Children First: Protected and Connected
Seante Johnson, founder of Birthday Bash Box, donated 31 birthday boxes to the Harris County girls who will or have celebrated a birthday in October. The birthday box contain cake mix so each girl can bake their own birthday cake, a toy, an activity book and an age appropriate book. Kendra Scott donated a bracelet and an apron to go into each box. The people in the attached pictures shopped, organized and then delivered the boxes to the Murworth office.
October is Self-Care Month! Taking care of yourself is the only way to maintain your health. We hope you will take some time to explore this topic this month and will consider multiple ways to take care for yourself. While exploring this topic, be sure to check out the wellness resources available to assist you with self-care at http://intranet.dfps.txnet.state.tx.us/Chief_of_Staff/Human_Resources/Wellness/default.asp and https://www.ers.texas.gov/What-s-Happening-Now/COVID-19-and-Your-Health-Plan. In addition, be sure to check out the additional resources and webinars below:
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Deer Oaks, Employee Assistance Program Provider (EAP), offers valuable work/life and daily living services especially during COVID-19. These services are available to DFPS employees, household members and their dependents even if they do not live within the same household. Services are also available via the telephone and other methods. Below is a summary of what’s available:
Existing Services:
• Work-life services such as child care, elder care, and daily living consultation
• Legal and financial consultation
• Reimbursement for transportation services through the High Roads Program
• iConnectYou smartphone application, which allows staff to connect to a counselor via phone, video, instant messaging or SMS text
• And more!
New Services:
• Work-life referral packets with confirmed availability
• Daily living consultation and referral service to provide assistance with needs such as locating pet sitters, plumbers, moving services, contractors, fitness centers, etc.
• Innovative, re-imagined Work/Life website-Engagement Engine
• RMS Instant Messaging with a work-life consultant
• Identity theft consultation, resources and referrals
To register for one of the upcoming webinars to learn more about these services, please click on the links below:
Monday, October 5, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Registration link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1850155218469513987
Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Registration link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9019143654894600707
This month, starting on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, our EAP is highlighting Mental Strength.
To access this seminar, please follow these steps:
• Click on https://members.deeroakseap.com/ and enter in DFPS for both the log in and password.
• Scroll down to “Online Seminars”
• Click on “Read more: Online Seminars” link
• Under “View Upcoming On Demand Online Seminars”, click on the seminar called “The Mental Strength Workout”.
Note: You may also view past recordings and see what new seminars will be offered in the future.
Employee Retirement System (ERS)
This month there are several wellness opportunities available through ERS with a focus on self-care -- something we should all be focusing on. Self-care can be very challenging right now, especially if you have children or grandchildren in your household. We hope you find support through the resources shared in this month’s webinars:
• Coping Strategies to Build Relationships on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• Feel Good Food: Nutrition to Support Immunity on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• Building Resilience through Self-Compassion on Thursday, October 22, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
The attached flyer has a brief description of the webinars and registration links. For a full description and speaker bios, you can go directly to the ERS Wellness Events Calendar.
Note: You can also view previously archived wellness webinars at ERS Wellness Webinar Archive Link. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) also has some very useful recorded webinars available through the DPS Webinar Archive Link. Any questions about these resources can be sent to [email protected].
Health Assessment
Did you know taking a Health Assessment is a great way to learn more about your health? In addition, you can earn 8 hours of leave for
Completing your Health Assessment along with obtaining an annual physical. More information is available at
http://intranet.dfps.txnet.state.tx.us/Chief_of_Staff/Human_Resources/Wellness/Leave_for_Physical_Exam.asp.
HealthSelect BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS)
Address Your Stress
Your everyday life can improve when you know how to manage your stress. The Have Stress? Or Does it Have You? Webinar will help you better understand:
• The effects of stress,
• Common internal and external stressors,
• Workplace stress,
• Symptoms of chronic stress and
• Various strategies and techniques to help manage stress.
Wednesday, October 7, 2020 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Meeting link: https://hcsc.webex.com/hcsc/j.php?MTID=me20465a6fd781e46f34d228d816f3f73
Meeting number: 960 196 920
For audio, join by phone. Please dial 1-800-931-6429
Flu Shots
The 2020 flu season is almost upon us. This year, because of COVID-19 and resulting public health challenges, it’s especially important to get a flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging everyone to get a flu shot earlier, starting in September.
Most primary care providers and retail health clinics (located in pharmacies or grocery stores) offer flu shots. To ensure the vaccine is covered at 100% through their HealthSelectSM plan benefits, participants should make sure the provider or clinic is in-network. For help locating in-network providers, HealthSelect participants can call a BCBSTX Personal Health Assistant toll-free at (800) 252-8039, Monday—Friday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. CT.
HealthSelect participants can also get also get the flu vaccine through their HealthSelect of Texas® and Consumer Directed HealthSelectSM prescription drug program (PDP) benefits. The flu vaccine is provided at no cost to participants when they go to in-network pharmacies. For more information about HealthSelect PDP flu shot benefits or for help locating an in-network pharmacy, participants can call the HealthSelect of Texas PDP toll-free, (855) 828-9834.
Fitness Program
Join the Fitness Program in October with no enrollment fee!
For the month of October, the $19 one-time enrollment fee will be waived for all HealthSelect participants and their covered dependents age 16 and older. Use code FallFit2020 during registration to have the fee waived.
The Fitness Program is available to HealthSelect participants and their covered dependents (age 16 and older). Note: Dependents younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The program gives you unlimited access to a nationwide network of more than 11,500 fitness centers and select YMCA locations. If you want, you can choose one gym close to home, one near work and one when on vacation. To learn more about the program:
• Go to BCBS Fitness Program
• Call 888-762-BLUE (2583) Monday– Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. in any continental U.S. time zone.
Note: Memberships can be frozen or cancelled at any time.
Naturally Slim
Naturally Slim is a program to help you lose weight and improve your health– at no cost! The Naturally Slim program doesn’t include starving, counting calories, or eating diet food. It’s an online program that helps you learn how to eat and manage your weight in a way that reduces your chance of getting a serious disease, like diabetes or heart disease, and increases your chances at living a longer, healthier life. Lose weight, plus improve your overall health –while eating the foods you love!
To learn more, please be sure to register for the upcoming webinar:
Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/2595887/C22EEDE14154A20F74A8C1FE810AFD6D
Real Appeal
Real Appeal helps you to take small steps that lead to lasting weight loss. The program can be tailored to your goals, preferences, and lifestyle. It’s an online weight loss program that offers:
• A transformation coach who leads weekly online group sessions
• Online tools to help track your food activity and weight loss progress
• A success kit with food and weight scales, recipes, workout DVDs and more shipped right to your door
To learn more, please be sure to join the upcoming Real Appeal webinar:
Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. https://rallyhealth.webex.com/rallyhealth
Meeting number (access code): 133 705 3937
Meeting password: realappeal
Join by phone: 1-855-282-6330
To learn more about all of the wellness offerings available to HealthSelect participants and their covered dependents at https://healthselect.bcbstx.com/content/health-and-wellness-incentives/index.
Note for all webinars: All times are Central Standard Time. Please be sure to log in five minutes prior to scheduled sessions. Accessing the webinar using Wi-Fi or hot spot with a low/weak signal may affect access.
Fitness Opportunities
Fall Into Fitness Challenge
As highlighted in DFPS Delivers, the fourth annual Commissioner’s Fall Into Fitness Challenge is underway. This challenge started on September 14, 2020 and runs through November 22, 2020. It’s a great way to enhance your health and wellbeing especially during COVID-19.
The challenge is a 10-week competition between DFPS staffers to see who can be the most physically active. You can complete the challenge by achieving at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week for six weeks or more out of the 10-week stretch. Your six weeks does not have to be consecutive, but completion requires achieving at least 150 minutes in each week for a grand total of 900 minutes or more!
Participation and physical activity should be done on your personal time, but can include the use of DFPS Wellness Resources such as "Flex Time for Exercise", "Walk Day", and the use of virtual fitness classes and YouTube videos located at Virtual Events.
Everyone who completes the Commissioner's challenge requirements will receive a certificate of completion and earn four hours of fitness leave.
To enter, you are required to review, sign and submit Form 5375 - Worksite Wellness Program Physical Activity Participation Agreement to the DFPS Wellness Coordinator. Then be sure to register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q899672.
Virtual Fitness Classes and Videos
Statewide Intake invites you to participate in the following Yoga sessions:
• Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
To attend, please click on the following link:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/473047149
United States: +1 (571) 317-3112
Access Code: 473-047-149
• Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.
To attend, please click on the following link:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/496219853
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Access Code: 496-219-853
Note: In order to avoid any connectivity issues, please be sure to turn off your camera before joining this class.
DFPS employees are also invited to attend the following fitness classes offered by the Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and Department of Public Safety (DPS):
• Mondays 12:00 noon – Zumba Toning (OAG)
• Tuesdays 12:00 noon – PiYo Fitness (OAG)
• Thursdays 12:00 noon – Barre Above (OAG)
• Pre-recorded exercise YouTube videos (DPS)
More information is located at http://intranet.dfps.txnet.state.tx.us/Chief_of_Staff/Human_Resources/Wellness/Virtual_Events.asp.
Virtual Wellness Fair
You are invited to participate in the Virtual Wellness Fair! The theme of our wellness fair is Building Resilience and we have a great line-up of speakers, fitness instructors, and 5-10 minute afternoon “brain-breaks” scheduled to help support you and your well-being. If you would like to participate, please register through the Virtual Wellness Fair Registration Link.
More information is located at http://intranet.dfps.txnet.state.tx.us/Chief_of_Staff/Human_Resources/Wellness/Virtual_Events.asp.
Walk Day
DFPS employees are encouraged to walk for 30 minutes the last Friday of each month. Be sure to go for a walk on Friday, October 30, 2020, for 30 minutes for your wellness!
For more information, please reach out to your Regional Wellness Coordinators, Regional Wellness Committee Members, Wellness Council or send an email to [email protected].
Work-life balance can be challenging right now. Join us on September 10th for an hour-long webinar with child development specialist, Lara Pauley, M.Ed. for a webinar titled Working and Learning at Home with Young Children to learn strategies to help your children (under 8 years) thrive. Register here! - https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/573006495929840398
[cid:[email protected]]
09/01/2020
DFPS post – Financial Fitness!
40% of Americans would have difficulty covering an unexpected $400 expense.
Don’t be one of them!
Get inspired to create an emergency fund with this short video from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3EwcjzHiqY
How To Save An Emergency Fund | The Financial Diet Before you do anything else with money, you need to save an emergency fund. In this week's video, Chelsea shows you how. Looking for more ways to be good wit...
DFPS post – Financial Fitness
Money makes more cents with these 8 financial tips! https://www.facebook.com/FirstMediaBlossom/videos/161172505297488/
08/17/2020
DFPS post – Financial Fitness!
Learn the basics of creating and managing a budget with the Budget Girl.
Sarah is a young woman living right here in Texas who managed to pay down $33K in debt by age
29.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyl063poExg
How to make and implement a budget -$14,157 How do you get the numbers onto the paper for the first time? Here's how. Ask your money questions below! Dave Ramsey Quick Start Budget: http://www.daverams...
DFPS post – Financial Fitness!
Take a free financial health assessment and find resources to help you crush your money goals through Securian.
Visit www.LifeBenefits.com/LFG (user name: lfg, password: resources)
08/03/2020
DFPS post – For July, we will be focusing on FINANCIAL FITNESS!
If you have money goals, you won't want to miss the August webinar series - https://ers.texas.gov/Event-Calendars/Wellness-Events.
Each week brings you a new topic -- from “Budgeting Basics” and “Credit 101” to “Ask a Financial Expert about Money Management” and “Funding your Future.” Don’t miss the first of the series on August 6!
Photo from Pixabay, free to use, no credits required.
https://pixabay.com/photos/money-coin-investment-business-2724241/
Free Image on Pixabay - Money, Coin, Investment, Business Download this free picture about Money Coin Investment from Pixabay's vast library of public domain images and videos.
07/14/2020
Magid Glove and Safety and their vendor donated masks (AOK Tooling Limited) as a partnership. They donated 50,000 masks for now. They wanted to get a mask into the hand of the less fortunate that do not have the means to secure mask themselves.
Here is a quote from the donor. “Throughout this pandemic, our organization has been focused on how we can practically help our community. Our family-owned business has been a part of Harris County for the past 5 years and in business for more than 70 years and we feel it’s simply the right thing to do to give back and help keep this region safe,” said Greg Cohen, CEO of Magid. “DFPS plays a critical role in the lives of so many children, families and individuals facing serious obstacles. The people working with DFPS are also on the frontlines, and our donation will help them carry out their crucial work this summer.”
04/03/2020
BEAR looking for donations to help foster families with diapers, baby wipes and formula Kay Phillips, a foster mom in the Cypress area, has had trouble finding baby essentials for the two young kids she takes care of.
04/03/2020