Angela/Sarah
: There is a TON of HMIS training offered by the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness (MCAH) as well as one-on-one training with MCAH staff members. It's extensive, as the system is always changing - basically every six months. We need to keep our training up to date.
Angela's background is urban planning, and Sarah's background is social work.
Can you tell us about any special projects you are working on?
Angela:
We are about to roll out our outcome measurement tools. We've identified at least two outcome measures for each department at CHN. We are also updating all of customer satisfaction surveys. There are at least five different types of surveys. We are in the preliminary stages of working to have SharePoint display our information for the board, staff, etc. We want it to be more streamlined and accessible.
Sarah:
We are in process of becoming an accredited agency of the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Once we have earned the accreditation, we are hoping to work with health plans to assist those experiencing homelessness who have repeat visits to a hospital emergency room. Studies have shown that visits to the ER, for this population, will decrease once the person is housed . Once again, this puts us in a good position to move into the direction of serving all people as requested by the state. Additionally, achieving CARF accreditation demonstrates evidence to the community, persons served, government, and funders of our commitment to quality programs and services.
I also provide supervision for the social work interns. We are currently working with the schools right now for our next round of student placements.
We are also working towards the CoC's recently announced
deadline to end veteran homeless in Oakland County by September 30, 2016.
What is something fun or life changing that you'd like to share?
Angela:
I recently returned from a trip to Thailand and Cambodia. I'm super excited that it will be summer soon and I can ride my bike!
Sarah:
I'm proud to announce that I have a new six-year old son who has changed my life in wonderful and unexpected ways!
Any parting words of wisdom?
Angela:
When you enjoy the work you do, it doesn't seem like work. When problems around the world seem so vast and out of your control, I look to what can be done locally and how you can improve the quality of life in your own community.
Sarah:
People often ask me "How does a social worker end up in quality and performance management?" I remind them that it's really not that much of a stretch. The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. Now think about those we serve and take a look at CHN's mission:
We strengthen communities by connecting people to housing resources. CHN's mission aligns well! I see my job as reviewing the data and outcomes to ensure that CHN's mission is being met, while ensuring that we are using best practices to promote CHN's core values of inclusion, integrity, innovation, and passion.
I am grateful for Angela's and Sarah's work, as well as the work of all CHN team members.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
Marc Craig
President
