2014 Agency Conference

posted Tuesday, Oct 21, 2014

Approximately 80 staff members attended the People's Place agency conference at the Milford Senior Center on 10/13/2014.  The topic for the day was, Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care, and the Plenary Speaker was Dr. Vanessa Downing from the Christiana Care Center for Heart & Vascular Health.  Dr. Downing's presentation centered on those employed in social and health care fields that work with traumatized individuals.  She spoke about the importance of recognizing the signs of stress vulnerability, compassion fatigue, and provided handouts on self-care assessment and awareness. Dr. Downing emphasized the need to focus developing awareness of these issues, and learning to tolerate external realities as internal changes are being made.

Workshops were held throughout the day and included, Whole Hearted Living from Karen Barwick, LPCMH; Money Management Strategies from Maria Pippidis, University of DE Cooperative Extension Program; a Stewards of Children Training taught by Brandy Myers, NCC, LPCMH; and Techniques for Self-Care from Paige Deiner, Milford Massage, Wellness and Yoga.  Carla Ennals from the People's Place Visitation Center ended the day by leading a 30 minute Zumba class.

5 year service awards were presented to Devashree Brittingham, Nancy Carranza, Maggie Dunham-Hathcock, Norma Hernandez, Rosemary Martinez, Debra McKenna, Kathryn Nichols, Kristen Robust, Michael Rowe, Jr. and Maxine Travis.  10 year awards went to Edward Bell, Deborah Blew, Peter Buesgens, Olevia Collins, Jennifer Delice, Christilita Ford, Christina Jones-Bey, Carole Ruppel, Michelle Strain, Lee Stubbs, and Debra Zistl.  Carolyn Peck and Dr. Joseph Zingaro received 15 year service awards.