LoopBack Podcast - Minnesota Department of Human Services

Part two of this two-part conversation series focuses on community-led solutions for promoting holistic healing and wellness within the Twin Cities African American and faith-based communities. A panel of community leaders continue to strike a dialogue about what’s needed for their communities to thrive, diving deeper into collaborative and relationship-based models for community solutions. Steve Floyd, Pastor Kelly Webb, Marques Armstrong, Pastor Brian Herron and Jay Slaughter join us on the LoopBack for a round-table discussion facilitated by Steven Wilson, DHS Community Engagement Specialist, and Director of Community Relations, Helen Ghebre.

Episode resources

• LoopBack Episode 4 Guests

Episode 4 Transcript

In part one of this two-part conversation, a group of community leaders representing the African American and faith-based communities share the work they are doing leading healing and community wellness initiatives. Steve Floyd, Ferome Brown, Pastor Kelly Webb, Marques Armstrong, and Pastor Brian Herron join us on the LoopBack for a round-table discussion facilitated by Steven Wilson, DHS Community Engagement Specialist, and Director of Community Relations, Helen Ghebre.

Episode resources

• LoopBack Episode 3 Guests

Episode 3 transcript

Episode two is the first official loop back with community - part of our intentional response to participants of the first Community Empowerment Session, which focused on the legislative budget and how it impacts communities (a virtual meeting held December, 2021). Foua Choua Khang, Chair of the DHS Cultural and Ethnic Communities Leadership Council and DHS Legislative Director Matt Burdick share their thoughts and insights on creating an inclusive space for community input in the DHS legislative process.

Episode resources

• Legislative fact sheet
• PowerPoint presentation
• More information on the Cultural and Ethnic Communities Leadership Council (CECLC). Contact the council at ceclc.information.dhs@state.mn.us.
• Examples of community engagement informing legislation:
  • Building Racial Equity into the Walls of Minnesota Medicaid: A focus on U.S.-born Black Minnesotans
  • We definitely struggle … The worry is always there. Improving the health of people living in deep poverty

Episode 2 transcript

In this episode we discuss what outreach and engagement looks like at DHS and why it is important. Special guest Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Jodi Harpstead joins us to share her thoughts on the meaning and value of authentic community engagement. We will share about past and present community engagement efforts as well as look ahead to future opportunities at DHS.

Episode 1 transcript

In this pilot episode you will hear a brief overview of The LoopBack podcast series. Assistant Commissioner of Employee Culture De Anna Conover, formerly the Director of Community Relations, joins us to share the background and purpose of a new community engagement effort at DHS called Community Empowerment Sessions. Discover what you can look forward to in future LoopBack episodes, as well as ways to get involved with community engagement at DHS.

Pilot episode transcript