Your VIDHS

In this episode of Your VIDHS, we shine a spotlight on the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services’ Division of Disabilities and Rehabilitation Services—commonly known as Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services. Host Ryan Nugent speaks with Acting Administrator Kimberly Washington, Pre-ETS Coordinator Reneta Adjodha, and OIB Program Manager Carmen L. Samuel about the life-changing support VR offers to individuals with disabilities across the territory.

From helping youth with disabilities transition into adulthood, to empowering older adults who are blind or visually impaired to live independently, VR Services are breaking down barriers and building brighter futures.

Tune in to Your VIDHS for informative discussions about the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services and its various programs. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more episodes.

Tune in to Your VIDHS for informative discussions about the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services and its various programs. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more episodes.

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 1: Bringing Essential Services Back to St. John  

📍 Location: St. John Multipurpose Center  

🎤 Host: Ryan Nugent  
🎙️ **Guests:**  
- Sean Georges – Deputy Commissioner of Operations, STT/STJ  
- Ronnie Jones – Office Manager, St. John Projects  
- Sher’Laura Rivera – Medicaid Representative  
- Monique Lettsome – SNAP Representative  
- Jacqueline Alexander – Senior ID Representative  

---

### Episode Summary:  
For years, St. John residents had to travel to St. Thomas for essential government services. Today, that changes! In this special episode of *Your VIDHS*, we’re live from the St. John Multipurpose Center, where the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (VIDHS) is restoring key services directly to the community.  

Deputy Commissioner Sean Georges shares insights into the department’s efforts to renovate the facility and bring services back. From Medicaid and SNAP benefits to Head Start and senior citizen services, St. Johnians no longer need to commute for vital assistance.  

We also hear from local team members about the impact of these services and how the community can access them.  

---

### What’s Available at the St. John Multipurpose Center?

📅 Service Schedule:

📌 Monday, Wednesday, Friday:*
🩺 Medicaid Assistance Program (MAP)  
🥕 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)  

📌 Tuesday:
🎓 Head Start & Child Care Services (OCCRS)  

📌 Thursday:
🏥 Vocational Rehabilitation (Voc Rehab)  
🆔 Senior Citizen Affairs (SCA) – Senior IDs  

📌 Friday:  
👩‍👩‍👦 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)  
💼 JOBS Program  

Special services like Adult Protective Services (APS), Family & Children’s Services, and Juvenile Justice are available by appointment.  

---

### Key Takeaways:  
✔️ St. John residents can now access Medicaid, SNAP, and other services without traveling to St. Thomas.  
✔️ The new facility is a temporary solution, with more upgrades and a permanent center coming soon.  
✔️ Senior IDs are now available, providing important medical and emergency contact information.  
✔️ Hiring Alert! Head Start is looking for teachers, teacher assistants, and food service workers—apply at dopusvi.org.  

---

### How to Get Involved:  
📍 Visit the St. John Multipurpose Center for services.  
📞 Call VIDHS for appointments and more information.  
🌐 Stay updated on schedules at dhs.gov.vi.  

📢 Follow & Subscribe:  
Stay connected with VIDHS on:  
✔️ Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X | TikTok | LinkedIn  

🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Your VIDHS on your favorite Podcast Platforms

Thank you for tuning in! Until next time, take care. 🎙️

Tune in to Your VIDHS for informative discussions about the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services and its various programs. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more episodes.

In this episode, we dive deep into the incredible opportunities available for our senior community through three impactful programs: the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), the Foster Grandparents Program, and the Retired Service Volunteer Program (RSVP). Join us as we explore how these initiatives are enriching the lives of our seniors and the wider community with our guests Cindy Rollins-Williams and Joy Johnson.

Tune in to Your VIDHS for informative discussions about the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services and its various programs. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more episodes.

In this episode, our host Ryan Nugent sits down with special guests Yvette Henry and Abigail Hendricks to dive into the critical topic of Sheltering and Mass Care, in time for the start of Hurricane Season in the Caribbean.

Join us as we explore the strategies, challenges, and best practices for providing shelter and care to our community during emergencies. Yvette Henry, VIDHS Mass Care Lead, and Abigail Hendricks, St. John ESF-6 Coordinator, share their insights and experiences in managing emergency shelter operations, ensuring safety, and maintaining compassion in times of crisis.

Tune in to Your VIDHS for informative discussions about the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services and its various programs. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more episodes.

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Your VIDHS Podcast! In this episode, host Ryan Nugent is joined by Charrisse V. Hart, Administrator of the Division of Children and Family Services, and Lovine Johnson, District Manager of the Division of Children and Family Services, to delve into the critical topic of foster care and adoption in the US Virgin Islands. May is Foster Care Month!

Tune in to Your VIDHS for informative discussions about the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services and its various programs. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more episodes.

Welcome back to "Your VIDHS," the official podcast of the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services! In Episode 6, join our host, Ryan Nugent, Director of Communications, as we delve into the crucial realm of Child Care and Regulatory Services (OCCRS).

In this insightful episode, Ryan sits down with esteemed guests Tishma Tucker-Lans, Ena Edward-Descartes, and Luz Camacho, who are all integral members of OCCRS. Together, they shed light on the pivotal role OCCRS plays in ensuring the safety, well-being, and development of children across the Virgin Islands.

Tune in to Your VIDHS for informative discussions about the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services and its various programs. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more episodes.

In this episode, we delve deep into the world of SNAP and Medicaid Fraud, shedding light on the crucial efforts to combat fraudulent activities in these vital assistance programs.

Join our host, Ryan Nugent, as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with two distinguished guests - Cheryl Willie, the SNAP Performance Reporting Director, and Kevin Dennin, the Medicare Program Integrity Director. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, offering a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and strategies in place to safeguard these essential programs.

Tune in to Your VIDHS for informative discussions about the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services and its various programs. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more episodes.

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of "Your VIDHS!" In Episode 4, we delve into the heart of social assistance programs, shining a spotlight on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

Join us as we sit down with two incredible guests who play pivotal roles in TANF – Dr. Cira Burke, the Program Director, and Judy David, the Eligibility Supervisor. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to help us unravel the intricacies of TANF and its impact on those in need.

Tune in to Your VIDHS for informative discussions about the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services and its various programs. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more episodes.

This episode of Your VIDHS features the Virgin Islands Head Start program with Program Administrator Masikia Lewis and Assistant Administrator Michael Richards.

Tune in to Your VIDHS for informative discussions about the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services and its various programs. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more episodes.