From the first jolt of Monday caffeine to the last refill that gets you through a long afternoon, this week’s episode is brewed for anyone running on grit, heart, and a little extra espresso. Each story percolates with warmth and resilience — from Oregon’s SNAP shutdown response to updates from Trauma Aware that kept our teams steady through uncertainty. Pour yourself a fresh cup and join Bethany and Shenika as they stir together guidance, gratitude, and the kind of everyday strength that keeps ODHS going, one steady sip at a time.

What’s Inside

Deadline: ODHS (4:30)

• Federal court orders release of full November SNAP benefits.
• Oregon issues benefits overnight on Nov. 7, ahead of other states.
• Governor Kotek and Acting Director Wendt confirm benefits will not be reversed.
• State continues monitoring federal legal activity as shutdown unfolds.

Celebrate: ODHS (9:53)

District 13 Harvest Share Partnership

• Staff in Wallowa, Union, and Baker counties deliver produce during SNAP uncertainty.
  Collaboration with Harvest Share strengthens local food access and community trust.

Messages of Gratitude from Across Oregon

• Thousands thank ODHS for rapid overnight issuance of SNAP benefits.
• Praise from community partners, tribal leaders, local governments, and SNAP recipients.
• Staff encouraged to view the gratitude book as a reminder of their statewide impact.

Survivor: Oregon — Trauma Aware (14:00)

Intro to Trauma Aware ODHS

• Updated Trauma Informed Toolbox includes new guidance for supporting families affected by the SNAP delay.
• Focus on building resilience, safety, equity, and supportive environments for staff and customers.

Suicide Prevention Guide

• New ODHS resource offering compassionate approaches to difficult conversations.
• Safe language, warning signs, and training pathways for staff.

From Reaction to Reason

• Trauma-aware strategies for de-escalation and grounding during tense interactions.
• Emphasis on regulate–relate–reason, safe communication, and self-care during high-stress moments.

Writer’s Round-Up (16:32)

Bethany brings a Hemingway-style, coffee-charged reflection on resilience, relief, and the ODHS teams who kept Oregon steady through a turbulent week — proving once again that courage comes in many forms, sometimes even in a well-timed refill.

Credits

Host: Dr. Bethany Grace Howe — Communications

Produced by: Dr. Bethany Grace Howe

Contact: Questions / feedback: bethany.g.howe@odhs.oregon.gov

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Deadline: ODHS

Nov. 12, 2025

Oregon Department of Human Services Acting Director Liesl Wendt on the Budget Reduction Exercise

Dear Colleagues,

I want to share some context about a budget planning exercise that ODHS has recently completed. Earlier this fall, the Legislative Fiscal Office asked all state agencies to identify possible 5% budget reductions in response to recent federal funding cuts and a challenging state revenue forecast. This statewide effort is intended to help ensure Oregon maintains a balanced budget through the 2025–27 biennium and to inform legislators as they make final budget decisions during the February 2026 session.

An exercise like this is extremely challenging for ODHS — we serve 1 in 3 Oregonians, and it’s difficult to make reductions without impacting people.

Over the past several weeks, our leadership teams gathered input from staff and more than 400 community partner organizations across Oregon. We approached this budget exercise with a commitment to protect the core services that matter most to the people and communities we serve.

The resulting list we submitted on Monday, Nov. 3, identifies potential reductions in administrative costs, workforce and infrastructure along with incremental reductions in provider rates. Our goal was to limit the impact to staff, programs and services.

The reduction list also includes cost-saving measures that were directed by Governor Tina Kotek’s September letter to all state agencies. One of these measures is a hiring pause that will start on Nov. 15 (effective the first business day, Nov. 17). Programs will receive more details about the pause in the coming days.

The reduction lists will be discussed during the upcoming November Legislative Days. Please remember these are options, not decisions. Oregon’s budget picture continues to evolve, and the upcoming state revenue forecasts in November and February will give us a clearer picture of what lies ahead.

We know that behind every budget number are real people—children, families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities—who rely on us for timely and compassionate support. We also understand that budget discussions can cause concern among staff and add to the pressure you may already be feeling. We will continue to communicate openly with you as we move through this process together.

In the meantime, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your continued dedication, compassion, and commitment to the people we serve—especially in the face of recent federal impacts and a shifting budget landscape.

With appreciation,

Liesl Wendt

ODHS Acting Director

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Nov. 10, 2025

Upcoming Webinar: Whole Body Health for ODHS and OHA staff

Join us for a special Whole Body Health webinar focused on nutrition, movement and mindfulness. This session explores how caring for your physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being can build resilience and enhance overall fulfillment.

Take this opportunity to learn simple, practical ways to support your health and thrive—both at work and beyond.

Date: December 3, 2025

Time: Noon (Pacific Time)

Format: Virtual on Zoom

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Nov. 12, 2025

Join Human Resources for Hiring Manager Office Hours November 26 from 3- 4pm

Please join us for the last Hiring Manager Office Hours of 2025, on November 26 from 3 - 4 p.m.

We will be going over changes to the hiring process from new union agreement, the new recruitment toolkit, full cycle recruitment options for classifications 28 and above, and 50-day timeline tips. HR Recruitment, Classification and Compensation and Workday managers will be there to answer your questions.

See what managers are saying about the hiring manager office hours:

" The hiring manager office hours were really helpful! I've been onboarding temp staff for several years now but learned new information pertinent to direct appointment protocols. I also made sure that my WFLs (Workforce Liaisons) know about this resource. As personnel coordinators for the district, they support supervisors through the recruitment process. I really liked the format too -- how there were certain topics that were discussed, but then plenty of space for questions that came up. Love it! " Nancy Byce

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FACT of the week

Nov. 10, 2025

Federal Update: November SNAP still available after weekend court action

Oregon Department of Human Services sent this bulletin at 11/10/2025 09:30 AM PST

Priority Alert: Federal Updates

What you need to know, talking points

• Due to ongoing legal challenges, we will not be able to issue any new funds to people in Oregon until we have more clarity.

• ODHS will continue to share updates about benefit availability through our website, news releases and social media channels.

• People with benefits on their EBT cards already should spend as usual.

• We encourage people to check their EBT balance by phone, app and online.

Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) staff can reassure customers that their full November SNAP food benefits will remain on their Oregon EBT cards and can be used normally to buy food.

Last week, a federal court ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to release 100 percent of November SNAP benefits. Acting quickly under that court order and at the Governor’s direction, ODHS issued benefits to all eligible Oregonians on November 7.

Over the weekend, the Trump Administration attempted to challenge that decision, but the activity will not reverse Oregon’s actions. As a result, people’s November SNAP benefits will stay on their cards and will not be taken back. SNAP recipients should continue using their benefits as they normally do.

Governor Tina Kotek affirmed that Oregon followed the law and acted swiftly to prevent hunger during a difficult time. “Oregon acted lawfully, given the federal court’s directive and the communications with the USDA, and my decision to ensure SNAP benefits went out quickly was in direct alignment with my food emergency declaration,” Governor Kotek said in her November 9 statement. “Oregon will fight every step of the way to make sure people can keep the groceries they need.”

The Governor and Attorney General Dan Rayfield continue to monitor the case closely and are prepared to respond if further federal actions threaten access to food assistance.

Acting Director Liesl Wendt expressed appreciation to ODHS staff for their quick, compassionate response: “We know the uncertainty has been stressful for you and for the people we serve. Your actions show the best of ODHS.”

Supporting customers

In short: November SNAP benefits are on people’s cards, will stay there, and can be used as normal.

If customers have questions, remind them they can check their EBT balance using the official ebtEDGE app or website, or by calling 888-997-4447.

If they believe their benefits are missing, they can call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075. A reminder that the federal government shutdown does not affect the new SNAP eligibility rules and work requirements required under federal law (HR 1).Those changes are still going into effect. Receiving full benefits for November does not change eligibility reviews, reporting requirements, or future benefit amounts.

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Survivor, Oregon: Trauma Aware

An Introduction to Trauma Aware ODHS

Promoting resilience, restoring safety, and supporting well-being

Trauma Aware ODHS helps staff and programs create environments that heal — spaces where safety and power can be restored for people who have experienced trauma and toxic stress. Through individual and team interactions, as well as systemwide solutions, Trauma Aware supports ODHS’s goal of becoming a Trauma Informed Organization.

Their interventions, consultations, and trainings reflect current research combined with the lived experiences of both our workforce and the Oregonians we serve. It’s an ongoing effort to make our agency more equitable, inclusive, and accessible — one conversation at a time.

What’s New

The Trauma Informed Toolbox has been updated with new guidance on Responding to the Federal Government Shutdown and SNAP. The update helps staff support individuals and families affected by recent federal changes to SNAP food benefits.

Workforce Supports and Resources

Explore new and continuing opportunities to strengthen resilience, community, and care across ODHS:

• Registration open: Workplace Support and Community Connection

• Community Resiliency Model Workshop (Workday training)

• The Employee WELL

• Community Resiliency Model (CRM)

• Suicide Prevention

• Community Care: Strengthening ODHS Through Mutual Care and Support

• Trauma Aware Visioning Chats Report

• Trauma Aware Glossary

• Trauma Informed Toolbox

• Trauma Informed Care Training

• Employee Resilience

• Equity Commitment
  
  

Find these resources and more on the ODHS Trauma Aware intranet page under “Workforce Supports.”

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Sept. 24, 2025

Trauma Aware offers a new suicide prevention guide to Oregon Department of Human Services employees

Sharing suicide-related information can be emotionally activating.

Please consider when, where and if you read this message.

Trauma Aware recognizes Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness and take action. Start a conversation, ask how someone is really doing and listen with care. Even one conversation can save a life —help and healing are possible.

We are proud to share our new Trauma Aware ODHS Suicide Prevention Guide designed to help:

• A framework to understand suicide

• Ways to support someone in need

• Information on trainings and workshops

Talking about suicide can feel scary, but these conversations come from a place of care — and they can save lives. This guide helps you feel confident asking, listening and connecting someone to resources.

Remember: Suicide is complex but preventable. Using compassionate, non-stigmatizing language opens doors for connection.

Many people believe that asking someone about suicide will make them angry or increase risk. In fact, asking about suicidal thoughts can lower anxiety, open communication and reduce the risk of a suicide attempt.

The impact in our communities

Suicide affects many Oregonians and their families each year. It can happen at any age, though men, older adults and veterans may face higher risks. The good news is that suicide is preventable. Having supportive conversations and staying connected to family, friends or community can save lives.

Take action

We all have a role in suicide prevention. Read the Suicide Prevention Guide to learn more and consider joining a training through Trauma Aware or in your community. Together, we can build hope and save lives.

• Call a Crisis Line: Dial or text 988 Oregon — the three-digit number that anyone can call, text or chat when in need of mental health support. Plus, you will connect to a person in Oregon. Calling or texting 988 is also for mental or emotional health concerns and family or relationship issues. Share this number with the person you are concerned about and urge them to call.

Trauma Aware Suicide Prevention, Intervention, Postvention OWL

Trauma Aware National and Local Resources for Care, Wellbeing and Safety

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Oct. 29, 2025