A Message from Director Kate Garvey
I am pleased to share with you our department’s 2022 Annual Report. This report provides us with the opportunity to highlight the significant contributions of our staff, volunteers and partners. It also allows us to share key data and accomplishments.
The successes described here are a product of the strong network of support across our community. It also reflects the strength and determination of the individuals and families who participate in our services. Their drive to overcome obstacles and achieve critical goals is emblematic of the power and fortitude of our community...
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I am pleased to share with you our department’s 2022 Annual Report. This report provides us with the opportunity to highlight the significant contributions of our staff, volunteers and partners. It also allows us to share key data and accomplishments.
The successes described here are a product of the strong network of support across our community. It also reflects the strength and determination of the individuals and families who participate in our services. Their drive to overcome obstacles and achieve critical goals is emblematic of the power and fortitude of our community. Whether they were trying to find child care or stable housing, pursuing education and employment or addressing substance use and mental health crises, residents who we work with demonstrate their desire and ability to move forward.
As an organization, we continued to focus on critical areas to strengthen our work. Our efforts to advance racial equity are essential for us to realize our vision: that all residents of Alexandria enjoy a sense of well-being, safety and self-sufficiency. We have also focused on increasing access to and the integration of our services, utilizing trauma-informed approaches and responding effectively to challenges throughout the pandemic.
None of these things would be possible without the dedication and hard work of our more than 670 employees. I am always struck by their commitment, resiliency and creativity. We are fortunate to have them invested in this work each day, making a difference in the lives of thousands of Alexandrians.
As always, we are extremely grateful for the support we receive from the Mayor and City Council, the City Manager’s Office, our Boards and Commissions, City and non-profit partners, the community and our many volunteers. Your investment in our work is critical for our success. Thanks to all who have shared their wisdom, resources and time with us. You have truly made a difference!
The Office of Organizational Development and Equity (ODE)
ODE led the Racial Equity Core Team (RECT) effort to identify and dismantle institutional and systemic racism in policies, programs and practices with the goal of reducing and eliminating disparities and inequities experienced by clients and employees. ODE and RECT partnered with DCHS leadership to develop a system for employees to report and resolve incidents of microaggressions, discrimination, bias and other inequities; disseminated the first Employee Survey on Race and Equity; and launched The Catalyst, an employee newsletter that highlights department-wide employee efforts to implement racial equity principles and practices. ODE partnered with the City Race and Social Equity Office to promote just and fair inclusion throughout the City, and create the conditions in which everyone can participate, prosper and reach their full potential.
Quality Assurance (QA)
QA collaborated with the Development Disability (DD) programs of Day Support, Residential Services and Case Management to successfully complete quality reviews with the Department of Medical Assistance Services/Medicaid and the Health Services Advisory Group. QA also guided the following eight behavioral health programs through a strong completion of State Licensing audits including onsite annual licensing reviews: DD Day Support, DD Residential Services, DD Supportive Living, DD Case Management, Substance Use Outpatient Treatment, Opioid Treatment, Substance Use Low Intensity Residential Services and the Program of Assertive Community Treatment.
The Alexandria Fund for Human Services (AFHS)
AFHS extended grant funding through FY 2022 to 39 nonprofits due to COVID-19 recovery. Partners helped 48,449 residents with such services as childcare, emergency financial assistance, food, employment training, literacy, healthcare and rent assistance. Residents served by outcomes: 1-Children and youth are school and career ready (1,414) 2-Children and youth are socially connected, emotionally secure and culturally competent (1,678), 3- Individuals, families and seniors are economically secure (973) 4- have access to health and mental health resources (289) and 5-have assistance in preventing and remedying crises (44,075), a significant increase due to additional City and American Rescue Plan Act funding awarded to AFHS partners.
Friends of the Alexandria Mental Health Center
Friends, a non-profit group of volunteers that provides financial assistance to DCHS clients with mental illness, substance use and intellectual disabilities, managed $59k in FY22 general fund contributions and responded to 220 requests for assistance with education, rent, utilities, medication and more—a 63% increase from the previous fiscal year. In collaboration with the Office on Housing, Friends coordinated and funded a training for 60 local landlords and property managers on supporting tenants experiencing behavioral health conditions or acute stress and anxiety.
The Communications Team
Communications worked with other City departments in the strategic delivery of behavioral health, housing and human service information. The team provided outreach for more than 60 initiatives through collaboration with community partners and faith-based groups and through such platforms as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, the website, the Spanish text line, the Connect newsletter, eNews, news releases, flyers and other graphic print collateral. The team responded to media requests to generate stories and migrated the DCHS website to a new platform. Communications also administered a range of surveys to obtain input from the community on DCHS plans and services and facilitated timely responses to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
