Ernie Petersen, Arthur Quinland-Pemberton, Latoya Reynolds, Abraham Robles, Jose Rodriguez, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Melania Rollins-Williams, Cindy Sackey, Tyrone Samuel-Richardson, Roseann Smith, Ulalie Somme, Troy Stewart, Clarita Turnbull, Kevin Tutein Velez, Alysha Ventura, Shentel Victor, Celia Williams, Deshawn Williams, Marguerite Woodley, Victoria Oct./Nov. 2016 Volume 1, Issue 1 Pg. 2 DHS OBSERVES NOVEMBER’S AWARENESS 1.4 million Americans are diag- nosed with diabetes every year. It remains the 7th leading cause of death in the United States in 2010. In 2012, 29.1 million Ameri- cans, or 9.3% of the population, had diabetes. An estimated five million Americans now have AD Nearly twice as many women have AD as men, ac- cording to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Alzheimer's Association states that AD is the sixth leading cause of deathin the United States. The more education you have, the lower your risk of getting AD. Lung cancer is higher for men (51.7 per 100,000 persons) than for women (34.7 per 100,000 per- sons) Lung cancer is the most com- mon cancer worldwide, account- ing for 1.8 million new cases and 1.6 million deaths in 2012. WE EXTEND A HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR NOVEMBER CELEBRANTS! Aloyo, Carmen Barnard, Keesha Barzey, Shamoya Bellille, Schattell Boatswain, Esther Bowry, Sherre Bradley-Browne, Sandra Bradshaw, Janice Brathwaite, Elbe Browne, Nicole Cancel, Helen Chandler, Thecla Charles, Brenda Charles, Debbie Charles, Winsbert Charleswell, Avery Clarke, Alton Clause, Sherri-Lynn Connor, Dionne Delerme, Jenny Didier, Nathalia Dowling, Laverne Duparl, Francisca Fawkes, Kalia Pg. 3 Oct./Nov. 2016 Volume 1, Issue 1 Ferris, Clint Fleming, Ordette Francis, Perilla Garcia, Felicita George, Alicia Gonzalez, Jose Green, Julia Gumbs, Ignace Hansen, Julein Hendrickson, Leonora Henley, Sharla Inniss, Vesley Jaeger, Elizabeth James-Goga, Denise Jarvis, Carla John, Diane John-Lewis, Vicky Jones, Prisca Kloss, James Krind, Laura Lanclos, Natasha Louis-Vidal, Andrewer Miller, Judith Miller, Shermaine Milligan, Ayana Neptune, Miguelina O'shaughnessy, Virginia Powell, Roger Ralph, Francine Roberts, Laverne Rogers, Jamal Rogers-William, Avonelle Simmonds, Gustave Smith, Kema Smith, Marita Spencer, Marleyne Springer, Michelle Stanislas, Juliana Stevens, Sharon Stewart, Citierra Stout, Ronald Teague, Trevor Thompson, Shantel Todman, Deloise Todman, Vincent Turnbull, Genair Turnbull, Shenequa Tyrell, Theresa Victor, Celia Wyre, Krystal DHS Grants/Project Reconciliation Meeting Ten members of varying DHS divisions, the Chief of Staff and Commissioner Designee Dr. Anita Roberts met on October 12 to speak about challenges, needs and vacancies in each of their re- spective areas. “This was a collaborative effort to enhance grants operations,” according to Alvin E. Williams, the facilitator of the meeting. “When staff are able to express In attendance were: Kathleen Gussie, Pam Rich- ards, Sylvia Parris, Carla Parkins, Natalie Bailey, Edna Duzant, Patricia Welcome, Natalie Lewis, Alvin Williams, Analyn Creque, Diane Capehart and Michael A. Richards. Oct./Nov. 2016 Volume 1, Issue 1 Pg. 4 their feelings freely without fear, then we can fix what is needed to be fixed,” Roberts said. “I want the best for this department because a lot of people depend on us.” The Grants/Project Reconcili- ation Assistance Meeting will be conferring again on October 25 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Croix. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Shines Bright The Division of Family Assistance is on a roll with notable improve- ments to its Supple- mental Nutrition Assis- tance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps. As it pertains to federal guidelines, the SNAP was actually reporting poorly in its performance and this dynamic was rooted in its negative error rates. This situation festered and ultimately impacted SNAP’s performances and overall ranking region- ally and nationally. In prior years, the SNAP was stagnated, and the indicators suggested a strategy was necessary to restore the program’s viability. The managers and staff collabo- rated on a corrective action plan that ana- lyzed the prevalence of errors throughout the application process. The Front End captured the errors early and during the managerial evaluation. The Quality Control Unit pursued the negative error rates by closely examining cases that were denied or closed. Natalie Bailey, Acting Administrator, and the committed teamwork of our Family Assistance staff have boosted the program’s numbers. From a previ- ous ranking of 41, the SNAP program has vaulted to 19 out of 53 states and territories. Additionally, the territory made significant improvements in its overall standing for Error Rates and is now ranked #3 nationally. Go Team SNAP!! THE EMPLOYEE RELATIONS COMMITTEE (ERC) The early, early bird ticket sale for the December 22, 2016, holiday party will begin on November 7 to 15. Employee ticket $20 Guest tickets $40 Please go to the Human Resources Department for more information. The Department of Human Services and Legal Services are working together to assist and serve our community. “I am pleased to know that if our cli- ents are in need of legal representation we are able to refer them to Legal Ser- vices,” Commissioner Designee Dr. Anita Roberts said. “Not everyone can afford an attorney at $300 to $400 an hour. Having this organization helps our clients with legal issues is wonder- ful.” Legal Services St. Thomas/St. John Office 1832 Kongens Gade 340-774-6720 Legal Services St. Croix Office 3017 Orange Grove, Christiansted Head-start Pupils Welcomed Halloween with a Performance DHS Head Start Teachers brought about 30 children from their classrooms up to the Commissioner’s Office for Halloween. They ended up giving the staff in the Commissioner’s suite a treat. Children from the ages of three to about six years old performed a dance that even the ghouls and goblins would have found amazing! A few of the children were dressed up in costumes and most were in their school uniforms; nevertheless, the presentation was energetic and full of happy children. After their presentation, each child was given a bag full of sweet treats to take with them. Dr. Anita Roberts Calls for Mandatory Team Meeting On October 31, 2016, a Team Meeting was held by Commissioner Designee Dr. Anita Roberts during which Roberts asked for reports from each division of the Department of Human Services. In attendance were DHS representative from all islands. Roberts said, “Because the pro- grams are not being managed as they should be, monies are being returned to the Feds and future funding jeop- ardized.” According to Roberts, DHS is mak- ing aggressive changes and negative findings will no longer be accepta- ble. Roberts stated. “I am not going to lose Federal funding because we are not doing our jobs.” Needs for staffing in all divisions were voiced to the Commissioner. “We need to reassess our staff sala- ries,” Roberts stated, “We must be competitive and make DHS more attractive to prospective employ- ees. And to do this we must look at what we are offering to prospective employees.” Roberts will meet with Human Re- sources Director, Kendra Roach, and other senior management staff to discuss a strategy for competitive sal- aries and positions. “It is very important that we come together each week to let each other know what projects we are working on, the difficulties we are confronting and what we need to do to ensure the success of all our programs,” Roberts concluded. DHS Monday Team Meeting facilitated by Commissioner Designee Dr. Anita Roberts Pg. 5 Oct./Nov. 2016 Volume 1, Issue 1 Department of Human Services St. Thomas/St. John and St. Croix PRE-EMPLOYMENT TRANSITION SERVICES CONFERENCE In collaboration with the State Office of Special Education in the Department of Education, The De- partment of Human Services re- cently hosted a three-day training conference at the Marriott French- man’s Reef Resort on September 28-30. The conference was for counse- lors, social workers and special education teachers, administrators and students. There were approxi- mately 273 attendees at the three- day conference. “I am very pleased with the turnout of this year’s event. It was Department of Human Services 1303 Hospital Ground, Suite 1 St. Thomas, VI 00802 3011 Golden Rock Christiansted, VI 00820 St. John Multipurpose Building DHS Head Quarters in St. John Cruz Bay, VI 00830 Robert P. Ba-at Public Relations Officer St. Thomas/St. John robert.ba-at@dhs.vi.gov Carol M. Burke Public Information Officer St. Croix carol.burke@dhs.vi.gov http://www.dhs.gov.vi Pg. 6 Oct./Nov. 2016 Volume 1, Issue 1 Youth Rehabilitation Center “Ensuring a second Chance through Discipline and Opportunity” very important to us and to the peo- ple of the territory to have adequate training for professionals who assist those with disabilities,” Commission- er Designee, Dr. Anita Roberts said. The purpose of the conference was to provide pre-employment tran- sition, professional development to staff and services for students with disabilities who are eligible or poten- tially eligible for services under Sec- tion 113 of the Rehabilitation Act. Participants received Continuing Edu- cation Unit credits (CEU), toolkits and other pertinent materials. “The event was well attended and participants expressed satisfaction that the information presented was timely and a necessary tool in their professional toolkit,” said Felicia Bylden, Administrator for the De- partment of Human Services, Divi- sion of Disabilities & Rehabilitation Services.” Recently, the DHS’ Youth Re- habilitation Center (YRC) hailed the success of six residents who completed high school. The six males participated in a structured educational setting and applied themselves towards achieving a high school diploma or GED certi- fication. The management and staff at the YRC are very serious about its’ mandate of rehabilitation and con- tinues to pursue avenues and op- portunities to achieve this goal while recognizing the many chal- lenges these youngsters face. Staff are committed to modifying the behaviors of these youths and to mold them to realize positive out- looks in their lives. Juvenile delinquency in the ter- ritory is high; and, strategies to prevent and intervene are systemat- ically examined and updated. The YRC has an educational compo- nent which is required by law. The teachers at YRC are highly quali- fied in varied disciplines to include Special Education. There is also a social worker and residential counse- lor assigned to the center. Of the six males who completed high school, half were residents of St. Thomas. Two attended St Croix Cen- tral High School, three were Adult Education graduates, and one re- ceived his G.E.D. Some of the stu- dents were also recipients of academ- ic awards. “It takes a very special individual to look beyond their faults and mis- takes and to address their needs to help them turn their lives around,” stated Linnea Hector, Acting Direc- tor for Treatment and Pro- grams. The young men are pursuing opportunities in academics, voca- tional, and military careers. Oct./Nov. 2016 Volume 1, Issue 1 Pg. 7 ALLICK, RENISHA BUS AIDE/PSS/STX AUGUSTE, LORRAINE PRESCHOOL TEACHER ASSISTANT/PSS/STX BA-AT, ROBERT P. PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER BARRETTO, AJA REHIRE EMPLOYEE PREP COORD. STX CALLWOOD, KYZA EMP. MOVING FROM OMB TO DHS/SPECIAL ASST TO THE COMM/STT CARR-JACOBS, DIANNE ROVINA PRESCHOOL TEACHER ASST/PSS/STX CARTER, CAMPBELL FAMILY SVCS. COORDINATOR/PSS/STX CHARLES, BRENDA PRESCHOOL TEACHER/PSS/STX CHRISTOPHER, BEVERLY PRESCHOOL TEACHER ASST/PSS/STX CHUNG, TAMIKA EMP. PROMOTED EFF 9/19/19/ELIG SPEC II/STT CLENDINEN, DELANI EMP. PROMOTED FROM ELIG SPEC. I TO ELIG SPEC II/STT COLE, NATOYA ELIG INFORMATION CLERK I/STT DANIEL, JOSELITA ACCOUNTANT/PSS/STT DANIEL, JUDY PRESCHOOL TEACHER, PSS, STX DAVID, DEBORAH M SCA SENIOR AIDE CHAUFFEUR STT EDDY, EDWARD O SCA SENIOR AIDE CHAUFFEUR STT FALU, VERA M TERRITORIAL ADMINISTRATOR SCA - HOMES FLEMING, SIEDAH ELIG INFORMATION CLERK I/STT GARCIA, MARIE SOCIAL SERVICE AIDE/PSS/STX HALLIDAY, JASMINE FROM CLERK III TO ELIG INFO CLERK I/STT HENDRICKS, UKLYN A STX NEW HIRE ADMINISTRATOR, CFS HERMAN, MAURA PRESCHOOL TEACHER ASST/PSS/STX HEYWOOD, KAREN SOCIAL SERVICE AIDE/PSS/STX HODGE, CYNTHIA STX NEW HIRE VOLUNTEER SOCIAL SERVICE AIDE I JEFFERS, STEPHNIE PRESCHOOL TEACHER ASST./PSS/STX JONES, KAREN CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER- OFFICE OF FISCAL AFFAIRS/STX LUBRIN, LEONA MAHADIA CNA STX MCGOWAN, MICHELLE STT. NEW HIRE/SOCIAL WORKER III MONTES, KYSHAMA QUALITY CONTROL & DATA ENTRY SPECIALIST/PSS/STX NESTOR, THEODORA PRESCHOOL TEACHER ASST/PSS/STX OLIVIERI, G'LIQUE NEW HIRE EMP. ELIG INFO CLERK I STJ POWELL, SHANA PRESCHOOL TEACHER ASSISTANT/PSS/STX RICHARDS, PAMELA REHIRE EMPLOYEE EFF 9/01/16/CHIEF OF STAFF/STJ ROACH, KENDRA EMP. MOVING FROM DOL TO DHS EFF 9/12/2016/DEP COMM HR/STT ROBERTS, ANITA EMP MOVING FROM OMB TO DHS EFF 8/29/2016/COMMISSIONER/STT ROBERTS, TAKESHA STT. PROMOTION TO SOCIAL WORKER I SMITH, ALDA CNA STX STEWART, CITIERRA R ELIG SPEC I/STX (JOBS TRAINEE) VAN BEVERHOUDT, SHELLEY ANN SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE HR DIRECTOR/STT VICTORIA, LEENISHA ELIG INFORMATION CLERK I/STT WALTERS, SHAMEKA FOOD SERVICE WORKER-PSS-STX WEBSTER, DENELLE PRESCHOOL TEACHER ASST./STX/PSS WILLIAMS, SHEENA STX. NEW HIRE/CUSTODIAL WORKER II WELCOME NEW EMPLOYEES to the DHS FAMILY Dr. Anita Roberts Speaks: I appreciate everyone’s dedication to make DHS excellent! OCTOBER HOLIDAYS! Oct. 01 - Liberty Day Muharram Oct. 03 - Rosh Hashanah Child Health Day Oct. 10 - Columbus Day Oct. 12 - Yom Kippur Oct. 17 - Boss’ Day Oct. 31 - Halloween The only way to do great work is to love what you do according to Steve Job of Apple. I have been here less than three months and I have observed many of you on several occasions now, and find your enthusiasm and love for helping those less fortunate very contagious. This quotation is a befitting description of the employees of DHS. You know how to inspire others to do their best. I can only imagine the time and patience each of you gives to each client, let alone doing it repeatedly on a daily basis! I want to express my sincere thanks and gratitude. Without your leader- ship, dedication, and long hours of hard work, we would not have been able to maintain such a fine department. We have already begun to receive positive feedback from clients who have received our services, and expect that more will appreciate the care and concern you all have displayed. Your abilities to make a client feel at ease with use of the programs availed to them are remarkable. I am very grateful for the great contributions you have shared to make DHS a success. Your willingness to volunteer your time and your professional expertise above and beyond what is required are what keeps this organization moving forward. I know I can always count on all of you to make DHS even better as years go by. What you are doing is a great service to all of us and to our community. I look forward to many pro- ductive years and many new projects that we will work on together. Thank you! The Department of Human Ser- vices, Division of Children and Family Services, is seeking sponsors for the annual Adopt-A-Family Holidays pro- gram. During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, individuals, family members, friends, groups, schools and organizations are asked to do- nate $80.00 to purchase a holiday meal or a gift certificate for families in the territory. Commissioner Designee, Dr. Anita Roberts said, “This is the communi- ty’s opportunity to experience the joy of giving to those who are less fortu- nate by paying it forward and helping put a smile on the faces of the chil- dren who otherwise may not have a positive experience during the holi- days. The families are very apprecia- tive of the kindness that is shown to them.” ADOPT - A - FAMILY CAMPAIGN 2016 For more information about becom- ing a sponsor on St. Thomas/St. John and St. Croix for the Adopt-A-Family program, please call (340)774-0930 and ask to speak with either Ms. Michelle Benjamin at ext. 4340 or Ms. Heather Lambertis at ext. 4245. This year’s goal is to serve at least 400 families on all three islands. Thanksgiving Deadline November 17, 2016 Christmas Deadline December 16, 2016 Oct./Nov. 2016 Volume 1, Issue 1 Pg. 8