July/August 2019
Due to issues beyond our control, we were unable to send a July DHS News. Consequently, we have included last month’s articles here for a special summer edition of DHS News.
In this edition:

  • Office of Equity and Inclusion works to improve outcomes for DHS clients
  • DHS receives funding from Staunton Farm to improve BH services
  • New resource designed to help individuals and their families understand, address trauma 
  • Photo: Early Learning Resource Center
  • DHS celebrates data-sharing anniversary
  • OID utilizes new approach to better serve individuals and their families
  • DHS selected to join Kresge Foundation’s national social and economic mobility initiative
  • Photo: Candidates' Comedy Night
  • DHS hosts special guests
  • Family Court, DHS offices collaborate to educate youth
  • Kudos - Kelly Spinner and Vickie McCaskey (August 2019 One Good Apple Award winners)

News articles are uploaded to the DHS website as soon as they become available. For the most up-to-date news, visit  DHS News online . 
Office of Equity and Inclusion works to improve outcomes for DHS clients

The Office of Equity and Inclusion team consists of six full-time staff members who support equity and inclusion initiatives across the agency, including Immigrants and Internationals (I&I) and Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE). In addition to managing the existing efforts of these initiatives, the office is also charged with developing the department’s first agency-wide equity plan .
DHS receives funding from Staunton Farm to improve BH services

DHS's Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) received a $25,000 grant from the Staunton Farm Foundation to help behavioral health providers better serve transition age youth .
New resource designed to help individuals and their families understand, address trauma

For people who have experienced a traumatic event, everyday activities may seem overwhelming; however, a new resource has been created to provide an additional layer of help and support . 
Early Learning Resource Center

The DHS Early Learning Resource Center, a partnership with  The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers  and  Trying Together , opened its doors on July 1. ELRC Region 5  has a commitment to
"[ensuring] every child and family in Allegheny County has access to high-quality, accessible and affordable early learning opportunities." Learn more at  https://elrc5.alleghenycounty.us.
DHS celebrates data-sharing anniversary

2019 marks 10 years since DHS began partnering with local school districts to improve education outcomes .
OID utilizes new approach to better serve individuals and their families

The DHS Office of Intellectual Disability (OID) has recently joined a nationwide Community of Practice (CoP) designed to assist families and individuals with an intellectual disability, autism diagnosis or developmental disabilities (ID/A) .
DHS selected to join Kresge Foundation’s national social and economic mobility initiative

DHS was selected by the Kresge Foundation to take part in its Next Generation (NextGen) Initiative, a two-year national collaborative project that also includes a $500,000 cash award .
Candidates' Comedy Night

August 21 was an evening of fun and fundraising during the annual Candidates' Comedy Night. This year's event raised nearly $45,000 for the Allegheny County Music Festival Fund, which provides life-enriching opportunities and items for youth served by the Department of Human Services and/or the Juvenile Section of the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas. 
DHS hosts special guests

On August 1, DHS hosted 37 senior-ranking military officers from 40 countries who were visiting Pittsburgh as part of the National Defense University’s (NDU) International Fellows Program .
Family Court, DHS offices collaborate to educate youth

Several DHS offices have been working with Family Court’s Older Youth Work Group to find innovative ways to educate youth about opportunities available to them during placement .
Kudos - Kelly Spinner and Vickie McCaskey (August 2019 One Good Apple Award winners)

Kelly Spinner and Vickie McCaskey were selected as the August 2019 One Good Apple Award winners . 
We welcome your story ideas, employee news and comments. If you’ve got news you’d like to see in DHS News, please contact Mark Bertolet at mark.bertolet@alleghenycounty.us or 412-350-3439.