DSHS Stories
Welcome to DSHS Stories!
Here you can read about the how DSHS and you are making a difference in our community. In addition to some truly compelling stories, you will also find periodic Messages from the Secretary at the bottom of this page. Thank you for stopping by!
Caregiver helps client help others during COVID-19
Apr 23 2020
Michelle Vanderhoef, has a companion home. The gentleman she supports likes to keep a very busy schedule in the community. Since the Stay Home order went into effect, she has looked for ways to keep him involved with others outside of the home.
One of the activities they are now participating in is sewing medical masks.
“He enjoys picking out the fabrics, and helping me measure and cut,” said Vanderhoef.”
Vanderhoef is also keeping her client connected by cooking and ...read more
Gratitude keeps WSH nurse motivated amid COVID-19 crisis
Apr 23 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a wave of support and appreciation for health care workers who are potentially in danger every time they treat a patient.
But fear of the disease has not been enough to scare away people like Maria (Luisa) Elauria, a medical nurse consultant at Western State Hospital. She is among ...read more
Help Girl Scouts make masks for DSHS staff
Apr 23 2020
Girl Scouts throughout Washington state are volunteering to sew masks for staff working at Department of Social and Health Services 24/7 facilities.
While surgical masks and N95 respirator masks are issued by facilities for specific COVID-19 care scenarios, the general shortage of personal protective equipment prompted the ...read more
Community Partner shares gratitude for DSHS Customer Care Line
Apr 23 2020
Sue Waldin, Verdant Health Commission program manager, shared a letter she received April 17:
I volunteer as a homeless advocate and met a man at a hot meal program who asked me to help him. He had woken up to find his wallet had been stolen from his backpack. It contained his EBT Card (with $90 left to buy food for April) and his state issued ID. He was frustrated and angry because he has no phone and the places he knew to ask for help were all closed due to COVID-19. I ...read more
Caregiver connects client to family via video
Apr 21 2020
Alecia Knust, a care provider through Puget Sound Regional Services, recently went out of her way to assist a client who is deaf and autistic.
The client typically sees his parents often, but for safety reasons posed by the coronavirus, they could not visit him. His parents missed him terribly and reached out to Alecia to see if they could talk to him on FaceTime.
Alecia worked to get him to sit down next to her and she called his mom and dad. Alecia hoped he could pay ...read more