The Latest News from the Mississippi Department of Human Services |
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Jeremy Degrate
Special Projects Officer, DECCD, State Office
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Jeremy is known for his professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail when working with clients.
He is a model employee who possesses positivity, strength, consistency, and problem-solving skills. He is an asset to MDHS and our clients.
Thank you, Jeremy!
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Aaron Sanders
Facilities Maintenance Repairer, Youth Services
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Aaron is a quiet person, but his leadership skills and work ethic speak loudly.
Aaron was quoted as one of the "hardest working employees" at Oakley Youth Development Center who is eager to do whatever is needed, without complaint, to get the job done! He is a self-starter who is consistent, committed to success, and proud of his work. He is an inspiration to both his co-workers and the students at Oakley.
Thank you, Aaron!
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Alesha Causey-Nelson inducted into the
2021 SWAC Hall of Fame
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Alesha Causey-Nelson
Causey-Nelson graduated from Alcorn State in 1998 and is featured in the Club-Career Record Book at Alcorn State for various achievements- 1000 points, 600 rebounds, 300 assists, 200 steals, and most free-throws made.
Causey-Nelson's accolades include SWAC First-Team All-Conference (1994-98), SWAC All-Tournament team (1994-98), SWAC Champion (1995), SWAC Tournament MVP (1995), E.E. Simmons Award (1997-98), Most Valuable Player (1997-98), and Best All-Round Player (1997-1998).
Congratulations Alesha!
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The Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame was established in 1992 to honor those persons who have made outstanding contributions to SWAC athletics as a student-athlete, coach and/or administrator.
Its purpose is to perpetuate the memory of those persons who have brought distinction, honor and excellence to both the Southwestern Athletic Conference and its institutional athletic programs.
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Alesha works as the Payroll Director in our Budgets & Accounting office |
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Across the world, several communities are known as blue zones or a set of characteristics that have produced the world’s longest-lived people. Many live to a healthy 100 because their surroundings nudge them to practice the healthiest behaviors: moderate exercise, stress management, social connection and eating well. While each blue zone eats different regionally- based foods, they have many commonalities that contribute to their health and longevity. If you want to live to a healthy 100, include the following tips in your diet pattern: |
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BLUE ZONES:
IKARIA, GREECE
LOMA LINDA, CALIFORNIA NICOYA PENINSULA, COSTA RICA OKINAWA, JAPAN
SARDINIA, ITALY
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1. EAT A 90–100% PLANT-BASED DIET.
People in blue zones consume about 10 ounces of meat per month, in 2-ounce portions. Fish is consumed in 3-ounce portions up to 3 times per week. Cow’s milk does not factor into many blue zone diets and eggs are eaten only two to four times per week. Be sure to choose whole foods versus highly processed food, like sweet potatoes, walnuts, or kale.
2. GET A DAILY DOSE OF BEANS!
Beans are nature’s perfect package - naturally low in fat and high in protein, fiber, and phytonutrients. People in blue zones eat a half cup per day. Try lentils, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, cannellini beans, or soybeans!
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3. SLASH YOUR SUGAR INTAKE.
People in blues zones eat sugar intentionally, not out of habit or accident. They consume 7 teaspoons (28 gm) or less of added sugar daily.
4. MUNCH ON NUTS.
Nuts contain good-for-you fats and antioxidants. People in blue zones report eating up to 2 ounces (about 2 handfuls) of nuts per day.
5. CHOOSE WHOLE GRAIN OR SOURDOUGH BREAD.
These blue zone bread choices may promote healthy blood sugar levels and digestion due to the fiber in whole grains and the fermentation process in sourdough.
6. DRINK MOSTLY WATER
Water provides the proper hydration our bodies need. Unsweetened coffee and tea are also good blue zone beverage choices.
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October 1, 2021, our updated client tracking and data collection system, Virtual Roma 2.0 (VR 2.0), launched for our Community Action Agency (CAA/HRA) network.
This new version more effectively allows agencies to provide client services and assistance to economically challenged Mississippians seeking assistance with paying their energy or water bills.
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Pictured above are team members from Community Services |
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VR 2.0 offers an improved user interface, system navigation, greater operational efficiency for clients and agencies. It also has the ability to effectively monitor and manage cash flow, produce helpful management reports, and strengthen controls.
This launch represents a significant effort from the Division of Community Services and MIS Systems Integration and Development team. This application was first conceptualized over seven years ago, and the effort has been sustained through multiple changes in team members and leadership. This new application will position the Division of Community Services to more effectively serve the citizens of Mississippi for years to come.
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Pictured above are team members from MIS. |
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Thank you to everyone who donated to the Toys for Tots Toy Drive.
Thanks to your generosity, the State Office collected over 50 gifts, two of which were bikes. Your kindness has made a child in needs Christmas extra special.
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Adult Protective Services' Site Visits |
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Division of Youth Services Collects Gifts for Oakley Students |
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Aging & Adult Services' Jingle and Mingle Christmas Celebration! |
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The Division of Aging and Adult Services held a holiday celebration with food, fun, and fellowship. Kenyada Blake-Washington challenged her programmatic coordinator, manager, and director to publish a story in our newsletter each month. Whoever had the most stories at the end of the year would receive a grand prize. During this celebration, she recognized Benae Jackson (pictured on the right), Older Adult Nutrition Manager, as the winner of the division's newsletter marketing challenge.
Congratulations, Benae!
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Child Support Pass Through Training |
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Lee County completed their Child Support Pass Thru training this month.
Pictured above is Kristie Greer-Ellis, EAE Region 4 Director; along with some of her County Directors and Program Specialist.
The Trainers were Pattie Wallace, EAE Training Coordinator; Lanitra Robinson, Staff Officer, Workforce Development; and Rob Berry, EAE Operations Director.
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Jackson County Senior Companion and Awareness Event |
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This month the Jackson County Senior Companion Program participated in a free health fair and lunch for the seniors of Jackson County. |
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The Division of Safety And Emergency Services, Hurricane Season Recognition
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The Division of Safety And Emergency Services traveled to show their appreciation to the seventy-two (72) county workers that mobilized during the 2021 Hurricane Season assisting Red Cross with Shelter Operations. They visited Forrest, Jones, Stone, Pearl River, George, Jackson, Hancock, Harrison, Marion, Jefferson Davis, Lincoln, and Adams Counties. Each employee received a Safety and Emergency Services backpack, including snacks and a Certificate of Recognition. |
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Shelf Stable Canned Food Drive Recognition Luncheon |
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The 2021 Shelf Stable Canned Food Drive festivities concluded with a recognition luncheon for competition winners.
Benae Jackson, Older Adult Nutrition Program Manager, presented plaques to Division Directors Mark Allen and Toni Kersh and their team members for winning their respective divisions.
Trio Community Meals Team members: Chad Lee, Regional Manager; Adam Tyler, District Manager; and Chef Mario Reyes, Cooperate Executive Chef; were in attendance to support this event.
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Thanks to everyone who helped collect, pack, and deliver the shelf-stable items. MDHS donated 6,183 food items to all 10 Area Agencies on Aging. |
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APS and SHIP Small Town Project |
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The State Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) sponsored the Small Town Project held in Shelby, MS. Adult Protective Services (APS) attended the project to inform participants in the Delta region of their services. |
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Geraldine Ford
34 years
12/31/2021
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Kate Powell
33 years
12/31/2021
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Kimberly Seard
28 years
12/31/2021
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Sarah Bolden
29 years
12/31/2021
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Angela Hobby
24 years
12/31/2021
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Felicia Spencer
23 years
12/31/2021
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Gloria Daniels
22 years
12/31/2021
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Rhonda Griffin
5 years
12/31/2021
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Queen Little
2 years
11/30/2021
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Have something that you'd like to feature in next month's newsletter? |
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