Category Field Services Show all
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Shout Out: Agent Bill Moe
By Kate Erickson
One of my core values is acknowledgement and genuine and authentic human connection. When I see this in the frontline professionals that I have the opportunity to engage with in the space and focus of the work of the Community Stability Team I make a point to pass along notes of recognition to the leaders of these individuals. These observations and specifically the circumstances associated with Bill's client (AF) are likely not new, and I want you to know that his efforts and the work of the community partners is seen (at least by me).
Bill made a referral to Jen Abbas (Community Stability & Support) several months ago. AF (on probation) was living with her mother and her mother was moving … and AF could not move with her to her new residence. AF has a long history of SUD, mental health and in the year prior was in a car accident that resulted in serious injuries. As a result of these injuries AF has mobility and cognitive impairments (TBI). Bill initially tried to chase down local housing needs on his own with no success.
Bill and Jen worked together to get her into a local motel. Jen and Bill remained connected every month to staff and pursue different options. These options resulted in her being connected to ARMHS, a social worker with human services, and she still remains connected to professionals from drug court. He and the community team pushed forward with connecting to public housing, supported AF through the denial and the appeal process. Bill and team continued to persevere and arranged a full fledge care conference with AF, all the professionals working with her and our team.
Together we strategized navigation of the local homeless and housing services system, and his follow up and follow through of these strategies was immediate and mindful. AF care needs continue to increase since her accident, and she still remains engaged with her care team. She is still at the motel, however – her journey to housing stability is moving forward. Because of the humility of Bill and this care team to say – 'help us think through this', his and the team's continued connection with AF, the creative strategizing and follow through – AF is now on the section 8 waiting list and has connected with Winona HRA, she has submitted her application through SEMCAC for Coordinated Entry (this is the system that will rank her prioritization of housing needs) – right now she is considered 'sheltered homeless' because DOC is paying for her stay at a motel and she is certified disabled), she has connected with WeCare (housing stabilization services) and Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center/Hope for Homes program. AF will meet with the Housing Resource Specialist today.
Bill's support and supervision of AF is littered with successes, and it is also really really hard work. It involves systems, programs, language, and actions that are not typical paths to follow for corrections agents. Bill has always shown up ready to support, follow through, humble, and inquisitive. This is excellent.
Thanks for all you do, Bill.
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Shout Out: CSTS Power User Janice Kampfe
By Becca Clemens Wells
This staff Shout Out goes to CSTS Web Power User Janice Kampfe! Recently during a CSTS Web release training for all of DOC Field Services staff Janice helped her fellow peers and the presenters by navigating chat and offering feedback to help everyone be successful given this new release.
Thank you Janice Kampfe for your support and help going above and beyond for your co-workers!
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Field Services Staff Recognized by Local Media
By Brian Rubenstein
The following article appeared in the Fergus Falls Daily Journal.
The local Minnesota Department of Corrections (MN DOC) office located in Fergus is part of the district that was awarded first place for the Employee Recognition Award: Project Recognition by the MN DOC Commissioner recently.
This year’s award was presented to the districts of Detroit Lakes which include Otter Tail, Becker and Mahnomen Counties and St Cloud (Wright and Benton Counties).
District supervisor, Brian Rubenstein, explained the award and its significance.
“The small WAI-SR (Working Alliance Inventory - Short Revised) pilot and the small DRI (Dual Relationship Inventory) pilot tested two client facing surveys to see how clients view our working relationship with them during their period on community supervision (Probation and/or supervised release). Each agent in the Detroit Lakes and St. Cloud district offices sent out three separate surveys to their clients. After review and lessons learned to improve the process, it was decided to proceed with the 14 question WAI-SR in a large pilot, expanding beyond just the district office to the entire district and to all clients on community supervision,” stated Rubenstein.
Rubenstein and his colleagues Jennifer Johnson (MN DOC research analyst) and Deb Anderson (St Cloud district supervisor) shared the survey results with their local corrections agents which, in turn, encouraged agents to continue to hand out and follow up on surveys both electronically and/or via paper.
Rubenstein said the result was spectacular. 585 clients returned their surveys, with 246 for the Detroit Lakes district and 339 for the St. Cloud district.
Rubenstein also mentioned while everyone did amazing work on the project, there were a few standouts including Tony Bergen, a Fergus Falls corrections agent, for receiving 91 surveys from her clients.
“Not only were the surveys returned from each client and for each agent, but we also saw the results we were hopeful to see. Our corrections agents work tirelessly to connect with clients and help them on their life changes which betters their chance of success while on supervision but most importantly, when they are finished with supervision,” said Rubenstein.
Rubenstein shared a few examples of some of the actual client comments that were included in the survey results:
“She really went above and beyond what any other probation officer has ever done to help me succeed. I intend to go to law school in this next phase of my life. Thank you – you are a hero!”
“My agent made me feel like I had a chance to be different and just made my supervision comfortable by being consistent and guided me throughout this process of rehabilitation into the community and gave me respect and trust, only to do the same in return.”
“At first, I didn’t have any goals and he’d ask what my plans were. Not knowing it was pushing me to work towards success. Today I’m employed, certified in peer support, in a (new to me) vehicle and from unfavorable to good credit. A lot of the thanks goes to (my agent).”
“This supervision has actually given me a real kick in the butt to want to work for myself with my past issues.”
“Best probation officer I’ve ever worked with. He does a great job and I am honored to be one of his clients.”
Rubenstein said the data itself is unprecedented information about how the MN DOC Field Services Unit can continue to support clients, as well as find many areas of opportunity for growth.
“We cannot thank this team of corrections agents for their vision and work on this project."
Hearing and seeing these results, which were submitted completely anonymously by individual clients, is a true testament to the great work our corrections agents do each and every day within the communities they serve,” said Rubenstein.
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Passing of Gary Lawson
By Jacob McLellan
It is with great sadness to learn of the passing of Gary Lawson.
Gary started his career with the DOC on October 4, 2000 as a corrections agent. Gary worked in the Milaca, Mora and ISR offices throughout his career. Many remember Gary for his strong work ethic but mostly for his razor like wit and one-liners. Gary always had a story to tell from "da range" and everyone would be listening intently. Gary retired from DOC on July 1, 2015 and eventually moved back to the Iron Range.
A gathering of friends and family took place October 20, at the Peterson Funeral Chapel in Coleraine, MN. A graveside service followed at the Lakeview Cemetery of Coleraine.
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Agent Assists Law Enforcement with Narcan Dosage
By Jake McLellan
On September 7, 2023, Agent Katie Newhouse was conducting a home visit with a client and during the visit, the client was able to ingest fentanyl unbeknownst to the agent.
Agent Newhouse immediately noticed signs of intoxication through slow eye movement, stumbling and slurred speech. Agent Newhouse assisted the client to sit down at a nearby picnic table where the client became unresponsive. Agent Newhouse immediately called law enforcement/EMS and within a few minutes, law enforcement arrived. Agent Newhouse assisted law enforcement with laying the client down and administering two doses of Narcan to the client. The client was able to regain consciousness and received medical attention from local EMS.
If not for the immediate action of Agent Newhouse, we do not know what the outcome could have been. The opioid epidemic is real! DOC is proud of Agent Newhouse for her swift and decisive action.
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Marc Bloomquist Honored by Bemidji State University
By Jake McLellan and Trish Hansen
On September 30th, 2023, Jen Bloomquist and family accepted the Distinguished Alumni Award for her husband Marc. Several staff joined the Bloomquist family in honor of Marc (Back row: Bob Christie, Nathan Bloomquist, Calvin Bloomquist, Katie Hayft- Front Row: Mark Smith, Jen Bloomquist, Jillian Bloomquist, Cassidy Linder, Trish Hansen). Please read the nomination below submitted by Trish Hansen as well as the article posted by the Bemidji Pioneer on 9/20/23.
(L-R) Back row: Bob Christie, Nathan Bloomquist, Calvin Bloomquist, Katie Hayft
Front Row: Mark Smith, Jen Bloomquist, Jillian Bloomquist, Cassidy Linder, Trish HansenNomination:
Marc Gerald Bloomquist graduated from Bemidji State University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in May 1996. In August 2006, he obtained his master’s degree from St. Cloud State University in Public Safety Executive Leadership.
Marc began his career as a probation officer with Kandiyohi County Community Corrections in September 1996 before being hired as a probation officer with the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) in March 1997. Marc had a number of promotions throughout his time with DOC. He was promoted to senior corrections agent and later to career corrections agent. His last promotion within the DOC was to District Supervisor in December 2008 where over the course of this position he managed offices in Mahnomen, MN, Park Rapids, MN, Thief River Falls, MN, Roseau, MN and served as an interim supervisor for a short time in Bemidji, MN.
Marc’s passion for his work led him to begin adjunct teaching at Bemidji State University in 2007, which continued into 2021. Marc enjoyed the students and especially those that were excited and eager to learn. He also had a way of drawing out the very best in his students. He taught his classes by bringing in real world experiences as well as speakers from the field to share information. He was diligent and worked hard to connect students with internship experiences and later employment opportunities as well.
In 2017, Marc and his wife, Jen, purchased Cedar Rapids Lodge located in Tenstrike, MN. In addition to his full-time job with DOC and his adjunct teaching, he became a resort owner with all the time and tasks that entails. This resort is a family run business and allowed Marc to spend time working and engaging with his kids as well as engaging in conversations with patrons. Marc’s outgoing, extroverted personality was a great fit for this line of work.
Throughout his career with DOC, Marc served on many committees and workgroups both in his local jurisdictions and statewide. The following committees were particularly noteworthy. Marc was a member of a small committee that developed statewide standards for DOC in the supervision and management of a specialized sex offender caseload. During his time as an Enhanced Sex Offender Supervision Agent, he never lost sight of the victims, held the offenders accountable for their behavior and offered opportunities for change in an effort to make our communities safer. He was also a fierce advocate for staff and worked hard to ensure access to trauma-based services for staff. Marc served on the DOC’s Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team for many years and reached out to staff members who experienced stress and/or trauma through the course of their day-to-day work. He delivered numerous trainings to staff on Fatigue to Fulfillment, in hopes of developing staff that were able to take care of themselves and were mindful of the toll probation work can take on our lives. Most recently, Marc served on the newly created statewide committee entitled, Servant Leadership. Marc believed it was his job to empower, encourage and support staff to be at their best.
In addition to the committee work, Marc’s heart and passion came from the development and implementation of innovative and creative ideas that were evidence based and rooted in research with regard to changing offender behavior. Marc became a Motivational Interviewing (MI) Trainer and led many trainings for staff in the use of MI. He was one of the first District Supervisors for DOC to implement virtual cognitive skills groups for offenders in an effort to reach those who lived in rural Minnesota, who didn’t have a vehicle, or had other barriers that prevented them from getting to a group in person.
Sadly, Marc died at his home unexpectedly on December 8, 2021, leaving behind his wife and three children. Marc’s sudden passing was felt across the northwest portion of the state impacting DOC staff, community partners, area stakeholders and numerous criminal justice agencies. Marc’s death has been incredibly difficult for so many of us and especially for Marc’s family and others who knew him well. Marc had a big presence and if you ever met him, you certainly did not forget him. Marc gave of his time and abilities unselfishly to his community. Marc was a huge presence at the table of many community justice meetings and continually pushed for public and victim safety, offender accountability, and opportunities for offender change. He will forever be remembered for his ability to engage others in community projects, his compassion and willingness to help others and for his positive, outgoing personality. Marc always put staff needs first and especially those staff who were struggling with difficult situations whether at home or at work. He truly wanted healthy, happy staff who treated each other well and worked together to support each other when necessary.
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
Marc was an active volunteer in the communities he served. He invested a significant amount of time to youth sports. He coached, ran the clock and was an announcer for many sporting activities for the Blackduck High School. He also coached youth football, basketball and baseball in Bemidji as well as served on the Bemidji Youth Baseball Board. He often volunteered to officiate youth sporting tournaments in an effort to save the tournament host the additional expense. Marc engaged in leadership with youth sports in the spirit of his hero, the late Coach John Wooden. Marc wasn’t about winning at all costs, but rather developing character and integrity in the players he coached. One of his favorite Coach Wooden quotes was, “Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” He most recently served as President of the Blackduck School Booster Club, working hard to raise money for all school activities in the Blackduck School District.
Marc was a man of great faith and was a committed member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Bemidji. He faithfully ushered every Sunday morning, happily visiting with all who came to worship. He led youth group for several years with a cohort of teenage boys seeing them through until their graduation from high school. Marc also developed a program called Kingdom Builders, which he later implemented and established a committee to oversee this project. The Kingdom Builders Project collected donations from members of the church and community and then used these funds to assist and/or help community members who were in need, without having to go through all the red tape, applications, employment verifications, etc…. of many other programs in our community. Marc wanted to be able to help those in need as quickly as possible but never wanted to draw any attention to himself. Marc volunteered for Servants of Shelter which is a program offered by a group of area churches to offer space and meals in the winter for those who were homeless. He enjoyed visiting with those who sought shelter and would offer assistance in getting people connected with programs/services that would help them get back on their feet. He often volunteered for Meals on Wheels as well and loved greeting people with his booming voice and gregarious smile. He could talk with anyone for hours on end. Quietly improving the circumstances of someone needing a hand was likely one of Marc’s great joys. I specifically recall one Christmas when Marc walked through the Paul Bunyan Mall handing out cash anonymously in hopes of brightening someone else’s Christmas that year.
Marc and his wife, Jen, purchased Cedar Rapids Lodge from Jen’s parents in 2017. Marc and Jen joined the Community of Minnesota Resorts organization shortly thereafter. As with everything in his life, he jumped in with both feet. He served as a board member for the Community of Minnesota Resorts and attended monthly meetings. He was also heavily involved in planning and speaking at the annual Community of Minnesota Resorts Conference.
In summary, Marc Bloomquist was a dedicated husband, father, brother and son. His family members graciously shared Marc with the community, his church, youth sports, and his demanding work as a probation officer and later district supervisor with the DOC. Marc consistently put the needs of others before his own. Marc was truly one of a kind and will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO BSU
Marc graduated from Bemidji State University in 1996, following in the footsteps of both of his parents who also graduated from Bemidji State University. He began adjunct teaching in the Criminal Justice Department in 2007 where he remained for almost 15 years. Over the course of his adjunct teaching he mentored, encouraged and inspired many students. He worked diligently to help students obtain internships in their field of study as well as set up mock interviews so they would be ready for the competitive job market. He brought about interest in the field of Community Corrections where many of his students are now employed.
Bemidji State to honor Marc Bloomquist as distinguished alumni (bemidjipioneer.com)
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Shout Out: Field Services' Tabitha Schacht
By Becca Clemens Wells
This shout out goes to Tabitha Schacht of Field Services in the Grand Rapids District. Tabitha is a member of the CSTS Web Power Users, where she goes above and beyond to submit helpful feedback pertaining to CSTS Web. In addition, she is a fierce advocate for testing the environment and helping her co-workers be successful in the new environment.
Thank you Tabitha for being a Power User – we appreciate you!
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Shout Out: Park Rapids Field Services Office
By Agent Kathleen Newhouse
I want to give a shoutout to Corrections Agents Joe Peterson and Aaron Schueller in the DOC-Park Rapids office for assisting me with a high stress client situation I recently experienced, by providing guidance, input, and making me feel at ease. As a newer agent, it is nice to know that I have other agents I can go to that help me navigate difficult situations and will help me in any way they can! Thank you both.
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Field Services Staff Attend Tribal State Relations Training
By Jacob McLellan
Staff from the Moorhead, Detroit Lakes and ISR districts attended Tribal State Relations Training at Shooting Start Casino at the White Earth Tribal Nation August 9th and 10th. The mission of TSRT is t o provide training and education for Minnesota state employees about American Indian tribal governments, histories, cultures, and traditions, in order to empower state employees to work effectively with American Indians and promote authentic and respectful relationships between state agencies and American Indian tribes.
Chad Christianson, Janelle Cheney, Taylor Erickson, Cameron Behm, Alex Boyd, Justin Ball, Erik Ness, Heidi Erickson, Erin Rundle, Nick Kaml, Todd Erickson
Jennifer Johnsgaard, Charity Reese, Steve Vilhauer, Johanna Jones, Breanna Warren
Jodi Kulik and Wendy Spry -
Thank You to Moorhead Probation and ISR
By Jacob McLellan
Moorhead ISR (Justin Ball, Erik Ness and Alex Boyd) and Moorhead probation/SR received a thank you from Crossing Homes for their continued collaboration and dedication to client care.
"Thank you for all you do! Our definition of a hero is someone who protects our world and continues to make it a better place, despite having to see it's darkest aspects every day. Our hero courageously puts on his or her badge each day and sacrifices more daily than most do in an entire lifetime."
Crossing Homes is a local resource in Moorhead that helps solidify housing, support and guidance for high-risk individuals within the Moorhead and Clay County communities.
