Season 1, Episode 24: Nov. 17, 2025
21 mins. 54 secs.
From the first jolt of Monday caffeine to the last refill that gets you through a long afternoon, this week’s episode is brewed for anyone running on grit, heart, and a little extra espresso. Each story percolates with warmth and resilience — from Oregon’s SNAP shutdown response to updates from Trauma Aware that kept our teams steady through uncertainty. Pour yourself a fresh cup and join Bethany and Shenika as they stir together guidance, gratitude, and the kind of everyday strength that keeps ODHS going, one steady sip at a time.
What’s Inside
Deadline: ODHS (4:30)
Federal court orders release of full November SNAP benefits.
Oregon issues benefits overnight on Nov. 7, ahead of other states.
Governor Kotek and Acting Director Wendt confirm benefits will not be reversed.
State continues monitoring federal legal activity as shutdown unfolds.
Celebrate: ODHS (9:33)
District 13 Harvest Share Partnership
Staff in Wallowa, Union, and Baker counties deliver produce during SNAP uncertainty.Collaboration with Harvest Share strengthens local food access and community trust.
Messages of Gratitude from Across Oregon
Thousands thank ODHS for rapid overnight issuance of SNAP benefits.
Praise from community partners, tribal leaders, local governments, and SNAP recipients.
Staff encouraged to view the gratitude book as a reminder of their statewide impact.
Survivor: Oregon — Trauma Aware (14:00)
Intro to Trauma Aware ODHS
Updated Trauma Informed Toolbox includes new guidance for supporting families affected by the SNAP delay.
Focus on building resilience, safety, equity, and supportive environments for staff and customers.
Suicide Prevention Guide
New ODHS resource offering compassionate approaches to difficult conversations.
Safe language, warning signs, and training pathways for staff.
From Reaction to Reason
Trauma-aware strategies for de-escalation and grounding during tense interactions.
Emphasis on regulate–relate–reason, safe communication, and self-care during high-stress moments.
Writer’s Round-Up (18:33)
Bethany brings a Hemingway-style, coffee-charged reflection on resilience, relief, and the ODHS teams who kept Oregon steady through a turbulent week — proving once again that courage comes in many forms, sometimes even in a well-timed refill.
Credits
Co-Hosts:
Dr. Bethany Grace Howe — Communications
Shenika - District 10, Community Partnership Coordinator
Produced by: Dr. Bethany Grace Howe
Contact: Questions / feedback: bethany.g.howe@odhs.oregon.gov