ddspeaks - humanservices.arkansas.gov

DDSPEAKS

DHS 1st Employee Vendor Appreciation Event

July 2021

Volume 6, Issue 7

July Juvenile Arthritis Awareness

Month

National Minority Mental

Health Month

National Parks Month

UV Safety Awareness Month

7/4 Independence Day

7/23 National Parent’s Day

7/30 World Day Against Traf-

ficking in Persons

DHS held its inaugural Employee Vendor Appreciation Event Friday, June 18th at the central of-

fice complex from 11 am to 2 pm. The purpose of this event was to showcase DHS employees

trades and talents outside of their DHS jobs. There were 31 employee vendor booths, 3 Health

Fair participants (Orange Theory, 10 Fitness, and Baptist Health), and 3 food trucks serving lunch

and dessert. Shopping categories included Jewelry, Health and Beauty, Clothing and Shoes, Acces-

sories, and Arts. All vendor booths were owned and operated by employees or a employee family

member/friend of an employee. The turnout and support were amazing! We’re looking forward to

planning many more!

Yvette Swift and Keith Metz, Event Organizers

DHS July 4th Pie and More Contest

DDSPEAKS Volume 6, I ssue 7

DHS will host its 2nd July 4th Pie and More Contest. Each division will submit one entry and one from each

shared service office. More details to come later.

July 4th

9:30 pm Little Rock’s Fireworks

First Security Amphitheater

400 President Clinton Ave

Downtown Little Rock

Meet JHDC’s Carol Martin

Meet BHDC’s Charles Daniel Davis


Carol Martin is an Instructor Assistant with the Jonesboro Human Devel-opment Center. She has been employed with JHDC since 1999 and is one of our most valued employees. Carol is always uplifting to other employ-ees. She continually offers support wherever she can and goes above and beyond to help. During the pandemic, Carol worked many hours of over-time to ensure our residents got the best quality of care possible. She loves the residents at JHDC and they love her!

Carol is a workaholic. She loves JHDC with all her heart. She constantly states “We are family”. Carol is passionate about her family, children, hus-band, and her mama. She recently acquired a pontoon boat and is looking forward to life on the lake this summer. She also has worked for Focus for many years and taking care of a very special young man for many years. Carol loves to bake and shares the baked goods with many. She is a valuable staff member here at JHDC.

Diane Keith, AHDC Superintendent

Charles Daniel Davis is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) who has worked at the Booneville Human Development Center (BHDC) for the past 10 years. Daniel was nominated and recently selected as BHDC’s Outstanding Employee of the Quarter, 1st Quarter 2021. Several of his peers felt he deserved this honor and BHDC’s Em-ployee Recognition Committee agreed! Daniel always comes to work with an amazing attitude. He is great with all of the clients and they all love him. He is always friendly and great to work with. During the snow storm in February 2021, Daniel stayed on campus the entire time. He worked as many hours as he was allowed, sleeping for a few hours, then going right back to work. His attitude stayed positive the entire time and his work continued to be top-notch despite all the obstacles. Daniel is a great employee and a positive role model for us all! His contribution to BHDC is greatly appreciated by staff, fami-lies, and most of all, by the individuals we serve!

Jennifer Berry, JHDC Asst Superintendent


The Blue Umbrella is open Monday - Friday 10 AM - 2 PM.

Personal shopping hours, Virtual shopping and curbside pickup are also available.

Give us a call at 501-320-6410 or email us at [email protected]

Have you seen our new products?

Items Pictured: ‘Merica Door Hanger & Let Freedom Ring Double Season Hanger (CHDC), Painted Truck (Mel Mel’s Creations),

Hot Dog , Watermelon Magnets & American Flag (Jeremiah), Patriotic Candle Holders, Clean Cotton Candle, Pedestal (AHDC)

The mission of The Blue Umbrella continues to focus on the artistries of Arkansans with

developmental disabilities. As work programs resume, clients are now able to return to

their crafts and replenish inventory. To compliment the wide variety of unique products

made by our artisans and maintain a diverse inventory, The Blue Umbrella is excited to

introduce new products from two Arkansas companies; Colquitt Bath, Inc. bath products

and Subiaco Abbey hot sauce products. Proceeds from the items will help support the

growth and expansion of the store along with a variety of community events throughout

the year. These new items will also support the mission of the store and further enhance

employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Colquitt Bath Co. is located in Fort Smith and makes handcrafted soap and skincare in small

batches. Stop by the store and check out the various soaps, sugar scrubs, moisturizers and

lotion for both men and women.

Subiaco Abbey is a Roman Catholic monastery located in Logan County, AR. This Habanero

Pepper Sauce begins with peppers grown in the gardens by the Benedictine monks. The

peppers are blended with vinegar, onions, carrots, garlic, and salt and produces an intensely

flavorful hot sauce.

These new items can be purchased alone or paired with one of our artisan’s handmade

products to make a unique gift set.


The Blue Umbrella wants to help you celebrate birthdays here at DHS.

For only $10, you will receive your choice of:

(1) CHDC Birthday card, (1) 18” mylar balloon, & a 24-hour rental

of one of our 3 personalized “Happy Birthday” door hangers. *Limited to central office employees only!*

Stop by the store for more details or call us at 501-320-6410.

From the moment you meet Julius, you are sure to have a smile on your face. Julius has lived at Magnolia Specialized Services group home for the last 20 years and makes a variety of ceramics to sell at the Blue Umbrella. He considers himself an old pro when it comes to working with ceramics and frequently reminds his instructor, “I’ve been doing this since high school!” When someone buys a piece of his art, he says “it makes me feel good to make something that someone else liked.” Julius likes to say he is retired, but still works as a van rider helping buckle and unbuckle children and keeping them inline. He is always helpful to MSS staff and his fellow clients.

Save the Date

AR Sales Tax Holiday

12:01 a.m. on Saturday 8/7 thru

11:59 p.m. on Sunday 8/8

DDS Food & Craft Fair

10/8/21

Comments, Suggestions, and Q&A

What would you like to learn more about or see featured? Please send all comments,

suggestions, and Q&A to [email protected] by the 15th of each month.


There is a lot coming up at DHS. Stay tuned!

ddspeaks - humanservices.arkansas.gov

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