As we transition into the new year, we reflect on the achievements and developments from the past year that paved the way for success. At Zepf Center, 2023 was a year of change and growth, marking a transformative period in its 50-year history.
Yearly Town Hall sessions, orchestrated by the Executive Leadership Committee and attended by hundreds of Zepf Center employees, serve as the annual platform to review the past year and provide a glimpse into the organization’s future. Led by Zepf Center CEO Deb Flores, these sessions not only offer staff direct insights from the Executive Team but also facilitate connections among employees from various locations and with differing schedules.
“We are a large organization with over 15 buildings and multiple shifts,” said Flores. “These sessions are a chance for staff to reconnect with co-workers and learn about the incredible work we are doing at this agency.”
Kicking off with a warm welcome from Flores, each session began with a modified Community Meeting, aligning with the trauma-informed principles of Sanctuary (click here to learn more about the Sanctuary Model). This served as an introduction, easing participants into the session, encouraging emotional check-ins, and identifying support persons. In large settings, such as the Town Hall sessions, Community Meetings are conducted online, allowing audience members to respond through their mobile devices.
Following the Community Meeting, members of Executive Leadership each share, covering every facet of Zepf Center’s extensive range of services. Presented by members of the executive leadership team, each segment allowed time for questions, enhancing engagement.
Senior Director of Revenue Integrity Beth Ayer has worked at Zepf Center since 2003 and attended several Town Hall sessions during her tenure. This year, however, she noted a positive shift in the sessions.
“This Town Hall was better than previous sessions because we got to hear from each member of the ELC team regarding the various initiatives that fall under their areas of responsibility,” she shared. “You could sense their passion and pride in the work we are doing. There was a buzz of excitement in our session.”
The Town Hall presentation guided the audience through Zepf Center’s annual report, curated by Creative Manager & Data Management Consultant Ashlee Beach and Director of Health Information & Innovation Samantha Ayer. Despite the extensive content, the Town Hall sessions were kept to one hour, ensuring employees could fulfill their regular duties.
“I liked hearing the [Leadership Team] talk about the programs they are involved in,” said Crisis Case Manager Julie Bratton who attended her first Town Hall session this year. “My favorite part was spending time with my co-workers and getting agency updates.”
Highlights included a review of annual grant awards, data from the recently acquired Crisis Care unit, updates on Primary Care and Health Center services, fiscal year snapshots, key performance indicators, and a preview of Zepf Center’s 50th Anniversary celebration for 2024.
“Getting to see the data reflecting our performance over the past year re-ignited my sense of pride in working at Zepf Center,” said Beth Ayer. “None of us can succeed alone, but together we all make a difference to our patients, our community, and each other.”
Expressing gratitude for a year of hard work, all employees in attendance received gift cards and had the opportunity to snap photos at a custom Zepf Center selfie station, fostering camaraderie and team bonding, especially during the holiday season.
As Zepf Center celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024, the agency anticipates another exciting chapter. Stay connected on social media (Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn) and visit the website for the latest updates and events.
As we welcome the New Year, Zepf Center extends heartfelt wishes for a year filled with happiness, joy, and, above all, hope for you and your loved ones.