ODP Stakeholder Community - Stories from the Human Services System

Dear Stakeholder,

I’m sharing a video message from Acting Secretary of DHS Meg Snead to thank you for all you do for the communities you serve. I hope you will watch and share it with your teams. On behalf of Acting Secretary Snead, please know how grateful I and all of us here at DHS are for each of you.

The past two years have been challenging for all of us, but especially those like you whose job is to provide or support essential and life-sustaining care for vulnerable Pennsylvanians. Thank you for all you do for Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism and their families across the commonwealth.  Human services like our ID/A support network are the backbone of our communities, and so many people are able to live the Everyday Lives they deserve because of your amazing work and unending commitment to helping people.

As we plan for 2022, DHS would like to continue to recognize our county partners and providers like you, the dedicated professionals who spend their lives caring for others, and all others who make this work possible.

DHS is collecting stories from providers and caring professionals about why their work is essential and why they chose their careers. Our goal is to highlight the stories of our broader human services system and how the caring industry and those who make this work possible make an impact in all parts of our communities. If you or your colleagues are interested and willing, please consider sharing your story. We’re looking for:

Stories can be emailed to the DHS Press Office at ra-pwdhspressoffice@pa.gov. Please include names, county/place of residence, and a picture if you’re willing to share. We may use these stories on social media, the DHS blog, or our central human services job recruitment page at www.dhs.pa.gov/jobs. The DHS Press Office team will be in touch to obtain consent to use these stories.

I strongly encourage you and your teams to share your stories and your experiences of how you serve others. I know firsthand the impact you make every day, and I look forward to sharing this essential work.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2022,

‍Kristin Ahrens | Deputy Secretary

• Why you chose a career in direct support or ID/A services more broadly
• How your career lets you help others
• A story about when you felt like you’ve made an impact
• A time you’ve felt proud in your work helping others
• Or any other story you’re willing to share.