Embedded Files
Words to describe Edwin
Edwin's nominator says the following about him:
Edwin is humble, but brilliant. He has this wealth of knowledge about so many things. He always seems to know the right tools and systems to use for any given situation or need; if he doesn't know he helps find the answer and gives contacts for who can assist. Always friendly. Recognizes that he represents DYS when talking with vendors, and is aware that his actions and words reflect on the education department .
Employee of the Month - July
Employee of the Month - July
Edwin Rodriguez - Program Assistant II
DYS Education
Always busy but doing things that bring me joy, weather is going hiking, going to the movies, quality time with family, traveling or sporting events, and as always having my beautiful wife right next to me.
I like to be involved in my community by attending meetings and learning about different projects or events that are happening around my neighborhood, since I've lived in Sherrelwood all my life.
My wife and I have a dog and a cat named Benny & Charlie. Benny was adopted from a shelter when he was a little puppy, and he is now 9 years old. Charlie followed my wife one day when she was coming back from school and just stayed since then. They both are very spoiled and loving life in our backyard watching birds or barking at squirrels.
Sanctuary Spotlight
Social Learning: Edwin constantly shares knowledge with his peers. He is happy to sit down and walk someone through a process, he shares best practices and tips in random emails and messages, and consistent in asking questions to better learn. He is also willing to jump on a call or sit at your desk to learn something new (that he then passes along to his peers).
Democracy: Edwin is super open to feedback and sharing of ideas. He doesn't just sit down and say this is how this is done, or this is what we are going to do. He creates a learning and open environment in each peer meeting he attends. He is a great listener, and asks questions to ensure understanding, and is very supportive of others' ideas.
Open Communication: One of my favorite aspects of Edwin's personality is the way that he communicates. He is friendly, knowledgeable, open, and has a fun sense of humor. He also follows up - EVERY time. When he teaches someone how to do something, he checks in to see it is going and how it went. When he does a task, he communicates where he is in the process and what the next steps are. You never have to wonder about anything.
Emotional Intelligence: I do not think I have ever seen Edwin angry, even when he expresses frustration he is polite, friendly, and offers a positive spin on the situation. He is someone that you know will keep confidential information confidential.
Central Administration Summer Vacation Photo Dump
Central Administration Summer Vacation Photo Dump
We have heard many of you are visiting places far and wide and enjoying this summer. We want to see your pics. Please add your pics to this drive and we will share them in the newsletter.
August
August
Sally Hill
Michelle Angle
Dominica Reinhard
Edwin Rodriguez
Alexis Lewis
Yetti Kufoiji
Aaron Packingham
People Centered Practice for the Month
By Fitzgerald Clark, DYS Director of People -Centered Practices
Managing our emotions is a fundamental aspect of practicing Emotional Intelligence. We all have emotions and express them in different ways. Working with the youth that we serve is challenging. Working in environments where we are often understaffed and have to support young people going through very significant challenges can lead to stress and tensions arising amongst staff.
Good leadership will provide opportunities for that emotion to be expressed and channeled in healthy and productive ways. If people are not given the opportunity to engage in open communication to express that communication, it can lead to escalating negative behaviors.
How we manage these opportunities for sharing in healthy and productive ways is important. First, make sure that regular opportunities exist for creating spaces to share for staff. Second, listen and engage sincerely and appropriately. Third, be prepared to shift the conversation to a healthy and productive arena by focusing on the future. We can ask questions like...
1. How can things be improved?
2. What could be done differently to improve the situation?
3. How can they help shift the environment?
We all have emotions. We all express them in different ways. Learning how to manage our emotions and channel them into being an impetus for growth for us personally and the organization, is a hallmark of a healthy culture and successful organizations.
When you get a chance, please take 10 minutes and try this guided safety meditation:
Safety (a component of SELF)
Safety (a component of SELF)
August Theme
August Theme
Text courtesy of Elisa C. Hicks - MSW, MA, CJSP
Former 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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