David's Corner

This week I spent a few minutes getting to know Daryl Morrissey, our new Director of Resettlement. I learned about his career, travels and family - and of course, a little content recommendation. Please help welcome Daryl in the comments below, and leave any recommendations for future Friday notes in the comments as well. David Health, Justice and Hope  

This week I met with Alma Jean, our new ICAP Director. He told me about how he came to LCSNW, more about his new position, and we swapped content recommendations. Stay tuned - in two weeks I will interview Daryl Morrissey, our new Director of Refugee Resettlement. Please continue making recommendations for your colleagues to be highlighted, and leave a comment below for Alma. David Health, Justice and Hope      

This week I spoke with Harout Akdedian, Crime Victim Advocacy and Restorative Practices (CVAP) Manager for the Portland/Banfield Team. He shared about his job, how vital trauma informed practices are, and how hard that is to do through virtual services. I also got to learn a little more about his favorite things like authors and food. Thank you for nominating him for an interview for a Friday Note, your input is what makes this series happen. Please leave a few more nominations below! Thank you Harout for spending time with me this week, and thank you for your dedication and service. David Health, Justice and Hope    

This week I spoke with Lujein Alkreidi, a Peer Support Specialist in Beaverton, Oregon for Lutheran Community Services Northwest. She was so kind to reach out and share her story, and I was blown away by her generosity and hospitality - I bet all the refugees she works for feel the same way. Watch the video below to hear her story, watch a clip produced for USA for UNHCR  and hear more about what she and her family have accomplished since the video was filmed. If you want to nominate someone to share their story or more about their job at LCSNW, drop a comment below. Free free to share a comment for Lujein below too! David Health, Justice and Hope  

This week I had the pleasure of talking with Mary Joy - I learned so much about the work she does in Multnomah County in Mental Health for Seniors. She shared about her role in leadership and supporting the people she works with. She also shared a new phrase to me: "Metabolizing our feelings" and spoke to the sadness that her team has been processing within all the changes to their work because of COVID restrictions. Listen below. Thank you Mary! If you have any nominations for future Friday Notes, please leave them in the comments David Health, Justice and Hope  

This week I met with Rusty Barnett, Clinical Supervisor in Spokane. She shared about the things she likes the most about working with LCSNW, what she looks for in a teammate as a supervisor, and about a few of her favorite things. Watch the video below for the full interview! Happy 6 year work Anniversary Rusty! David Health, Justice and Hope

Meet Rene Bittle, Yamhill Operations Manager. Thanks for nominating her - it was a pleasure to learn more about her day to day work as an Operations Manager in Yamhill and her favorite travel destinations. Thank you Rene for all the work you do for Health, Justice and Hope! Watch the video below to learn more about Rene. Rene's new babies, her Lhasa Apso Puppies, Teddy and Ollie. Next week we will meet Rusty Barnett, Clinical Supervisor in Spokane. David Health, Justice and Hope