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