DHS Employee Resources – What’s New This Week (September 9, 2021)

A weekly digest of news, information, and resources from the DHS Employee and Family Readiness Blog.

A weekly digest of news, information, and resources from the DHS Employee and Family Readiness Blog.  CHCO's Blog Angela Bailey Chief Human Capital Officer The Department of Homeland Security's Best Places Scores: The Story Behind the Numbers September 3, 2021 At the Department of Homeland Security, our Best Places to Work in the Federal Government® scores are an excellent example of why it is so important to get an understanding of the story behind the ranking. Equally as important is making sure the story we are telling captures more than what is wrong, especially when we are telling that story ourselves. DHS is a living, breathing organization made up of over 250,000 people — not just "employees." They worry about the same things all Americans worry about, take pride in the work they do and make sacrifices in order to honor the DHS mission to protect our nation. The resilience of the DHS workforce is unmatched: more than 80% of DHS's employees worked unpaid during recent government shutdowns, while 65% held the frontlines during the COVID pandemic. Every day, DHS employees perform some of the most difficult, dangerous—and at times thankless—work in the nation. This is an important part of the DHS story. Also part of our story is how we came to be. DHS was created in response to one of our nation's worst moments: when the incomprehensible attacks on our country occurred on September 11, 2001. As a result, numerous agencies and organizations were brought together to form the department we have today. Read more Message from Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas on the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance September 7, 2021 Later this week, our Nation will observe the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. We will set aside time on that solemn day to honor those who lost their lives. We will pay special tribute to the many heroes who, in the service of others and our country, selflessly showed us the best of who we are. You show us that too, through your work for our country every single day. On the solemn day of September 11 – a day that is declared our National Day of Service and Remembrance – I ask that you lead others in your community to volunteer their time in service of others. You can learn of volunteer opportunities in your community from AmeriCorps.  ​ ​If you want to support the effort to resettle Afghan nationals as part of Operation Allies Welcome, please consider signing up for the DHS Volunteer Force.  Read more 9/11 Stories from DHS Employees 9/11 Stories: I Needed to Keep His Memory Alive 9/11 Stories: I Was 11 Years Old 9/11 Stories: Time Stood Still 9/11 Stories: I Was Inside the World Trade Center When It Happened 9/11 Stories: The Moment that Changed My Life When 9/11 Happened, I Was... Message from Secretary Mayorkas Regarding Labor Day September 3, 2021 Labor Day is a holiday on which we recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of the American worker. What you contribute and achieve every day for the American people is remarkable. Thank you for dedicating your talent and energy in service to our Nation. Read more September is National Recovery Month September 7, 2021 September is National Recovery Month, a time to recognize millions of Americans who have achieved recovery from substance abuse and addiction disorders. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 20 million adults have a substance use disorder. While the word "addiction" is most often associated with substance misuse, other behaviors such as gambling, gaming, internet use, and shopping may become addictions too. Read more Feds Feed Families - Wrap Up September 9, 2021 Thank you all for your generosity during the 2021 Feds Feed Families campaign. This year DHS employees across the country donated more than 435,000 pounds of food and nonperishable items.  Read more To learn more, visit the DHS Employee Resources website or contact worklife@hq.dhs.gov. Having trouble viewing this message? *View it as a webpage. You are subscribed to updates from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security *Manage Subscriptions  |  Privacy Policy  |  Help Connect with DHS: U.S. Department of Homeland Security www.dhs.gov U.S. Department of Homeland Security · www.dhs.gov · 202-282-8000 This email was sent to Webmaster220 Bible Study Blog  *the blog owner has deleted the hyperlink intentionally