FACT of the Week
November 12, 2025
1 Min. 41 sec.
Summary: This week’s information comes from the priority alert originally sent on Monday, November 10, featuring the latest status of November SNAP benefits. To start with the essentials: a federal court ordered the release of 100 percent of monthly benefits, and ODHS moved quickly to issue funds to all eligible Oregonians on November 7. Over the weekend, the Trump Administration attempted to challenge that decision, but that action won’t reverse what Oregon has already done — benefits that were issued will stay on cards, and people should use their EBT funds normally. ODHS will continue sharing updates as the federal legal situation shifts.
Season 1, Episode 21: Nov. 5, 2025 35 min
What’s inside The Big Picture
This week’s episode of The Big Picture: The Voices of ODHS is the conclusion of an intimate, forward-looking conversation with Bree Scarborough, a mother rebuilding stability for her family; Victoria Neil, her Child Welfare permanency worker; and Christine Warner, her Family Coach from Self-Sufficiency Programs. Bree shares how trust turned “I’ll just hear no” into concrete support—gas cards for visits and court, a laptop for college—and how that shifted her inner script from “I don’t know what to do” to “I know who to trust” to “I trust myself.” Victoria and Christine reflect on normalizing the ask, building resourcefulness, and coordinating across programs so families can move from crisis to self-sufficiency. The conversation closes with identity and place—what makes Oregon feel like home—revealing how communication, compassion, and cross-program partnership can transform service delivery into shared success.
Credits:
Hosts:
Dr. Bethany Grace Howe — Communications Shenika — Community Partnership Coordinator, District 10
Produced by
Dr. Bethany Grace Howe
Contact
Questions / feedback: bethany.g.howe@odhs.oregon.gov
Season 1, Episode 20: Nov. 10, 2025
18 min
From brushstrokes of service to bold lines of compassion, this week’s episode paints a portrait of progress across ODHS. Under the theme Resilience in Five Movements, each story adds color and texture — from statewide food-support coordination to preparedness, safety, and care. Join Bethany in a solo studio session where art meets action, and every stroke tells a story of service.
In this episode
Deadline: ODHS (4:51)
Oregon’s coordinated food-support response during the federal government shutdown. At the Governor’s request, OREM activated a statewide system to track unmet food needs and keep Oregon’s food lifeline strong while SNAP funds are delayed.
In lieu of FACT of the Week (6:11)
A celebration of the very best of ODHS
Survivor: Oregon (10:00)
OREM / SNAP Delay Response — Incident Management System coordinates data and support statewide.
OREM & UCAN (Douglas County) — Resilience Hub Grant funds generator for regional food warehouse.
West Coast Health Alliance — States partner to maintain vaccine access and affordability.
Domestic & Sexual Violence Supports — Expanded TA-DVS funding and staff safety resources.
Winter Preparedness — Review procedures, update contact info, and sign up for OR-Alert.
Great ShakeOut & OHSE Forums — Statewide drills and health-safety participation strengthen readiness.
Writer’s Wrap-Up (17:55) Bethany brings the week’s canvas to life with humor and heart — OREM’s mountain of resilience, vaccine trees, and happy little process improvements reminding us that every effort adds beauty to Oregon’s shared picture.
Credits:
Host: Dr. Bethany Grace Howe — Communications
Produced by: Dr. Bethany Grace Howe
Contact: Questions / feedback: bethany.g.howe@odhs.oregon.gov
Four Minutes for the Fed: Nov. 7, 2025
Governor Tina Kotek announced that all Oregonians receiving SNAP benefits now have access to their full November allotments following a federal court order requiring the Trump Administration to release 100% of national SNAP funding.
When the court issued its ruling yesterday afternoon, Governor Kotek immediately directed the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) to act. Teams across the agency worked through the night with Oregon’s electronic benefits transfer (EBT) vendor to ensure full benefits were available by Friday morning.
More than 750,000 Oregonians are now seeing their complete November food benefits restored on their Oregon Trail Cards—regardless of their usual payment schedule.
Because of the emergency preparations Governor Kotek ordered earlier in the month, ODHS was able to respond within hours, making Oregon one of the first states in the nation to process and release funds immediately after the judge’s ruling.
At the end of another week of servicing humans, there should always be a little bit of time for fun...
FACT of the Week
November 5, 2025
1 Min. 40 sec.
Topic: Federal courts order emergency SNAP funding
On Tuesday, November 4, ODHS received new guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) about November SNAP benefits. The federal government has directed all states to issue 50 percent of each household’s normal monthly benefit due to limited federal funding during the ongoing shutdown.
That may sound straightforward, but it’s not. Implementing that 50 percent level requires technical updates and coordination across multiple systems and partners to make sure benefits are issued accurately and fairly.
As of now, ODHS has not yet received federal funding for November benefits — meaning benefits can’t be issued until those funds are released.
ODHS teams are working closely with the Governor’s Office, the Department of Justice, and federal partners to get clear answers and move forward as quickly as possible.
In the meantime, staff can help by sharing local food resources with customers at:🔹 needfood.oregon.gov🔹 alimentos.oregon.gov
Stay tuned to the latest Priority Alerts, the FACT of the Week OWL page, and the SNAP Benefits webpage for ongoing updates.
💡 ODHS will continue to keep staff informed as new federal guidance becomes available.
Season 1, Episode 21: Nov. 5, 2025
35 min
What’s inside The Big Picture
This week’s episode of The Big Picture: The Voices of ODHS features an in-depth conversation with Bree Scarborough, a mother working to rebuild stability and independence for her family; Victoria Neil, her Child Welfare permanency worker; and Christine Warner, her Family Coach from Self-Sufficiency Programs. Together, they share how genuine collaboration between programs can transform both family outcomes and professional practice. Bri describes how support from Victoria and Christine helped her regain confidence and rebuild trust in the system. Victoria and Christine reflect on how coordinating their work—sharing information, aligning goals, and focusing on Bri’s strengths—changed the way they serve families. Their story shows how communication, trust, and compassion across program lines turn service delivery into partnership, and partnership into lasting success.
Credits:
Hosts:
Dr. Bethany Grace Howe — Communications
Shenika — Community Partnership Coordinator, District 10
Produced by Dr. Bethany Grace Howe
Contact
Questions / feedback: bethany.g.howe@odhs.oregon.gov
Length: 3:39
11/3/2025: 3:46 p.m.
Federal courts have ordered the release of partial SNAP funding during the ongoing government shutdown, but benefits haven’t yet been issued in Oregon. ODHS is waiting for official guidance and funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture before moving forward. Once released, it will take time for benefits to appear on EBT cards, as states and vendors coordinate system updates. Staff are encouraged to communicate with calm, compassion and clarity as Oregonians face uncertainty about their food benefits. The ODHS Trauma Aware team has created resources to support these conversations—available now on their OWL page.
At the governor’s request, the ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM) has taken an active role to strengthen Oregon’s food support network during the SNAP delay. Working with partners across the state, OREM is tracking food supplies, coordinating distribution and prioritizing families most at risk of running out of food. Local offices are asked to complete a daily data form and refer urgent cases directly to OREM for same-day follow-up. Staff are also asked to review guidance on helping the people we support turn away scams during this period.
Season 1, Episode 20: Nov. 3, 2025
24 min
From cliff-edge deadlines to cross-program victories, this week’s episode follows the Fellowship as it sets out across the landscape of ODHS. We face the SNAP cliff, master the art of written spell-craft, and celebrate four epic tales of teamwork where staff collaboration turns challenges into triumphs. It’s strategy, spirit, and service — all rolled into one quest.
Deadline: ODHS (6:21) & FACT of the Week (9:12)
Food Resources in Oregon (Oct. 27, 2025) — Guidance for staff helping customers whose SNAP benefits end Nov. 1. Highlights Oregon Food Bank, 211, ADRC meal programs, and Senior Farm Direct vouchers for older adults.
Effective Written Communication Webinar (Oct. 27, 2025) — Canopy EAP session on Nov. 5 at noon for ODHS and OHA staff; learn clarity, tone, and inclusion to level-up your writing game.
FACT of the Week (Oct 29, 2025) — EBT cards will still work during the federal government shutdown.
The Magnificent Seven (14:26)
B.E.S.T. + D2 Back-to-School Celebration (Oct. 8, 2025) — 103 youth equipped with backpacks, coats, food boxes, and fresh hairstyles at Portland’s Charles Jordan Community Center; event honors community legacy and partnership.
Metro Leadership Class Graduation (Oct. 13, 2025) — 47 graduates from six districts present year-long projects ranging from lobby language kiosks to AI tools and foster reconnection efforts; ODHS’s longest-running leadership program.
PRIDE Book Project (Oct. 15, 2025) — Nearly 700 affirming children’s and teen titles placed in CW lobbies statewide through PRIDE ERG and OEMS; visibility, belonging, and color across Oregon.
Feria de Salud Community Outreach (Oct. 21, 2025) — District 16 and ODHS partners join 36 organizations for Washington County’s Telemundo health fair, debuting ODHS’s new logo and bilingual outreach materials.
Writer’s Wrap-up (22:35)
From the pantry map to the policy scroll, the Fellowship has traveled far this week—feeding families, sharpening skills, and celebrating the courage that makes collaboration shine. Whether by quill, keyboard, or courageous haircut, every act along the road reminds us that great service isn’t cast in marble—it’s carried in motion. So cinch up your satchel, brave travelers—the next quest awaits!
NOTE:
Linked stories may only be accessed via an ODHS work phone.
To access the referenced Discover stories away from the OWL, including Spotify, go to your web browser, and search for “Newsroom: Oregon Department of Human Services.”
Then click on “Podcast Stories,” featuring today’s date. (or use the highlighted link above).
Credits
Hosts: Dr. Bethany Grace Howe — Communications Shenika — Community Partnership Coordinator, District 10
Produced by: Dr. Bethany Grace Howe
Contact: Questions / feedback: bethany.g.howe@odhs.oregon.gov
A Friday Funny to take you into this Halloween weekend...
Season 1, Episode 19 •Oct. 29, 2025 43 min
Beneath the glow of a Halloween moon, ODHS faces its fears, finds its footing, and proves that even in a season of shadows, compassion still conquers the creepiness. From budget bats and policy potions to plain-language spells and the steady light of foster-care heroes—this week’s episode brews equal parts humor, heart, and human service.
What’s Inside
Deadline: ODHS (8:26) & FACT of the Week (10:45)
-- Five-Percent Budget Proposal (Oct. 20)
-- Customer Service Policy (Oct. 20)
-- FACT of the Week (Oct. 22)
Head of the Class (13:01)
-- Plain Talk, Big Impact (Oct. 6)
-- Generations in the Workforce (Oct. 6)
The Big Picture (15:49) “Showing Up for Teens” — Christine Foley, Teen Permanency Worker (CW, Portland), shows how small acts of carebuild trust for youth in foster care. From Project Lemonade partnerships to consistent mentorship, she proves that policy means little without people.
Our Celebrity Pod.S.A. (30:30): Have a “Thriller” of a Halloween
Credits Hosts: Dr. Bethany Grace Howe — Communications Shenika — Community Partnership Coordinator, District 10
Produced by: Dr. Bethany Grace Howe
Contact: Questions / feedback: bethany.g.howe@odhs.oregon.gov
Season 1, Episode 18 · October 22, 2025 · 41 min
Grab a cart and roll down the aisles—this week’s episode is stocked with socket sets of strategy, power tools of purpose, and the people turning small fixes into solid frameworks across ODHS.
What’s inside:
Deadline: ODHS (06:35) & FACT of the Week (9:00)
Safety, Health & Well-Being Forums (Oct 20–24) – Practical tools, resources, and discussions to strengthen workplace safety and personal well-being. Topics include threat management, de-escalation, emergency prep, and coping with burnout.
Data Equity Summit (Oct 28–30) – Free, all-virtual event themed “Learning and Implementing Data Equity During Uncertain Times,” featuring keynote speaker Dr. Luhui Whitebear and sessions by Oregon data equity leaders.
FACT of the Week (Oct 15) – Missed the Oct 13 FACT webinar on federal changes? Recording and slides are posted on the OWL. Lists key program contacts and reminds staff to coordinate community engagement through FACT, not independently.
Designed, Real, Delivered (11:35)
OEP staff save a life (Sept 17) – Eligibility worker Michele Stewart and colleague John Manning intervene in a crisis call, guiding emergency responders to a client in time. The experience now informs OEP’s crisis response training.
OEP earns national honors (Sept 15) – OEP receives two APHSA awards: Best Use of Technology for the Oregon GenAI “EligiBot,” and Excellence in Leadership for Director Nathan Singer’s integration-focused leadership.
VR success story (Oct 6) – With help from Vocational Rehabilitation, Eugene notary Christy Albin relaunches her business, Legal Eagles of the Lake, using a wheelchair-accessible van and adaptive tools.
ODDS leadership update (Oct 7) – Deepika Sidhu joins ODDS as Quality & Compliance Administrator, bringing 12+ years in disability operations and equity-focused oversight.
The Big Picture (18:54)
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in action – ODHS Communications Officer Diane Navarrete shares how Vocational Rehabilitation and voice-recognition tech helped her continue her communications career while living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
So grab your toolbelt and cue the theme music—it’s an ODHS renovation special for the ages! From hammers of hope to wrenches of wisdom, every segment proves that when we work together, transformation is more than blueprints—it’s built to last.
Credits:
Hosts:
Dr. Bethany Grace Howe — Communications
Shenika — Community Partnership Coordinator, District 10
Produced by: Dr. Bethany Grace Howe
Contact:
Questions / feedback: bethany.g.howe@odhs.oregon.gov
This time, we’re tackling something that doesn’toften make headlines but has major consequences—the SNAP payment error rate. It’s one of the key measures the federal government uses to judge how accurately states deliver food benefits, and under House Resolution 1, it’s tied directly to how much Oregon will have to pay.
This time, we’re looking at what happens after eligibility—how House Resolution 1 changes the way SNAP is funded and what it means for Oregon’s budget. HR 1 doesn’t just adjust who qualifies; it rewires how food support is paid for and administered across every state. For decades, SNAP’s costs were shared evenly: the federal government covered half of administrative expenses and all of the food benefits. HR 1 upends that balance. By 2027, states must pay 75 percent ofadministrative costs, leaving the federal share at just 25 percent.
This time, we’re talking about one of the most immediate shifts from House Resolution 1—the changes to SNAP eligibility. These updates reach deep into how food benefits are determined and who continues to receive them. Under HR 1, the biggest change affects able-bodied adults without dependents, or ABAWDs—people ages 18 to 64 who don’t have a child under 14 in their home
H.R. 1: it's what’s at the root of all these changes: House Resolution 1. Also known as “The Big Beautiful Bill,” it is reshaping the work of the Oregon Department of Human Services. As a new federal law it makes some of the largest structural changes in decades to programs like SNAP and Medicaid.
Together with Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement Director Jessica Ventura, we want to remind you about Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise — what it means for all of us, our shared responsibilities under the law, and ways to support and stand with our communities.
For more information, see the Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 email "Director's message: Reminder about Oregon’s sanctuary promise."
Season 1, Episode 17 · October 15, 2025 · 55 min
It’s a high-octane ride through deadlines, federal updates, and program rollouts—gears shifting fast, communication systems humming, and every segment more than meets the eye.
This week:
Deadline: ODHS (05:56) and FACT of the Week (16:07)
Ready, Staffer One (19:43): Federal webinar highlights featuring Acting Deputy Director Dana Hittle, HR 1 Co-Leads Jessica Amaya Hoffman and Josh Harlukovich, OHA Medicaid Director Emma Sando, and Chief Data Officer Samantha Khan breaking down how HR 1 is reshaping SNAP, Medicaid, and data privacy in Oregon.
The Big Picture (25:08): A conversation with Kyle Romstad about how from the line level up, ODHS teams are transforming together—aligning leadership, implementation, and innovation to keep services rolling smoothly through change.
Celebrity Pod-lic Service Announcement (38:05): A “Stark” reminder of how great you are.
So buckle your seat belts, charge your energon, and cue the synth drums—because in this episode, deadlines aren’t just dates, they’re destiny. The circuits are alive, the microphones are hot, and transformation … is in motion!
Credits
Hosts:
Dr. Bethany Grace Howe — Communications
Shenika — Community Partnership Coordinator, District 10
Produced by Dr. Bethany Grace Howe
Contact
Questions/feedback: bethany.g.howe@odhs.oregon.gov
Season 1, Episode 16 · October 8, 2025 · 53 min
It’s a British Bake Off–style tour through deadlines, federal updates, and program wins—proofed, laminated, and finished with a Discover glaze!
What’s inside
Deadline: ODHS (06:44) and FACT of the Week (15:22)
The Magnificent 7 (17:42): Parent Advisory Council guide (Douglas Co.); OEP national awards & EligiBot; North Bend mobile van outage response; Relative Pathway recognized.
The Big Picture (25:50): A south coast conversation with Sarah Kacell about community, identity, service, and small-town partnerships.
Our Weekly Celebrity Pod-lic Service Announcement (40:44): Let’s play the Feud!
So, it’s into the human services tent we go—fast Technicals proofed and perfect, a Showstopper Magnificent 7 you can slice and share, and a Big Picture Signature that rises to the challenge. No soggy bottoms—just even bakes, Hollywood Handshakes, and service served hot.
To access the referenced Discover stories away from the OWL, go to your web browser, search for “Newsroom: Oregon Department of Human Services” and click on “Podcast Stories: Oct. 8, 2025.”
Credits
Hosts:
Dr. Bethany Grace Howe — ODHS Communications
Shenika — Community Partnership Coordinator, District 10
Produced by Dr. Bethany Grace Howe
Contact:
Questions/feedback: bethany.g.howe@odhs.oregon.gov