Category Shout Out 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: DOC Combined Charities Video Stars
By The Combined Charities Team
The DOC Combined Charities team would like to thank all the DOC staff who came together to create this year's fun promotional music video. We had too many stars to name individually at all the facilities, central office and the Center City field services office.
An extra big thanks to the wardens, supervisors, and executive team members who participated in the video, or made filming possible in their locations.
Thanks so much for the support and enthusiasm from the Communications office—specifically director, producer and narrator Victor Archibong for his vision and execution.
Also thank you to those who weren't able to participate in the video but endured a lot of scheduling (and re-rescheduling) emails and meeting invites. Your patience is much appreciated!
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Shout Out: Union Delegates and Alternates
By Officer Teresa Newton
I would like to sincerely thank the Delegates and Alternates for their countless hours, dedication, and transparency in negotiating a significant pay raise for the officers at MCF-Rush City. Thank you to the following officers: President Amanda Biggins, Vice-President Sgt. Adam Booth, Sgt. Branden Tatum, Sgt. Nick Kaminski, Ofc. Robert Van Dusen, and Ofc. Matt Johnson.
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Shout Out: Officer Christopher Heaton
By Travis Schlangen
Officer Christopher Heaton referred members of a community based AA group to the facility. The members have since agreed to facilitate AA meetings within the RESHAPE treatment program on a weekly basis.
Without Officer Heaton's referral, the volunteers would not have been identified. Thank you Chris!
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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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Shout Out: St. Cloud Weapons Instructors
By Amy Pederson
I would like to thank the team of weapons instructors at MCF-St. Cloud for their work this summer and fall, recertifying staff in Lethal/Less Lethal Weapons. Scheduled training lock up days occurred every other Wednesday starting mid-August.
They were well-prepared each day, gathering equipment prior to the start of class so things could get underway at the start of the shift, making the most use of their class time. Documentation was submitted every day, in a timely fashion, in order to be able to report the accurate number of students in attendance.
Their dedication to this discipline is appreciated. I would also like to thank the Watch Commanders and Detail Lieutenant for maximizing attendance in order to complete this with the least amount of lock up days necessary AND before hunting season got underway.
St. Cloud instructors include: Lt. C Fadling, Officer J Hedlund, Officer M Hovey, Sgt. J Koshiol, Sgt. M Krengel, Lt. K Krippner, Sgt. M Larson, Sgt. J Rajkowski, Officer M Sturm and Sgt. J Tummel.
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Shout Out: Thank You Paul Klemme
By Rachel Melvin
Caseworker Paul Klemme is a professional, hardworking individual in Monahan that constantly goes above and beyond. He is an optimistic person that comes in everyday with a kind greeting and asks how you are doing. He genuinely cares about everyone in the facility.
CSM Klemme always has a positive attitude and is willing to help with many different tasks. He looks out for the officers in Monahan when things get overwhelming. CSM Klemme is always checking to see if we need help, and he takes charge of affairs that arise. He volunteers for extra shifts to help, even overnights on 1st Watch. CSM Paul Klemme is a mentor and role model, and I am proud to have him working with us in Monahan.
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Shout Out: Oak Park Heights Chili Cook-Off
By Melissa Schwartz
Thank you ALL for participating in the Combined Charities Chili Cook-Off. It was a success!
I would also like to thank Maintenance staff, Safety Director Teng Vang and Sherry Bohn for their help in setting up. Also, thanks to Becki Erickson and Sherlinda Wheeler for their help in dishing up chili. And finally, a special Thank You to the contestants for making us some awesome chili!
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Shout Out: Shakopee Captains Kim Evans & Angie Michel
By AWA Shahna Fredrick
Shout Out to the MCF-Shakopee Captains Kim Evans & Angie Michel.
Any time a tour occurs at the facility, both captains are present to provide escorting and information about the history and operations of Shakopee. They speak with pride about the work their staff do and the positive happenings throughout the facility.
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Shout Out: FTO Lt. Mike Lott and FTO Program
By Balinda Bailey
Members of the September MCF-ML Academy - Co Trainees have shared that Lt. Mike Lott, who oversees the FTO program for Moose Lake, has been going above and beyond by checking in with them on their FTO shifts, providing them with mentoring and coaching and giving them opportunities to share their learning experiences with him.
The FTO program in Moose Lake has been through changes over the years with different coordinators and Lt's and one thing has remained steady - this group is committed to ensuring the FTO program is one that is always striving to continuously improve the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the trainees and veteran staff.
We appreciate their continued commitment!
