An Adopt-a-Family recipient works diligently on a thank you card for her donor.

IN THIS ISSUEALAMEDA COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCY EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER • A PUBLICATION OF THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATIONeALAMEDA COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCY • OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS & COMMUNITY RELATIONS • EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER

A Message from the Agency Director

Continued on page 2

1 Agency Director’s Message1 Adopt-a-Family Program2 Eastmont Garden of Hope

Donor Roll Call4 Renaissance Job Fair 5 SSA Staff Share Favorite

Holiday Traditions5 Ann Singh-Khadalia Retires from

Dream Job6 Stone Soup Food Drive6 Employee Promotions:

November 2017

DECEMBER 2017

As we look to 2018, there are certainly a number of issues being debated in Washington D.C. that could impact our families, programs, and communities. From Tax Reform to the repeal of DACA, a rumored

Executive Order on welfare reform, and continued attacks on the Affordable Care Act, it is easy to feel weighed down with concern. However, as we witnessed with attempts to repeal and replace Obamacare, what seems certain and expected can still be changed.

Over the last month, both houses in Congress passed versions of the Tax Reform bill. A final bill is anticipated to be sent to the President sometime during the holidays. Individual impacts will vary, with many household tax cuts set to expire within a decade, but our larger concern is on the resulting reduction of federal resources. This may put pressure to cut federal funding for services to families, children, seniors, early education, and workforce development in the coming years. I have heard and share concerns that the cuts in federal revenues due to tax reform set the stage for a renewed focus on welfare reform in 2018. This

could happen through an Executive Order, the federal budget process, or new legislation. We will remain vigilant in monitoring and responding to future attempts to reduce funding or services, or that threaten the well-being of our communities.

Brighter than Ever:SSA’s 6th Annual Adopt-a-Family Program

WRITTEN BY: Bami Iroko, Adopt-a-Family coordinatorOffice of Public Affairs & Community Relations

County of AlamedaSocial Services Agency

Continued on page 3

It is truly heartwarming to see SSA staff, County colleagues, and community members come together year after year to make the holidays special for families and children receiving public assistance.

And even more amazing is how the momentum of generosity has continued to grow. This year, the Agency’s 6th annual Adopt-a-Family holiday gift program reached even greater heights: more than 850 families—over, 2,500 children—were adopted by donors, exceeding last year’s total by more than 100 families!

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Director’s Message (Continued from Pg.1)

In other federal policy news, we are keeping a close eye on the Administration’s attempts to scale back protections and benefits for immigrants. In September, the White House announced that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program would be rescinded. Because DACA operated through an Executive Order, the policy can be altered without Congressional action. DACA gives eligible undocumented youth a renewable two-year reprieve from deportation and work authorization. Nearly 800,000 youth receive DACA, a quarter of whom live in California. The President’s decision to delay full rescission until March 2018 offers Congress some time to pass legislation. Many are concerned that this timeframe is unrealistic. SSA was a collaborative partner in developing an Alameda County Board of Supervisors resolution opposing the rescission of DACA, which calls on Congress to act. Bipartisan efforts introduced in recent sessions, such as the DREAM Act, would offer a path to legal permanent residency for undocumented immigrant youth.

Early in 2017, we were alerted to a draft Executive Order that proposed to redefine “public charge” for

immigration purposes. Currently, an individual who is likely to become a “public charge” is inadmissible to the United States, and ineligible to become a legal permanent resident. A “public charge” is defined as an individual who is likely to become “primarily dependent on the government,” a determination limited to receipt of cash assistance or long-term public institutionalization. The draft order substantially expanded this definition to include any public benefits for which eligibility or amount is determined in on the basis of income or financial need. The draft order raised serious concerns about programs that do not currently trigger a “public charge” determination, such as nutritional and housing support, and tax benefits. I took the lead in advocating for Alameda County’s opposition to this proposed change. You can read the opposition statement from the Board of Supervisors here. We heard recently that the Administration may be acting soon on something like the draft public charge executive order. As more is known on any of these issues of concern, we will continue to share information with you.

— Lori

Eastmont Garden of Hope Donor Roll Call

The Eastmont Garden of Hope has been fortunate to receive many donations—big and small—from SSA staff and community members to make it possible to serve SSA households in dire need.

An extra special thanks go to the following donors:

The Willard A. Jackson Social Club of Victoria Consistory No. 25, for their donation 116 bags of clothing and 102 children’s books over the course of 2017.

SSA/Eastmont employee Karen Green, community member James Calhoun, and the Greater St. Paul Church for a large donation of clothing and toys.

Teamsters Local 853 (on right with Supervising Eligbility Technician Pertrena Coleman) for rolling in again for a fourth holiday season in a row with much needed essentials, including diapers.

If you would like to donate toiletries or gently used clothing, toys, or household items to the Eastmont Garden of Hope, please contact Ms. Coleman at (510) 383-5361 or PColeman@acgov.org

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We are grateful for the County-wide support for the Adopt-a-Family program, including caring donors from the County Administrator’s Office, Zone 7, Office of the Assessor, Behavioral Health Care Services, Child Support Services, Information Technology Department, Public Health, and Public Works.

There is not enough space to adequately thank all the SSA staff who volunteered in some capacity to help make the Adopt-a-Family program a success! I am inspired and awed by everyone’s willingness to pitch in and lend a hand. A special recognition goes to this year’s site coordinators, whose time, energy, and leadership helped create unforgettable holiday memories.

EdenArvetta Nelson Porsche Brownridge Sara PintoTeana Johnson

EnterpriseJay’Mesha BrownAdia WilliamsAmber Enderlin

North OaklandSophia Spencer Gina GudgerKara HodgeAdrianna MurrayDayala BonadieCommieolla Thierry-Duncan

LivermorePaty Guzman-Tinoco

Photos taken by Carlos Hernandez

and Andrea Wong

FremontMonique Nassor-Covington

EastmontDana WilliamsKatrina GreenMyia BelcherBridgette Stevenson

Adopt-a-Family (Continued from Pg.1)

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The November 9 Renaissance Job Fair was created to offer SSA clients a first-class job-seeking experience that would exceed their expectations, as well as empower them with a sense of pride and acceptance.

The goal was to have an assortment of industries represented to enhance their job-seeking experience. They included courier services, health care, retail, car repair, construction and food services. Participating companies came with the intent to hire if candidates met the qualifications required for various job descriptions. A partial list of employers included Aryzta, San Leandro Adult School, FEDEX, Safeway, Goodwill Industries, Preferred Freezer Services, Surplus Service, El Monte RV, East Bay Innovations, Divine Home Care, Alameda Health System, Diocese of Oakland, UPS, USPS, California Lottery, Oil Changers, Macy’s, BrightStar Home Care, Sugar Bowl Bakery and Alameda County Social Services.

One job-seeker found the experience “informative, well organized, and cooperative. It gave me a chance to get a job soon by communicating directly to the employers.”

Another job-seeker appreciated the level of support available. “The help I received with each employer was exactly what I needed to successfully get hired. Employers were helpful in reviewing my resume. They gave great pointers on how to include skills that I did not realize were useful.”

Raffle drawings throughout the day produced three lucky winners. Two attendees took home $200 Visa Gift Cards, and one patron was thrilled to win the grand prize: a 13-inch Apple laptop computer!

Renaissance Job Fair:Engagement, Employment and Empowerment

WRITTEN BY: Steve Dorsey, Office of Public Affairs & Community Relations

“This job fair was excellent. The best I’ve attended so far. Our booth was amazing! My compliments to Stephen Dorsey for the vendor booth setups.”

—Lamar Williams, United Parcel Service (UPS)

To see more photos of the event, go to: https://photos.app.goo.gl/2FlYEETKlERA4kCE2

“This was one of the best job fairs I have attended. The marketing and

branding were amazing. Our booth was beautifully designed. Thank you for the

effort put into this fair.”

—Shannon Hickman, A-Para Transit

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My friends and i like to get together and play football on Thanksgiving and Christmas. We call

the games the turkey bowl and the holiday bowl. Then we go and eat lunch. After lunch we meet up with our families for our holiday family dinners. The football game is a way to relax and have fun with friends while also not feeling bad for eating so much holiday food.

Leo Chan, Eligibility Services Technician IIIWBA / Eden office

My favorite holiday tradition would have to be just being around my family. We are very close and

there are a lot of us so it’s always loud and entertaining when we get together. We gather on Christmas Eve and open presents early, who wouldn’t love that!

Teelee Garvin, Specialist Clerk IIHuman Resources

I host a cookie-baking party with a couple

friends. We make a triple batch of gingerbread cookies and a triple batch of sugar cookies – more than 200 cookies total. It involves cutting, baking, frosting, and decorating. I bring most of them to the office to share with my coworkers!

I love lighting Hanukkah candles with my daughter when I’m lucky enough to have her home for

Hanukkah. Kim Fogel, Administrative Specialist II Office of Public Affairs & Community Relations

Life is full of surprises. When Ann Singh-Khadalia started her career at SSA as an Eligibility Technician I, she had taken the job “because I really needed one,” she admitted. “I thought I’d do it till I found my dream job. Little did I know, after almost 28 years, I realize I found my dream job.”

Over a period of nine years, Ann was promoted to ET II and ET III, working in AFCD intake, appeals compliance, and at the transfer desk at the North Oakland office. In 1999, she was promoted to Employment Counselor. In 2001, she was promoted to Social Worker III and found her calling. “I’ve always loved being a social worker, “ Ann reflected. “I often tell people I get paid to help people. It has been great to impact people’s lives in some small way.”

Ann was promoted to Adult Protective Services Worker in 2010—“an awesome job” she proclaimed—before returning to a Social Worker III position in the SSI Advocacy unit. Ann has truly enjoyed her current position and is sad to “be leaving a wonderful team and Alameda County, but I look forward to new adventures in the future. I’m glad to step aside to let someone else take over.” Ann’s last day in the office was December 8.

What Is Ann’s secret to a long and joyful career at SSA? “My advice is always not to get too frustrated; it will get better,” she said. “Many times, I thought of leaving, but I hung in there and I’m glad I did.”

Social Worker Ann Singh-Khadalia Retires from “Dream Job”WRITTEN BY: Andrea Wong, Office of Public Affairs & Community Relations

Celebrating the Season:SSA Staff Share Their Favorite Holiday Traditions

Ann (on right) with supervisor Angelique Holmes

Brenda Lorentzen, Management AnalystOffice of Policy, Evaluation & Planning

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The Secret Ingredients: WBA Staff Mix Creativity, Generosity, and Teamwork for Stone Soup Food Drive

Gehad Massoud, Social Worker IWorkforce & Benefits Administration

Monique Nassor-Covington, Supervising Clerk IWorkforce & Benefits Administration

Marcella Velasquez, Executive DirectorPublic Authority for In-Home Supportive Services

Movin’ On Up: Employee Promotions

November 2017

REACH OUT TO THE BUZZSend comments to Sylvia Soublet •

ssoublet@acgov.org

Content and Design Editor: Andrea Wong

Designing and building these impressive displays is no small feat! A huge round of applause goes to all the staff who contributed time and resources to make these visions a reality.

Photos taken by Carlos Hernandez, Management Analyst, WBA

Eden Area Multi-Service Center: “It’s A Small World”

Thomas L. Berkley Self-Sufficiency Center “Let’s Fight Hunger Together”

Enterprise Self-Sufficiency Center “We Deliver To End Hunger”

Eastmont Self-Sufficiency Center “It Takes A Village”