OKDHS Payne County Employees Work to Change Image

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services workers in Payne County actively support each other concerning their image and future, with OPEA leading the way! OPEA was there with lunch-in-tow recently to provide for workers who aren’t just hungry for food, but for the tangible results they seek.
“If the employees of OKDHS as well as the community really understand our mission statement then they might see the economic impact OKDHS has on the state of Oklahoma,” said worker Teresa E. Hendricks. “OKDHS employees help families in need, but they do so much more. The families use the benefits they are given which helps the Oklahoma economy grow. Monies are given to the grocery stores, daycare providers, doctors, hospitals, etc. which produces jobs and economic growth for all of Oklahomans. If it weren’t for OKDHS and the benefits that are handed out, more people would be without jobs,” said Hendricks.
“It’s a privilege and wonderful opportunity for me to work with the people here in Payne County,” said OPEA Membership Representative Brandon Watkins. “They expressed their interests and concerns with me about the desire to change the public image of OKDHS from negative to positive. The workers within this agency do an outstandingly good job taking care of the Oklahomans who use the services provided. And it’s time the people in this state take notice,” said Watkins.
“Oklahoma’s public opinion of state workers on television for example- look at the Choctaw/Cherokee Tribes public service. Here they focus and humanize an individual’s effort to benefit the community and have them in the spotlight which is good,” said Pat Collins, who has been with OKDHS for over 24 years. “People and the legislature don’t hear or see how we benefit our state- one person, one community and one country at a time- every day, every week, every month, and every year. What is that dedication worth to Oklahoma?” said Collins.
“Let’s do something now to promote the positive image of DHS,” said worker Marietta Sousis, RN. “Our Adult Protective Services Unit is now collecting Christmas gifts for adults in our community who have no family, or who have been victimized by others. Our purpose is to help those in need, and we succeed at it every day and this is what the public needs to see,” said Sousis.
“I’m a new OPEA Member and also an RN. I have and continue to make a difference in peoples lives! All OKDHS workers do! OKDHS workers need to understand that now is the time to change the public image of OKDHS and it starts in each and every county office at the grassroots level,” said Sousis.
“I have been with DHS and a member of OPEA for almost five years. I started out in 55C and transferred to 60C. I have seen many great employees leave the agency for better pay and less stress, said OKDHS worker April Hunt. “If we had more members in OPEA our voice would be stronger and the legislators would not be able to ignore us. Please, please join OPEA and help make a difference in not only your life but all state employees’ lives,” said Hunt.
If anyone would like to become an OPEA member or learn how to become an active member of the only organization in Oklahoma working for you then please contact Brandon Watkins at (405) 524-6764 ext. 208 or visit our website at www.opea.org for more information.