WHAT COMPELS YOU TO WORK AT OKDHS?

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Director Hendrick: I think the DHS family is a good family.
It's a family of people who really care about our fellow Oklahomans, 
the most vulnerable people in our state.
We love these families that come through our doors; we care about them greatly.
And so, it's an honor to work with people who have that kind of compassion for our neighbors.
Kathy Wright: Well, I will tell you when I first applied it was because 
I had a Social Work degree and someone said, 
"You need to go apply at the Department of Human Services and work."
And, I thought, "What a great idea. Social Work. I can help people."
That literally is why I'm here. I serve people.
It's not just the low-income families that we have in Oklahoma.
It's also serving the other customers such as our staff in the County Offices, 
community people at large.
We just serve people here and that is what I try to maintain as my integrity in doing this job.
Diana Smith: I've worked for the Department since 1973 and I've seen so many changes.
I think many of them are just... it's just amazing what this agency is able to do 
for so many people in the state. 
Not just the individuals that our office works with but so many citizens of Oklahoma 
benefit from the services provided by DHS.
They don't just benefit from the services provided. 
They benefit from the people who care about others and who have, 
in effect, dedicated their lives to doing that.
I've met some wonderful people. Not just the people who work here but many of our clients.
I have clients back from when I was in Child Welfare that I still hear from sometimes.
Now, that's been a long time ago. (laughs)
So, you know, you like to think that some of the things you have done 
has had an impact on people for the good.
Michael Wilson: It's about helping people ultimately.
The work that we do at the Help Desk indirectly is absolutely helping the citizens of Oklahoma.
And it's very rewarding work.
It's good to, you know, you can hang your hat on that knowing that at the end of the day, 
we did everything that we could to assist the workers that needed help, 
and they were able to help the citizens directly with their interactions.
I take pride in that, honestly.
Carolyn Rumsey: The staff that we have, they're genuine people and the employees that we work with... 
we know that most employees don't really understand their insurance 
and that's why we're here - so that we can guide them through that.
It just gives us a good feeling when we can help someone.
We may not be able to help all of them but just that one individual
that we can help with their insurance problems. It's a good feeling for us.
Teletha Hayden: It means a lot to me just to know that I am helping people.
Our bottom line, like I said, is to help people.
When you stop and think that the services we provide is helping someone in need, 
someone that may not have, then it makes me feel good about the job I do.
It makes me put forth all that I can because I know somebody out there 
is needing me or needing the service that I provide.
Dr. Shannon Rios: What compels me to work for the agency?
I love the people that I work with and for.
I feel like the culture that we have at DHS in terms of the way that people 
are treated and the way that we view the way that we should treat customers - 
I agree with the entire sort of cultural approach. 
Or... I can't think of a good word... maybe, moral approach that we have in terms of 
the way we treat our workers and the way that we treat our customers.
So, I sort of fundamentally agree with what we're doing to serve customers 
and the function that OKDHS provides for the state.
Diane Lee: I've been very impressed with the services that are provided.
You know, I had a grandmother who received the ADvantage Waiver.
You know, you see what you see in the news and all of that.
It is, you know, the law has been established to protect vulnerable citizens.
You know, a hundred years ago there's no telling what happened with people 
that didn't have all of the services that DHS provides now. So, I think it's vital.
I see my role as very important when people ask what do I do.
I say, "Well, I (inaudible) the Investigations Unit.
We investigate abuse, neglect and exploitation of people who can't necessarily speak for themselves."
You know, I think that's key.
If any of us had a loved one in that situation would not we want somebody 
at the state who has the processes in place and the ability to take that charge and do that statewide?
Lyn Swihart: Well, I think the thing that keeps me going through each day is 
that I keep in mind the children of Oklahoma.
Because in the end, that's who we're working to assist in the ways that DHS can offer 
to families here in Oklahoma and especially the children.
Cari Crittenden: People, I love helping people.
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