March 2013 Insider

The Insider
Mar 2013
UNIVERSAL MH/DD/SAS Mission Statement
Universal MH/DD/SAS is dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by mental illness, developmental disabilities
and substance abuse in achieving their full potential to live, work and grow in the community.
WHY THE NEED FOR THE INSIDER ? The purpose of this newsletter is to provide specialized information to all Universal MH/DD/SAS
employees. The intent is to develop a better informed workforce, to foster a greater sense of community, and to build morale.
MESSAGE FROM THE AGENCY DIRECTOR
Inside This Issue
v  Message From the Director
v  Putting Policy into Practice
v  The Dynamic Duo
v  Volunteer Socializes Animals
v  Welcome to Universal Team
v  IT- Privacy
v  Office Happenings
Previously in The Insider, we have discussed our progress toward electronic medical
records and direct deposit. At this point we have implemented electronic medical
records successfully in Forest City, Asheville and Burlington. The Morganton Office is
set for implementation soon. The feedback on electronic medical records is
overwhelmingly positive. We plan to have all offices fully implemented by this fall.
We continue to expand services across the state. Our Alternative Family Living (AFL)
program is growing in both Asheville and Raleigh. We are also excited about the opening
of a new Developmental Day program in Morganton. Another exciting upcoming event
within our agency is the creation of Putting Policy into Practice (PPP.) You can read more
about PPP in this edition.
v  Cultural Sensitivity
v  Safety / QTIP
v  New Employees
v  The Baby Boom
v  Happenings / Around the Offices
v  Birthdays
Along with implementing electronic medical records and expanding services, we are also
working with our LME/MCO partners across the state as they transition into the
managed care environment. It is truly an exciting and challenging time to be in the
human services industry in North Carolina. I have no doubt the Universal Team will
continue to be one of the premier service provider agencies in North Carolina.
~
Brook
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The Insider
Coming SOON
For some time now members of the Universal
Operations Team have been working behind the
scenes ~ trying to come up with ways to affect
change within the Universal culture. The idea of “Putting
Policy into Practice” (PPP) was birthed back in late 2012. Jennifer Carroll,
Tracy Frye, Steve Greer, Ingrid Freeman and Drema Greer have been
collaborating ‘to create / implement a training that encompasses effective
cross-training with emphasis on the operations of Universal.’
The creation / implementation of this project is huge! Organization of content
and materials, coordination, logistics and cost effectiveness are all taken into
consideration. The early stages of this training have resulted in plans to bring
new employees, after they have gotten their feet wet for a few months, to one
location. They will receive training in the following individual sessions:
•  Administration
•  Human Resources
•  Payroll/Billing
•  Data Systems
•  QI
•  Clinical
•  Training
•  Universal Safety
Keep your eyes and ears open for more information regarding PPP in
the near future!
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The Insider
Jimmy has been in the Universal family since
2008. He receives Supportive Employment
and Community Networking services.
With the help of his ever faithful staff
Glenda Watkins, Jimmy has been
successful at maintaining his job at
Big Lots. He and Glenda also volunteer
at Teen Destined to Succeed Outreach Inc.,
a non-profit organization geared towards
helping troubled teens and their families.
You can find this duo participating in
various community activities such as
bowling, fishing, various sporting events
and their annual State Fair trip each fall!
Jimmy said “I really like my job at Big Lots and I REALLY like getting to do stuff
at the volunteer place!”
When asked to describe Glenda, her Program Manager Garry Wiley said: Glenda
is a “Supervisor’s Dream Staff.” She has been working in the Health Care field
for 14 years now. She is known around the Burlington Office as the “one staff
who never frowns. Joy and cheer just seem to follow her wherever she goes.
Glenda goes above and beyond her duties to support the individual she serves.”
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The Insider
Asheville Times-News, Asheville, NC 12-31-12
“Tiger, an 8 month old orange and white cat at the Henderson
County Animal Shelter, clings to Walter, his outstretched paws
affectionately tapping Walter’s face. Tiger is in good hands. He
just loves working with the cats, says Teri Bencover. As
a dedicated volunteer, Walter, 30, has become a fixture at the
shelter. He volunteers two mornings a week, and the animals
from the smallest of kittens to the largest of dogs – appear to
adore him as much as the staff does.
I just love animals, Walter said. During one recent trip to the
shelter, Walter encountered a huge black Doberman that others
found an intimidating sight, recalled Ryan Freeman of Universal
Mental Health, who accompanies and assists Walter while he
volunteers. He was the only one that would walk the dog. It
was almost like the dog had seen him before. They were like a
pair.
Those who know Walter say such close interaction embodies Walter’s character and demeanor. Andy
Ungaris, Community Outreach Coordinator for the shelter said Walter has a warm, soothing influence on
the animals and staff each time he comes in to volunteer. He is very helpful, very kind. I don’t think he
has a mean bone in his body, and I’ve never seen him the least bit perturbed or upset.
The shelter’s Director, Brad Rayfield, said volunteers like Walter are invaluable, particularly when it
comes to socializing the animals, since the staff is often overwhelmed with providing basic care and
medical needs. There is no better feeling than volunteering and helping somewhere said Walter, who
has also volunteered three days a week at the Salvation Army. Rayfield said, Walter is like Mr.
Sunshine. He is always in a good mood. He’s just a lovely man.”
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The Insider
Raleigh’s Office Assistant Marva Hinton says “I was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey
and moved to Virginia where I lived for 15 years before relocating here to the Raleigh area. I
have been blessed with two beautiful children whom I refer to as my “Princess and Prince.”
Tarajah is 30, and my youngest Devon is 23. I have also been extremely blessed to have four of
the most handsome grandsons who I call my 4 Kings. Samir 11, Kendree 7, Jamyin, 3 and my
newest king Jahmir, 3 months.
I was recently appointed to a leadership role with a faith based organization called Jobs for Life. I
will be teaching interviewing skills, work etiquette, and proper attire for interviews. I also have
joined the volunteer team for Habitat for Humanity who has teamed up with my church for a
revitalization project of the College Park neighborhood here in Raleigh along with being a Sunday
school teacher for ages 9-12. I enjoy family time with my awesome sisters and mother as well as
my new found friends here at Universal.
I attend Grace AME Zion church where I am part of the choir and
praise and worship team. I’m attending the University of
Phoenix to obtain my degree in Human Service Management and
will be graduating at the end of this year. I am grateful for this
opportunity and I look forward to a bright future with Universal.
Marva’s supervisor Zsa Zsa Johnson says "Marvelous Marva" has
been an added asset to the Raleigh office since she has been
here. She is quick to respond to all tasks and always greets
everyone with a smile. She was the missing piece to our
puzzle here in the Raleigh office. Now with her being here I can
consider this office complete.”
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The Insider
Every time we interact with a person served or have interaction regarding a person served, privacy
should be at the forefront of our thoughts. This is especially true when using Information Technology.
Protecting our persons served information is not only imperative, it is the law. More and more of our
e-mail accounts are being delivered to smart phones, wireless devices, and across a wide variety of
means. With that in mind, UMHS developed the following policy, included in I.C.1 (which can be found
in the Policy and Procedure Master folder on Sharepoint:)
2) No persons served identifying information is to be sent via external
Email (according to HIPAA Privacy Rule, Section 164.514 (which
includes but is not limited to names or initials.) Furthermore, any
company Email account set to synchronize with a smart phone or any
mobile device must be done so in a protected manner that shall
include, but not be limited to, at the minimum having password
protection set on the device.
With this policy in mind, if you are currently receiving email on any
wireless device; please make sure that device has the password
protection enabled. The device should be set to lock in less than 2
minutes with no usage. If the phone is lost or stolen, the device
would lock and the company email would no longer be accessible. All
incidents of lost or stolen devices containing a company email account
should be immediately reported to the IT Department and your
Supervisor.
Several entries were submitted for this edition of The Insider near the deadline for this edition. If you
do not see your submission, every effort will be made to get all submissions into the next edition.
Thank you – without your help, this newsletter would not be possible!
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The Insider
“Universal MH/DD/SAS strives to develop awareness and respect in order to celebrate the diverse backgrounds of people."
April is Autism Awareness Month ~ Help Universal Celebrate!
In order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism, the
Autism Society has been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month since the
1970s. The United States recognizes April as a special opportunity for everyone to
educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community.
Join the Autism Society in getting involved with the autism community this April.
Put on the Puzzle! The Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon is the most recognized
symbol of the autism community in the world. Autism prevalence is now one in
every 88 children in America. Show your support for people with autism by wearing
the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon – as a pin on your shirt, a magnet on your car,
a badge on your blog, or even your Facebook profile picture - and educate folks on
the potential of people with autism! To learn more about the Autism Awareness
Puzzle Ribbon visit http://www.autism-society.org/about-us/puzzle-ribbon.html.
HUMAN FACTORS INCREASING THE RISK OF SLIPS
AND TRIPS
q 
q 
q 
Inattentive walking,
distractions (using cell
phone, talking and not
watching where you’re
going, etc.)
Taking shortcuts; not using
walkways or designated
cleared pathways
Being in a hurry,
rushing around; moving
too fast for safe practices
in work environment
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The Insider
The acronym “QTIP” stands for Quit Taking It Personally?”
There is no combination of sounds emitted from a person's mouth that can control
another's actions or emotions without his or her consent.
Workplace Rules
~ Avinash Kaushik
As a people manager, one of the greatest tips I have received was to share and be explicit about what my values are. Values
that govern my work life, what motivates me, how I work etc. After a bit of self reflection I had a small list that in a burst of
creativity and imagination was titled “The Rules”. They reflect my values and perhaps more interestingly are sourced from life
lessons, some from good experiences and some that were not quite as delightful as one would have preferred. But as they
say we are but a collection of our life experiences. Here are the rules, in no apparent order, that mostly govern my work life….
Rule #1: Always have clear lines of ownership. Know exactly what you are supposed to do and ensure others know that
exactly.
Often the core point of failure, for an individual or a team or a project, is the fact that there is not enough clarity on 1) who is
doing what 2) what is going to get accomplished 3) how to declare victory. For me Rule #1 is an antidote to these issues. As
much as possible I strive to define exactly what I own, what I am solving for and what does success look like.
Making sure others know that, well defined and written down, is to ensure that there is shared vision (an opportunity to get
input from others and adapt so that you are not alone playing in the left field but shared vision ensures that if you need help
you’ll be able to get it because you, well, have shared vision).
Rule #2: Always have your act together. You can't know everything but what you can know, try to know it well.
In the business world every interaction you have, especially the higher up you interact with, is an opportunity to make that
interaction build confidence in you, your team, your leadership, no matter at what level you are. All that means is that know
what you are saying, have data / facts / solid hunches to back it up, and be in the know of all that you are expected to know
(and a bit more if you can). It takes effort, it takes pro-activity, and it sometimes takes being a bit anal. But such is life.
Another facet of this is that, you don’t have to know everything and be good at everything. So if someone turns to me and
says “what is r squared,” I simply say “I don’t know.” What you are supposed to know, know it well. All else have the
courage to say “I don’t know” or “I don’t know but I can try to find out and get back to you by xxx time-frame.” This works
better than hazarding a guess.
The remainder of the 9 Rules to follow in future editions of The Insider
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Tuwanna Bullock,
IFTS ~ Raleigh
Lory Alvarado, IFTS ~
Raleigh
The Insider
Mary Spruill, Office
Assistant ~ New Bern
Ashley Haith, Office
Assistant ~ Burlington
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The Insider
Becca Grey Willis, daughter
of Amy Willis ~ Raleigh
Born 11/15/12
Hannah Ann Blakey,
daughter of Malikata
Blakey ~ Raleigh
Born 9/18/12
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The Insider
For the past few years, the folks in the Corporate office have chosen to
give rather than to receive. The employees donate money, purchase gifts
and deliver the gifts in person to kids in need instead of spending
frivolous money on a Dirty Santa gift exchange. Somehow this year just
seemed different. Here is a snippet of what this year’s experience looked
like through Drema Greer’s eyes:
“From the moment I saw Crystal, her eyes were just dancing with
excitement. She was happy to pose for a picture and proudly gave
permission to be put in our newsletter. Then we started loading her dad’s
truck. You know the phrase from “Twas the Night before Christmas?” His
eyes - how they twinkled! his dimples how merry, his cheeks were like
roses, his nose like a cherry; Her excitement was almost uncontainable.
Her eyes just twinkled! From the moment she walked through the doors
until the truck drove off, she had been the center of attention. She was
SO excited! It was obvious that at this moment ~ this little girl appeared
to feel as if she was somebody! What a beautiful moment. This moment
was all about her!”
In an email to those who participated, Drema said “Many of us have
children of our own and our children all have more than they need. And
given the recent Newtown, Connecticut incident, I know that this Christmas
you must be so very thankful to hug your children a little more often, a
little tighter and hold that hug just a little longer. Our children are so dear
to our hearts, and I trust that this Christmas morning you too,
will see the same
twinkle in your
children’s eyes!
When we give, we
DO in fact receive!”
Front row: John Alspaugh, Vickie Scruggs
Back Row: Amber Anderson, Pattie Fries
Donna Rauschenberg is a committed “yogini" and has been
practicing yoga on a regular basis since diagnosed with breast
cancer 5 years ago. "Yoga has made a huge difference in my
life with handling stress and keeping my body limber." Donna
is leading the office in "Office Yoga" at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm.
Whoever is in the office and available, meet in the hallway for
about 5 minutes. This is a way for all of us to get up from our
desks and move. Participants learn poses and
‘vinyasas’ pertinent to office stress, sitting at the desk too
long, posture, etc.
In addition, Les Cothren has committed to sharing on a weekly
basis, helpful hints on how to "refocus on life" and live a more
healthful lifestyle. He addresses eating, cooking, shopping,
menus, etc. Tippy Doak says "this wakes me up when I have
the 10:00 dropsy's" and Vickie Scruggs says, “it makes me
feel energized and revitalized."
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The Insider
Wilmington’s Rachel Donovan just
got engaged! The fortunate man is
John Haynes and the big day has
been set for 10/25/13.
Kudos to the Forest
City employees for
pitching in to get an
employee’s kid’s
Christmas present
out of lay-away. We
have such giving
people in our
Universal family!
Forest City’s Amy Dover
recently got married…and
is expecting a bouncing
baby boy in July – the
baby’s name? Jason Reed
Gordon.
Universal Owner Robert Greer was
married to his new bride Jennifer Joplin
on 11/30/12. The happy couple were
married in their home in Lenoir, NC.
Corporate employees Heather
Everhart, Steve Greer and Meredith
Boyette helped prepare and serve a
delicious meal for folks in need @
“Room at the Table” in Lenoir.
Forest City’s Angela Hensley
recently received her LPCA.
Congratulations Angela!
“It’s Your Birthday!”
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Asheville
Asheville cont.
Burlington
PIMENTA
JANE
3-Mar
GRASTY
MARK
4-Mar
MCENTYRE
JASMINE
11-May
6-Mar
ANDERS
SHANNON
16-May
HARRIS
LEIGH ANN
18-May
MYERS
ROSE
CHERESHKOFF
AMY
The Insider
LEATH
GARY
14-Mar
HUGHES
RACQUEL
19-Mar
FULLER
MELISSA
19-Mar
WATKINS
GLENDA
21-Mar
20-May
ARNOLD
SHIRLEY
27-Mar
MCMAHAN
TAMMY
8-Mar
BENDERSKY
SILVIA
9-Mar
RAINSFORD
SUSAN
24-May
SEABERRY
SONYA
29-Mar
SEARCY
NANCI
16-Mar
EBERHARDT
JULIE
25-May
Turner
Brenda
30-Mar
GRANT, JR
LARRY
16-Mar
MATUSON
JENNIFER
26-May
KELLY
TAMMIE
1-Apr
MORGAN
MICHELE
21-Mar
WILEY JR
GARRY
3-Apr
YOUNG
ASHLEY
4-Apr
KNIGHT
KIERRA
7-Apr
LYNCH
KIMBERLY
9-Apr
ADAMS
JILL
6-Apr
NAPPER
DEBORAH
12-Apr
MYERS SR.
THOMAS
13-Apr
PAYTON
SHANNISE
20-Apr
NEWMAN
SONA
19-Apr
MEBANE
JAMES
21-Apr
LAVENDER
RONALD
22-Apr
Caruso
Alexander
27-Apr
PERKINS
BARBARA
26-Apr
PIMENTA
ELISE
28-Apr
WAGGONER
HANNAH
2-May
OSBORNEROWLAND
KAREN
4-May
WATLINGTON
LINDA
2-May
NEESE
RACHEL
9-May
DELORGE
CLAUDETTE
13-May
COBLE
BRITTANY
21-May
CLARK
MYRTLE
22-May
“It’s Your Birthday!”
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The Insider
New Bern
Corporate
DUCLOS
MARY
RAY
CONTESSA
20-Mar
WRIGHT
WILLIE
28-Mar
1-May
DEAN
TAMMIE
28-Mar
4-May
DANCY
RAMONA
1-Apr
NORTHERN
THELMA
3-Apr
DUCLOS
PAUL
23-Apr
LARK
CHERYL
24-Apr
STATON
MARIA
1-May
CARROLL
JENNIFER
26-Mar
GREER
DREMA
19-Apr
GREER
RICHARD
HOOVER
MICHELLE
ROWE
VEDA
13-May
EVERHART
HEATHER
15-May
FRYE
TRACY
26-May
FRIES
PATRICIA
27-May
Forest City
Morganton
DOAK
SARAH
INGRAM
JANNIE
10-Mar
SPARKS
CHRISTINA
14-Mar
1-Mar
2-Mar
SWOFFORD
GREGORY
3-Mar
DEHART
WANDA
16-Mar
WADDELL
KATHLEEN
9-Mar
DAVIS
DONNA
24-Mar
STACEY
DOLLY
24-Mar
WARD
ALETHA
29-Mar
ROMERA ZEPEDA
BLANCA
3-Apr
BYERS
CRISTINA
6-Apr
PETERSON
ODESSA
1-Apr
BLANTON
DONNA
10-Apr
MAHAN
ANGEL
22-Apr
MUTTER
PHYLLIS
16-Apr
DYER
PEPPER
23-Apr
GIBBS
GARY
19-Apr
BROWN
RYAN
FEIMSTER
REBECCA
23-Apr
SEILER
CHRISTINE
14-May
Dayberry
Andrea
29-Apr
SAIN
AMY
15-May
PADGETT
DONNA
4-May
PRUETT
RONNIE
27-May
MILLER
THERESA
5-May
HAMILTON
CHARMAINE
11-May
KERN
CHRISTOPHER
31-May
WEAVER
RM
17-May
THURMAN
LISA
18-May
HENSLEY
ANGELA
27-May
2-May
Wilmington
KILLIANY
ANSON
6-Mar
FREDERICK
MADIE
25-Mar
ROBINSON
JOSIE
31-Mar
MATTHEWS
MARGARET
27-Apr
MAULDIN
THERESA
28-Apr
MYERS
LATONYA
11-May
SMITH
REBECCA
17-May
GENTRY
ASHLEY
26-May
CLARKE
CANDUS
29-May
“It’s Your Birthday!”
Page 16
Raleigh
The Insider
Wilson & Winston
HAGAN
JANICE
7-Mar
8-Mar
BURROUGHS
JESSICA
5-Mar
JACKSON
SERETTA
GADDY
TANEKA
6-Mar
SULLIVAN
KATHY
12-Mar
Ruiz
Lourelix
10-Mar
BELSLY
JUSTIN
12-Mar
TURNER
PAMELA
18-Mar
RUFFIN
AMANDA
27-Mar
GRAHAM
PRESTON
12-Mar
WALKER
WILMA
WILLIAMS
JENNIFER
13-Mar
FAISON
LAKESHA
DAVIS
KASEY
14-Mar
THOMPSON
SHARON
14-Apr
PARKER
DEBBIE
19-Mar
HODGE
TOMORROW
18-Apr
HARRELL CARROWAY
SHUNACEY
19-Mar
WARD
PHYLICIA
29-Apr
HAYMAN
Barnes
ROBIN
Raven
8-May
10-May
WEBSTER
COX
HOCUTT
JASMIN
SHATESHIA
NIKKITA
15-May
18-May
21-May
CORBIN
BRENDA
28-May
MCCARTER
RONIE
31-May
MCCOY
CARLA
16-Mar
TURNER
RALPH
17-Mar
12-Apr
GORE
SHERIKA
2-Apr
MARY
7-Apr
BRODIE
DEMIRIAL
21-Mar
BRODIE
27-Mar
BOYTER
THOMASIN
A
JESSICA
HARRIS
LATONYA
30-Mar
WILLIAMS
APRYLE
1-Apr
HICKSON
HEBERT
3-Apr
DOUGLAS
GLORIA
7-Apr
BAZILE
CARUTHA
9-Apr
WELCH
PAUL
29-Mar
1-Apr
9-Apr
ASHLEY
BRITTANY
20-Apr
SMITH
WATSON
DEZIRRAY
21-Apr
HARRIS
RHONDA
11-Apr
MOSS
PAMELA
22-Apr
LAWING
ERIN
15-Apr
DAVIS
BRENDA
26-Apr
WILSON
BRIANA
15-Apr
WHITE
CLAUDIA
2-May
WILLIAMSON
LAKEISHA
22-Apr
BLACKSTON
TIERRA
2-May
SWICEGOOD
DANIELLE
9-May
TOMLINSON
ELLONDRA
27-Apr
THOMPSON
TERRI
13-May
SNOW
KARIN
29-Apr
ADAMS
FRANKIE
PEARSALL
TRACIE
21-May
BULLOCK
TARI
22-May
COPE
SAMANTHA
13-May
HILL
PERNESSA
23-May
STUART
DEMETRIA
19-May
EDWARDS
MERITA
23-May
CONRAD
TERIQUE
20-May
GREENWOOD
LISA
29-May
GLASS-VAUGHN
PIPER
30-May
MOORE
SARAH
31-May
FRANCE
CHARNESSA
31-May
1-May