Summer Point in Time Count Information 

It's that time of the year again! Planning for the summer Point in Time Count is well on it's way and the Point in Time Committee is gearing up for another successful count. As expected because of COVID-19, there will be some adjustments to ensure the safety and well-being of our volunteers who assist with this event. Please read through the e-mail and the attached sign-up to review some of the changes that are being made. 

For those of you unfamiliar with the Point in Time Count, twice a year, the Fox Cities Housing Coalition, in conjunction with homeless and housing providers across the community, coordinate a local count of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the Fox Cities called the Point in Time Count. Groups of volunteers are led by coalition staff members throughout the Fox Cities in an effort to identify persons residing on the streets, in campgrounds, under bridges and other places not meant for human habitation, in an effort to provide outreach and engagement to those in our community that are in need of housing resources.

For the past several years, the Fox Cities has seen a marked increase in individuals and families seeking homeless services, which has translated to more people sleeping in places not meant for human habitation. By assisting the coalition in conducting the count, not only are we able to better communicate the need for housing within our community, but more importantly it provides us with an opportunity to engage and connect with individuals on the streets so we can begin assisting them in transitioning into housing.

The Fox Cities Housing Coalition is reaching out to invite you to participate in this summer's Point in Time Count. After deliberation as to how we want to facilitate this count in the face of the pandemic, the PIT Committee has decided to continue on as we typically would, but make adjustments to ensure the safety of our volunteers. More details will follow for those who sign-up and there are further details in the sign-up page in regards to process changes. Here are the highlights:

• The count will take place on Wednesday, July 22nd and run through the early morning hours of the 23rd. We will continue with having only one shift. First adjustment: we will be leaving in smaller groups in two shifts to ensure there are less people congregating at one time. The first shift will depart at 10:00pm from Salvation Army and the second shift will depart from Salvation Army at 10:30pm. The count will be over whenever your team completes their route
• We will have smaller groups for most of our routes or will have two drivers per four people to allow for more social distancing in a vehicle
• Utilization of PPE's will be requested of each person if they will be within 6 feet from another person
• We will not be convening within Salvation Army (weather permitting), but will utilize a drive-up/walk-through method for registering outside of Salvation Army when you arrive
• Folks that are staying outside that we find the evening of, will not be able to return to Salvation Army. Instead, basic bag lunches and water will be provided by each team should they connect with someone and follow-up for services will be done the following day
• Space is limited, please sign up as soon as possible if you are interested in securing a volunteer space. We are asking all volunteers to sign up by Monday, July 13th

If you do not feel comfortable participating in this summer's Point in Time event, we completely understand and will miss you. Please do what you feel most comfortable doing and we will hope to see your friendly and kind faces at the winter count. If you are still interested in signing up for the Point in Time count, please sign up using the link below.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080548a5a823a5fd0-july2 

Thank you all for your time and for all of your support, people like all of you are what makes the Fox Cities such a great place!

Best Regards, 

The Point in Time Committee

Survey for Job Needs through July 18

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment has increased to the highest rates we’ve seen in the past 50 years. With that in mind, staff at Appleton Public Library, LEAVEN, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, and Forward Services who provide job-search assistance have created this Community Job Needs Assessment to help identify and understand current barriers to employment so that we can modify our services and help people most effectively.

Please forward this email with the link to the survey throughout your Northeastern Wisconsin networks. Our goal is to get feedback directly from people who are currently unemployed, underemployed, or searching for other work. If you’d like a printed copy of the survey to distribute, print the survey from the link, and mail completed surveys back to Appleton Public Library for us to record in the database with other survey responses. All surveys are due by Saturday, July 18, 2020.

If you want additional help finding services and resources available to you, call 211 to speak with a community resource specialist.

Thanks for your help!
______________

Estimados Colaboradores de la Comunidad,

Como resultado de la Pandemia COVID-19, el desempleo ha incrementado a los niveles más altos que hemos visto en los pasados 50 años. Con esto en mente; el personal de la Biblioteca Pública de Appleton, LEAVEN, El Departamento de Desarrollo de Fuerza Laboral de Wisconsin, y Forward Services quienes proveen asistencia en la búsqueda de empleo, han creado esta Evaluación de las Necesidades Laborales de la Comunidad para ayudar a identificar y a entender los obstáculos de empleo actuales para poder así modificar nuestros servicios y ayudar más eficazmente a las personas.

Por favor reenvíe este correo electrónico con el enlace de la encuesta a todas sus redes del Noreste de Wisconsin. Nuestra meta es tener una retroalimentación directa con las personas que están actualmente desempleadas, subempleadas, o buscando otro trabajo. Si usted quiere una copia impresa de la encuesta para distribuirla, imprímala desde el enlace, y una vez completadas, envíelas por correo a la Biblioteca Pública de Appleton para nosotros poder registrarlas en nuestra base de datos con las respuestas a otras encuestas. La fecha límite de entrega de todas las encuestas es el sábado 18 de Julio, 2020.

¡Gracias por su ayuda!
______________

Nyob Zoo Txog Tsoom Zej Zog,

Yeeb vim muaj cov kab mob Covid-19, kev poob hauj lwm siab heev tuaj uas tsis tau pom siab npaum no tau muaj 50 xyoo los no lawm. Txawm li ntawv cov neeg ua hauj lwm pem Appleton Public Library, LEAVEN, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, thiab Forward Services uas muaj kev pab nrhia hauj lwm tau tsim daim ntawv/qhov Kev Tsuam Xyuas Zej Zog Kev Toob Kaas Hauj Lwm coj los pab kom nkaj siab tej kev qhuam hauj lwm es thiaj li kho tau peb cov kev pab kom zoo tshaj  los pab suav daws.

Thov xa qhov email no thiab qhov vaj sab uas yuav mus ua cov ntaub ntawv nug tsuam xyuas no kom thoob Northeastern Wisconsin.  Peb lub hom phiaj yog kom tau kev koom tes ntawm cov uas poob kam, muaj kam tabsis xuaj moos tsawg, los yog tseem nrhia lwm yam hauj lwm. Yog koj xav tau daim ntawv kiag coj los mus faib tawm, mus rau ntawm qhov vaj sab(link) es muaj luam tawm.  Yog ua cov ntaub ntawv tag lawm muab xa tuaj rau peb hauv Appleton Public Library  rau peb coj los mus teev tseg nrog  suav daws li ntaub ntawv.  Saturday Lub 7 Hli tim 18, 2020 yog hub kawg uas peb yuav txais cov ntaub ntawv no.

Ua tsaug rau koj txoj kev pab!

Support during COVID

As many of us continue into the 8th week of #saferathome, I encourage you to continue to feel well to heal well. It may also be helpful to remember that we have some control over managing our Robustness & Resilience.

www.merriam-webster.com defines Robustness & Resilience as follows…

• Robustness: Having strength or vigorous health; capable of performing without failure under a wide range of conditions
• Resilience: The ability to bounce back from life developments.

We can work at managing our ability to be our healthy selves (robustness) & our ability to bounce back (resilience) with many of the same coping tools. While experiencing stress or trauma symptoms, we may need to engage in our coping skills more often, for a longer period of time to be robust.

In general, there are a couple of things to consider for robustness…

1. How am I relaxing each day? Is it working? What else might work?
2. How am I energizing myself each day? Is it working? What else might work?

You might also consider some of the COVID Quarantine Activities from the attachment created by Amy Verhagen at CAP Services.

Please take time to consider strategies for self care, including robustness, resilience, relaxing, energizing & anything else that makes sense. Do the strategies & repeat as often as you need to.

Those who feel well, heal well. :)

Your robustness depends on your action; especially now. Do what you can to set an intention & evaluate (with grace) how you’ve done each day.

The current state requires more coping, patience, and practice of approaches. Be kind to yourself along the way.

Keep on Keeping On & Wash Your Hands.

-Melinda Marasch

Melinda@Aspire2BU.org

In the last couple of weeks I've shared information from a webinar by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk (www.pesi.com) regarding the COVID preconditions for trauma, as well as information about Comparative Suffering. I hope this information has validated your experiences, & perhaps even provided some relief &/or some helpful strategies.

I continue to follow a routine, including exercise most days; while I'm also connecting with those who fill me up, & making sure I have things to look forward to each day, week & weekend. All of this is helpful; but I'm tired.

I am tired of...

• Comparing my suffering to others
• Struggling with anxiety about the future
• Getting frustrated at my shortened attention span & consistent mistakes
• Trying to dicipher information about how serious COVID is, how Wisconsin will remain on #SaferAtHome until the end of May, how additional businesses will open soon...
• Going through the groundhog day of my current existence
• +

And I'm hearing that I am not alone; many of you are tired, too. So are the program participants.

So when I get overwhelmed, I spend time feeling & validating my struggles; owning them in their own space. I often set a timer to do this; as it makes me feel some real strong kinds of ways & I could easily get stuck there.

I then pause & remember that those who feel well, heal well.

I list 10 benefits of feeling in the moment, I think of everyone & everything I am grateful for (without comparing my haves with others haven'ts), I think of what I'm looking forward to that day... I think & feel of anything that will bridge me from the big feelings back to the present.

Then I get myself back on track. I ask myself, "What do I need right now so that I can...(check email, finish drafting this webinar, feed my kids...)?" And I allow myself space & time to do that thing (I often set a timer for this too).

And I do get back on track. Back to being focused, responsible & pleasantly present.

Then I repeat. Sometimes 5 or more times each day.

It's exhausting & it's worth it.

Please find & use your own strategies to feel well so that the residual effects of this time are minimized. If I can be of support to you &/or your team/program, please let me know.

Keep on Keeping On & Wash Your Hands.

Be well,

Melinda

#SaferAtHome is difficult for many of us. Here are some things to consider for yourself & participants.

FOR THE PROFESSIONAL

The COVID situation has caused hardship for most of us; me included. My children & I are healthy, although we know several people who are not well or have not survived the virus. As I juggle kids, work, life & concerns re: COVID; I am consistently reminded of how grateful I am to be in community with so many great people.

A recent free webinar by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk (www.pesi.com) helped to clarify what I've been feeling: grateful, frustrated, overwhelmed, emotional, happy, etc. Anything you are feeling is a normal reaction to a very abnormal situation. Your capacity to care for yourself & others is tested over & over again; some of us are experiencing moral fatigue on top of everything else. Simplistically, moral fatigue is feeling saturated or exhausted by decisions to take care of others in the best way possible without the "right" means (e.g. funds, PPE, etc.) &/or putting other's needs before our own.

We are in what Dr. van der Kolk refers to as "Preconditions for Trauma". What follows is a very quick summary with ideas to counter these preconditions.

1. Lack of Predictability: Mirror your typical routine/schedule as much as possible
2. Immobility (loss of physical sense of agency): Move your body: exercise, dance...
3. Loss of Connection: We need to see & hear people; especially those who fill us up
4. Natural Reactions of Numbing & Spacing Out: Practice being pleasantly present
5. Loss of Sense of Time & Sequences (no sense of future): Look forward to something every day, week & weekend
6. Loss of Safety: Touch & cuddle people, pets & selves
7. Loss of Sense of Purpose/Identity: Do what fills you up & affirms who you are; art, music, etc.

I will do my best to build upon this information each week. If you need additional support for yourself &/or staff, please reach out; I'm happy to help if I can. Or join our Monday 10am CST eGatherings for Self Care. Email me if interested.

FOR PARTICIPANTS

Working with people virtually or in-person during this time is brings unique challenges for all of us. Here are some tips.

1. Transition between tasks, conversations, work-time, life-time
2. Prepare before conversations
3. Use your compassion first, skills second; set time to talk about how people are struggling, as well as time to talk about their successful coping strategies (use time as the reason to move on)
4. Listen to understand
5. Demonstrate understanding
6. Reflect
7. Validate
8. Teach about stress/trauma including current pre-conditions, especially to normalize reactions, concerns, etc.
9. Summarize a plan, even if it an open-ended plan on who will reach out when or why
10. Cheerlead, affirm coping efforts & appreciation for strengths, sharing, etc.

INTEGRATION

Please consider one thing you can do for yourself & one thing for your job in the next week.

How well you do on the job is dependent upon how well you care for yourself.

Your resilience depends on your action; especially now. Do what you can to set an intention & evaluate (with grace) how you’ve done each day.

The current state requires more coping, patience, and practice of approaches. Be kind to yourself along the way.

Keep on Keeping On & Wash Your Hands.

Be well,

Melinda

--

Compassion starts with Self Compassion. Be nice to you.

Melinda Marasch, LCSW

Aspire Training & Consulting

Melinda@Aspire2BU.org

(920) 415-4430 or (303) 378-8140

The power is in the pause.

Be the Change!

Pillars Job Announcement:

 Community Engagement Director

Position Summary

From homelessness to coming home, Pillars provides shelter, support, and solutions to address the housing needs in our community. This full-time exempt position is part of the Leadership Team of Pillars and leads the Community Engagement Team, which is responsible for connecting the resources of our community with the needs of Pillars. The Community Engagement Director is responsible for overseeing all fund development and community engagement, including volunteer coordination, event planning, grant writing and research and communication management.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Displays agency values: Respect, Collaboration, Empowerment and Grit and has passion for the mission of Pillars.

·       Active member of the Pillars Leadership Team.

·       Participates in monthly Board of Directors’ meetings and coordinates the Board of Directors Development Committee meetings. Prepares Development Committee agenda, monthly notes and reports on fund development activity.

·       Leads development of strategic fund-raising plan to meet revenue needs of Pillars. Plan includes special events, sponsorships, grant writing and individual donations.

·       Leads development of a comprehensive community engagement plan for Pillars, including volunteerism and community awareness and education strategies. 

·       Works with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to ensure department plans are integrated with the larger Pillars strategy.

·       Manages and cultivates donor relationships, including existing donors and identifying new prospects. Partners with Board members to coordinate personal engagement plans. Oversees maintenance of the in-house donor tracking system, scheduling donor visits, monthly reporting and reconciliation of donations, and annual appeal letters.

·       Directly supervises the Community Engagement Team, currently consisting of 2 Full-Time Donor Engagement Managers, 1 Full-Time Volunteer Manager, and 1 FTE Events Manager; indirectly supervises volunteers. Provides leadership and professional development opportunities to guide efforts of the team to reach established goals. Leads team by prioritizing work, making process improvements, monitoring progress, and analyzing trends.

·       Responsible for external agency communications produced by the team, including annual report to the community, press releases, newsletters, social media communications and collateral materials (brochures, presentations, etc.).

·       Serves as the primary point of contact for media requests, as well as external requests for speaking engagements and tours.  With the Events Manager, coordinates and conducts speaking engagements and tours and tracks activities.

·       Prepares annual budget and assists with periodic reconciliation and audit processes related to community engagement activities.

·       Recommends process improvements to the Executive Director.

Core Competencies

·       Confidentiality - Ability to maintain confidential information and safeguard the security of information of Pillars and our clients. Keep private information from unauthorized individuals, either within Pillars or others outside the organization.

·       Problem-Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner.  Gathers and analyzes information skillfully.  Develops alternative solutions.  Works well in group problem-solving situation; remains calm when dealing with emotional topics.

·       Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities.  Gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit.

·       Building Relationships – Demonstrates exceptional relationship-building ability with donors and potential donors, volunteers, Board and Committee members, and visitors to Pillars.

·       Project Management – Takes initiative to ensure projects are on track to be completed in a timely manner; demonstrates strong organizational ability; has a passion for working collaboratively with others to attain a positive outcome.

Education and/or Qualifications

·       Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years fund development related work experience required

·       Previous management and leadership experience required

·       Demonstrated success planning for and achieving revenue goals

·       Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively build and manage relationships

·       Ability to travel locally, with access to a reliable vehicle and possess a valid Wisconsin driver’s license and automobile

Compensation

The wage for this full-time position is competitive pay commensurate with experience.

Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, vacation, holidays, sick leave, short & long term disability, life insurance, 401k retirement account and an Employee Assistance Plan.

 DEADLINE TO APPLY: APRIL 6, 2020 BY 8:00 AM             

             

Send resume and cover letter to tmelzl@pillarsinc.org or mail:

Tracy Melzl, Human Resources Assistant, Pillars, Inc., 605 E Hancock Street, Appleton, WI 54911

Pillars is an Affirmative Action Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse workforce and to maintaining a community which welcomes and values a climate supporting equal opportunity and difference among its members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.

THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED Community Mental Health for Professionals

Spread the Word & Register Today! Wednesday, May 20, 2020, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Miron Construction (Wenzler Room) 1471 McMahon Dr, Neenah, WI 54956

NAMI Fox Valley, in collaboration with the Fox Cities Housing Coalition, is pleased to offer Community Mental Health for Professionals! This one-day training equips participants with knowledge and resources to better understand and assist individuals living with mental health challenges. Lunch will be provided. This year, NAMI Fox Valley will be joined by experts speaking on topics of: "The Role of a CIT Officer," "Addressing Cultural Barriers to Care," "Nutrition and Mental Health," and "New Treatment Options." View the agenda here. Registration is required, and there is a fee to attend. The non-member registration fee is $75 per attendee, and the member* registration fee is $50. For questions regarding this event, please email Megan Zimmerman or visit www.namifoxvalley.org/cmhfp.