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Words to describe Ratha
Employee of the Month - July
Employee of the Month - July
Ratha Chiwapong, Administrator IV
Food Services
I have always valued the balance between work and personal life, with travel being a key part of my self-care. It refreshes my spirit, broadens my perspective, and creates cherished memories. This summer was especially meaningful as I had the joy of flying my 85-year-old mother from Bangkok, Thailand to America. Our weekend trip to Mount Rushmore, a destination long on my bucket list, was a particular highlight.
Morning meditation is also essential to my routine, helping me start each day with mindfulness and calm. These self-care practices deeply enrich my daily life and keep me energized and positive at work. I’m thankful to be part of CDHS, where work-life balance is truly valued.
Sanctuary Spotlight
Democracy: Ratha is always concerned about everyone getting a voice on critical issues so that we can make the best informed decisions. She isn't afraid to challenge the status quo or help someone see all of the opinions impacting a critical decision.
Growth and Change: Ratha is always concerned about improving out-of-date systems so that we can redirect our time on more pressing issues. She always has positive feedback on how operations might run better.
Open Communication: Ratha is quiet and deliberate but an amazing communicator. She listens first and provides incredible, insightful feedback. She doesn't miss things and helps all of us stay on track. She always tries to keep her feedback positive.
Welcome to the Central Administration Team
Alex Urbach
Alex Urbach
Communications and Marketing Manager
Eileen Doyle-Samay
Eileen Doyle-Samay
Budget Analyst
August
August
Sally Hill
Michelle Angle
Al Estrada
Edwin Rodriguez
Alexis Lewis
Yetti Kufoiji
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
By Fitzgerald Clark, DYS Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Thought for the month:
"We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Sanctuary and EDI
The Sanctuary theme for August is Safety. August is also National Wellness month. As such it is a time to take a step back to make sure that as people who work in a caring field, we also pause to consider how we care for ourselves. Are we taking part in our self-care routines? How are we managing our stress? How are we refueling our spirit for the daily struggles that are a part of life and work?
Sanctuary helps us to understand that our safety; physical, psychological, social and moral requires our conscious effort to engage in actions and behaviors that bring healing to our spirits. If we don’t pay attention to these parts of ourselves then we invariably become burnt out and lose the joy and fulfillment that can come with our work.
One of the seeming paradoxes of life is that we can’t live by ourselves. And many of us find that trying to live only for ourselves seems never quite as fulfilling as when we have others that we are living for as well.
The quote by Dr. King above reminds us that wellness also does not have to be a solitary endeavor. Creating a culture that promotes physical, psychological, social and moral safety is truly a community endeavor. When we practice Inclusion by being mindful of how we speak to others, how we treat others and how we partner with others, we are creating the healthy binding elements that create a positive and healthy work culture. That strong healthy culture is one of the best ways that we can support wellness for ourselves, the youth in our care and our colleagues.
Click below and enjoy some relaxing sounds. Allow yourself to meditate in a safe space for a moment.
Safety (a component of SELF)
Safety (a component of SELF)
August Theme
August Theme
Text courtesy of Elisa C. Hicks - MSW, MA, CJSP
NCCHC Coordinator, BHMS
Safety in a trauma informed culture incorporates four main elements: physical, psychological, social, and moral in relationships as well as the environment.
In order to create safe environments for healing (and existing within an organization), it is imperative to include all of these elements of safety. This means that for us as staff we have to "walk the talk" if we want others to trust us.
Physical Safety: this may be the easiest aspect to describe as it relies on tangible factors that can be easily evaluated and measured. This is ultimately the sense of being safe and without any threat to our physical well-being.
Psychological Safety: this refers to the ability to be safe with oneself and to rely on one's identity and the ability to protect oneself against destructive impulses. These impulses can come from within or be triggered by other people or experiences. This form of safety is centered around boundaries to protect oneself.
Social Safety: this type of safety comes from the values that we share and put into action in group settings while maintaining the ability to make and sustain healthy relationships. Environments that are not socially safe are often described as "hostile workplaces".
Moral Safety: this is the heart of all other safety needs and issues. Being morally safe means having a system of values that are consistent, that guide behavior, and that are founded on a deep respect for each other and all living things. Moral safety is about being able to look yourself in the mirror without shame or guilt. Being in a morally safe environment means being free from all forms of violence.
Some tips to keep in mind:
How do you practice physical safety in your daily interactions and activities?
How do you ensure psychological safety for yourself and others?
How do you see social safety being encouraged and practiced in DYS?
How do you incorporate moral safety into your relationships and interactions?
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