Pierce County Human Services

22,800.

More than 3 sold out games at Cheney Stadium.
Enough people to fill the Washington State fairgrounds in Puyallup 2 times.
And nearly enough to fill the Tacoma Dome.

What is it? The estimated number of people in Pierce County who are unemployed. Until a few months ago, Randy was one of these people.

Randy was placed in foster care at the age of three after his parents were unable to care for him due to issues with alcoholism. He spent most of his childhood living on a farm in Sequim with his foster family. It was there that Randy developed a strong work ethic and learned how to take care of himself. His days were spent bucking hay, cleaning stalls, building fences, and taking care of farm animals. As a young adult, Randy began to drink heavily and eventually got into trouble with the law. Since then, Randy has had an extremely difficult time finding and keeping a job.

It is a cycle that we see all too often in our line of work. Someone is unable to get hired, which means they can’t pay bills or make ends meet, which eventually leads to losing their home, which often leads to depression, exacerbating substance use and keeping them from getting a job – and the cycle starts all over again. When you have no money, how can you afford the costs of getting a job? Many things that we take for granted, such as transportation, clothes for interviews, a way to shower and stay clean, are all difficult to come by when you are living in poverty.

The job market had changed since Randy last got a job and he did not know how to change with it. The days of just showing up and asking for a chance are long gone, replaced by online applications and automated answering machines in HR departments. While waiting at the bus stop after losing out on yet another job, he saw a flyer for the CAREER program at Pierce County Human Services. With mounting pressure to be more financially responsible for his children and a growing desire to be self-sufficient, he called the number on the flyer and spoke with Family Educator, Glenna.

Randy went through an easy screening process over the phone and made an appointment to meet with Glenna. During their meeting, Randy found out that CAREER stands for Community Action Resource for Education and Employment Readiness.

The CAREER team is made up of social workers and family specialists who help people find jobs, go back to school and break down barriers that keep them from reaching their goals. CAREER is part of our Community Action Programs division that helps people in poverty improve their lives through employment services, minor home repair, weatherization and early childhood education.

Once in the program, Randy began job readiness activities such as updating a resume, creating a cover letter, and practicing mock interviews to learn how to answer hard questions about gaps in employment and criminal history.

Next, he enrolled in the 6-week Strategies for Success workshop that focuses on self-discovery, work-life balance, collaborative communication and improving soft skills needed to become successfully employed. The workshop requires participants to attend 3 hours per day, Monday through Thursday. Glenna and Randy worked together to identify his barriers to employment, and discovered his main problem was transportation. The program provided him with a monthly bus pass that enabled him to attend the workshop, travel to job interviews, and get back to his shelter in time to secure a bed for the night.

After he completed Strategies for Success, Randy was placed at a Work-Based Learning (WBL) site, which provides individuals with up to 240 hours of paid employment. Participants like Randy learn new job skills and gain valuable work experience so important to finding employment.

“I was unable to get a job because of my criminal record, even though it was from 20 years ago. Employers would say they would hire me until they saw my background, then they would fire me or not return my calls. I was a stay-at-home Dad for a number of years because of this and when employers would see my big gaps in work history, I couldn’t get hired. Nobody would give me a chance.”

There are many people, just like Randy, who are not given an opportunity to work because of various barriers. Whether it’s homelessness, addiction, a criminal record, or gaps in work history, it is difficult to find someone who will give them a chance.

WBL sites are an opportunity for employers and job seekers to both be rewarded. Job seekers can improve their confidence, earn some money, and have a chance at a better life. Employers receive a tax credit and can give back to the community by helping someone in need.

Studies show that employment is extremely beneficial to our health and well-being. Glenna has noticed a huge change in Randy since he has become employed. “Randy is so much more confident now.,” says Glenna. “He is talkative and very proud! His relationship with his children has improved and he has something to look forward to.”

If you know someone like Randy, send them our way. For more information call our Community Action Programs division at 253-798-4400, visit us in person at our Soundview office, located at 3602 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, or check us out on the website.

As the leader of Pierce County Human Services, I am inspired and awestruck by the great work our County, providers, and staff carry out each day to help the most vulnerable among us. Pierce County Human Services is defined by its good people. And our good people do what others don’t often see.

I could write about all the things we accomplished this year, but it would be longer than the average blog post. Instead, let me recount a few stories.

A few weeks ago, a 92-year-old man called us for help. He explained: “A couple of punks threw trash in my driveway. I am blocked in and can’t get out. I have no money to hire someone.”

A woman called and explained that her incarcerated husband just passed, and she had no means to provide for a “proper and respectful” burial.

A man called on behalf of his frail mother, who was being discharged from the hospital after a hip replacement. He had to get back to work the next day and needed someone to help with the care of his mother.

And we helped solve each of these crises.

Our society is fragile. Our neighbors need help. We answer the call.

In September, in partnership with Comprehensive Life Resources, we launched the Mobile Community Intervention Response Team (MCIRT). This team has quickly become an effective and well-respected resource working to reduce the volume of high utilizers using the 9-1-1 system in the Parkland/Spanaway area. The MCIRT works with people with low- to moderate-level, non-emergent needs who frequently utilize the 9-1-1 system—often making up to hundreds of calls per year—before they enter a crisis.

The MCIRT is composed of a unique staff of compassionate and dedicated individuals with a variety of skills sets, including a Mental Health Professional, Nurse (ARNP), Case Manager, and Peer Support. Their essential focus is on meeting community needs: from minor medical and basic assistance to resource connections, housing, and importantly, the restoration of hope.

The most recent call regarded a client we’ll refer to as Betty, a 74-year-old woman who said she did not feel safe in her home. She did not want to be there. Snapping into action, the MCIRT determined Betty’s home was in poor condition: no heat, excessive hoarding, no food, and a leaking roof. It was apparent she had been isolated without a support system for quite some time. Betty was battling Stage 4 renal failure, had poor vision, recently experienced a drastic and rapid weight loss of 100 pounds, was cognitively impaired, and unable to properly take her medications.

The first step—addressing her medical needs—required the team to schedule medical appointments, make sure Betty could get to them, and assist during the appointments in question. She was treated for hypertension, her kidney disease, dysthymia, insomnia, back pain, and anemia; which required a variety of medications. It was determined she needed a brief hospital stay.

MCIRT staff soon visited Betty in the hospital and were confronted by a social worker who stated Betty did not have medical reasons to remain overnight. Medicare would not approve additional care. Once again, Betty was adamant: She did not want to return home. She was frightened, had no food, and only had running water in the bathroom. Yet she had to return. And so the next day, MCIRT met Betty at her home with groceries, portable heaters, blankets, reading glasses, and the other essentials required to meet her needs.

While Betty was grateful, MCIRT staff realized she likely needed a safer environment—like assisted living. Determined to find stable housing and effective medical care and support, MCIRT connected with Pierce County Human Services’ Aging and Disabilities Resource Center. After nearly two months and 150 hours of hands-on contact time, Betty agreed to move in to an assisted living home, where she now receives healthy meals, medical care, social interaction, and other supports to meet her basic needs. Betty is adjusting to her new home, and the team remains in contact with her.

Traci, the team’s Mental Health Professional from Comprehensive Life Resources, describes their current efforts as ensuring Betty lives a happier, healthier, and less isolated life—and continues to receive the care and support she needs. Since her move-in, MCIRT staff have reached out across the country to reunite Betty with her children.

This is a story that positions real human suffering next to the care and compassion a team of professionals gives to our most vulnerable. And it’s just one story about one client helped by one team—a dedicated team that uses an effective approach to improve the lives of people struggling with barriers that impact the whole community.

In the coming days, many will write about what this year has meant to them. Here’s what it means to me. I’ve learned it can be difficult to communicate success when you’re succeeding at invisible work and exceeding invisible goals. Yes—we measure our outcomes in many ways; and those measurements are important for things like budgets and reports and contracts. But the work that isn’t seen can be just as important—if not more so. Keep an eye out for it.

With best wishes for the holiday season and the New Year,

It’s 2:00PM on a beautiful warm day at Zeiger Elementary in South Hill, Puyallup. You can hear happy voices on the playground. If you listen closely you will hear little voices speaking Spanish. Martha Santoyo, their teacher, introduces me as Mr. Peter. I am greeted with “Hola Señor Pedro.” This is Avanza, one of two bilingual Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) classrooms operated by Pierce County Human Services. Avanza means moving forward in Spanish.

As I walk on the playground to engage with the children, a little girl approaches me with a stick of chalk in hand. She begins drawing on the blacktop. I ask her what she is drawing. She draws squares and circles. She stands and grabs my hand. She asks me to draw with her. I make flowers and trees. She smiles. She draws a heart, colors it and says it’s for me. At that moment my heart melts. I ask her to tell me her name. She says, "Itzel," and from that moment we’re BFFs!

We talk and joke. I ask her to teach me some Spanish. How do you say tree in Spanish, I ask? She says, “Árbol.” I repeat back. How do you say girl? She says, “Niña.” Now others are hearing our Spanish lesson and chime in. A boy demands that I ask him a word. I say chicken (laughter). He says, “Pollo.” I respond with El Pollo Loco (pronounced L Po-yo Lo-co – referring to The Crazy Chicken, a fast food grilled chicken restaurant in California). Each and every kiddo in hearing distance laughs out loud! I turn red. I thought I said something wrong. It dawned on me there are no El Pollo Loco restaurants in Washington.

I am saved by the bell! Students line up like little soldiers. Their teachers, Martha Santoyo and Margarita Little, lead them into a portable classroom on the school grounds. Itzel breaks ranks and gently takes my hand to make sure I get to the right place. When I enter the space, I see a well-organized classroom. I see life itself filled with happiness. A young man, Axel, approaches me, proudly wearing his new suit jacket. I acknowledge how sharp he looks. He smiles.

I quickly learn my playground word game is not over. Brandon pulls out a box filled with plastic animals and holds up a horse and they say caballo. Next he pulls out a dog and I hear perro. They ask me to repeat in Spanish. Next is a cow (vaca), a goat (cabra), an elephant (elefante) and so on. I repeat in Spanish each animal taken from the box.

The Avanza ECEAP Program provides a window of opportunity for enriching growth and development and reducing vulnerability to social stressors such as poverty so that our children can know who they can become. The children’s progress is measured in seven key categories:

• Mathematics – The ability to use number concepts and operations, explore and describe spatial relationships and shapes, compare and measure, and knowledge of patterns.
• Literacy – The ability to demonstrate phonological awareness, knowledge of the alphabet, knowledge of print and its usage, comprehend and respond to books or other texts, and emergent writing skills.
• Cognitive Development – The ability to demonstrate positive approaches to learning, remember and connect experiences, use classification skills, and use symbols and images to represent something not present.
• Language – The ability to listen to and understand increasingly complex language, use language to express thoughts and needs, and use appropriate conversational and other communication skills.
• Physical Development – The ability to demonstrate traveling skills, balancing skills, gross-motor manipulative skills, and fine-motor strength and coordination.
• Social-Emotional Development – The ability to regulate own emotions and behaviors, establish and sustain positive relationships, and participate cooperatively and constructively in group situations.

The chart below provides proof that Avanza ECEAP works. Please note that sometimes when dual language learners grow developmentally in the area of Language there is more expectation for them to meet and master language objectives, which could result in regression at times.

Before I leave, I ask Margarita and Martha what ECEAP means to them. Margarita said, “It means being able to touch a life and believe we are planting a seed that will positively impact the future.” Martha replied, “To be an ECEAP teacher is to help families and children become self-reliant and successful in life.” These are words spoken from a team with over twenty years of experience.  

I left this experience on a natural high.

On my way back to the office I reflected on my visit. I thought about my family, my job and my community. Mostly, I thought about my experience with three- and four-year-olds. They are open, honest and unfiltered. I left with the strong sentiment that we are their voice. So, some food for thought as you listen to little voices:

1. Learn from three- and four-year-olds. They can teach you a lesson. Don’t ignore our future!
2. Go slow, listen and learn. Don’t go too fast. Life will pass you by.
3. Look for joy; it's always there. You don’t have to go far to find it.
4. Let little ones lead you. Hold their hands.
5. Pay more attention. Read a book. Eat dinner together. Stop staring at your phone.
6. Dream like a happy child. It puts humanity into perspective.
7. Believe. Consider that everything is possible and you'll make more things happen!
8. Be happy for no reason. It fills the soul.

For further information regarding the Early Child Education and Assistance Program services we provide, please contact Kristin Kenyon at 253.798.3671. 

Avanza! 

My life would not have been the same without my grandmother. For 30 years she worked at the Bedford, Massachusetts, Veterans Administration as a Nurse’s Aide in the psychiatric ward. She lived in the same house for 70 years. When my grandmother retired, she had to choose between a government pension and social security. Since she was shy three quarters from getting full social security benefits, she chose the government pension. During that time you had a choice; you didn’t get both.

One day my brother called to tell me that she had been scammed by a roofing and siding company. The contractors had her withdraw money from her limited savings to pay for shoddy work they never finished. My brother and sisters each chipped in to pay for the repairs to complete her home. We’ve all heard similar stories. Unfortunately, the world has not changed. Bad people continue to take advantage of our most vulnerable.

Like my grandmother, let me introduce you to David Shaw, an elderly gentlemen that I spoke to recently. During a duck hunting trip when he was 15 years old, he was shot in the arm and severely injured.  This limited his ability to maintain a productive work life.  His monthly income is around $750. He lives in a trailer and pays $520 a month for his space rent. In 2008 during an ice storm, a tree went through his roof and damaged his roof and chimney. He and his brother tried to fix it as best they could. He used a wood stove with a cracked glass door for heat. He noticed that every time he put wood in the stove, his coughing became worse, and he could not breathe. That’s because David has asthma that he was trying to control through the use of a child’s rescue inhaler.

When Michael Johnson, a Weatherization Technician at Pierce County Human Services, first met David Shaw, he was gasping for breath just sitting and talking. His house and his respiratory condition were both in very poor condition. The initial audit of his home found holes in the interior ceiling, a roof that was actively leaking, and a furnace that was not working at all. The home was very drafty with little to no insulation. There were plumbing issues also. Michael knew this was a problem that could be fixed.

He teamed up with his colleagues in Human Services and leveraged resources from various programs:  Weatherization Plus Health, Minor Home Repairs, Aging and Disability Resources, and the Health Department. This collaboration allowed the team to:

• fix safety issues including replacing the deck and railings, stairs, roof, and floor;
• insulate the attic;
• ventilate the home;
• install a ductless heat pump with an air purification unit, bath fans and a kitchen range hood; and sealed the air leaks to prevent drafts; and
• give him a cold plasma air purification unit, a “Green Clean Kit,” walk off mats, bed bug covers for his mattress and pillow, and a hygrometer so he can keep track of indoor humidity levels.

When Michael came to do the final home inspection, David could not sit still! He was constantly on the move with no shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing. He says this work “changed his life.” He said he now sleeps better, is sick much less often, rarely sees his doctor, and spends most of his free time helping others in the community.

David shared with me how thankful he is for everything that he has and receives. He has Medicare and Medicaid and a primary care physician less than two miles away to help him treat his asthma. His heating bills dropped from $350 a month to $130 every 65 days. He can now afford to pay his bills for which he is very grateful. He was afraid that when the team came to look at his roof, they were going to fall through it. He considers it a miracle now that it is fixed. David said, “I am happy, thankful, and blessed. Everything they said they were going to do, they did!”

We all know of similar stories.  They are rarely told.  Helping people like David is what we do! 

For further information regarding the Weatherization services we provide, please contact Teri Allen at 253.798.6115. This is why we do what we do!

Thanks for reading, 

Last week the Human Services Department completed a peanut butter drive for the Emergency Food Network. The drive started in a simple way: an idea. Ginny Dale, Director of Pierce County Human Resources, mentioned that her department was doing a drive in collaboration with one of the local labor unions. I thought to myself, what a great idea. The timing was great. I had an All Staff meeting shortly after her announcement. I asked myself how could we brand this and have some fun. Operation BYOPB (Bring Your Own Peanut Butter) was born. The Human Services team chuckled and off they went on a one-month peanut butter drive.

People began to get creative. However, when someone offered to make homemade peanut butter cookies for the division who brought in the most peanut butter things went into overdrive. Each division staked out a spot in the hallway. They hung signs that made clear this was their space for their peanut butter. Over the month, I saw jars getting stacked on each other. There was Jif, Skippy, Peter Pan, with peanuts, without peanuts, organic, low salt, non-GMO, etc. My goodness, I thought to myself, how many brands and types of peanut butter could there be. Then, IT hit me!

You see I grew up in a 900 square-foot house with six children. We were poor and I didn’t even know it. Both of my parents worked to raise us. My father worked three jobs and my mother worked in a factory. My father was a janitor. He was an immigrant from Palestine so he took jobs that most immigrants did at that time. One of his jobs was a part-time gig cleaning floors in a local restaurant at night. I knew that job well because I helped scrape the gum off floors to make things right. Man! My dad could shine some floors.

One day, I remember my mother having difficulty going to work. She had cancer. Through chemo she kept on doing the best she could. She worked hard, but the days she could work became less and less. She died young at 42 years of age. But one thing I remember most was my father paying bills. He always calculated bills on the back of an envelope. Though he never said a word, I could tell by the look on his face that the struggle was real: a sick wife, less money and eight mouths to feed. This is when I was introduced to “government peanut butter” and powdered milk.

As I reflect on our peanut butter drive I was brought back in time. I ask myself now, at what point did the government peanut butter not become peanut butter. It was thick like paint; not like the stuff we see in stores today. It was extremely oily and ripped the toughest of breads as you spread it. During the summer we would place the jar in the sun on the kitchen window sill. Yep, it sure got hot and oily but you could mix it to a palatable consistency. Most of all it spread  without ripping the bread. So, for those who ate the government peanut butter you know the struggle was real. We are now better for it.

I bet you are by now wondering how we did on the drive. We collected 795 jars or 17,002 ounces of peanut butter! Even though the Community Services Team won the bragging rights and the homemade cookies, every person in Human Services is doing something to “spread the peanut butter” in real and tangible ways to the citizens of Pierce County. Remember, the struggle will always be real.  But with a good team of creative folks, we can meet the needs of a lot of people. There are more of us that want to help than there are people that need the help! Hats off to the Pierce County Human Services Team!

Thanks for reading my blog and remember to