​Dennis Shearin 04/18/1948-02/08/2018

Dennis Shearin was an active BPRO member who we lost this year. We would like to honor Dennis with a celebration of life event at the spring conference.
Dennis was a Navy Veteran who started his second career at Lynchburg Social Services. Dennis was at Lynchburg for over 21 years, from 1989 till 2010 retiring as the Chief of Financial Assistance. Actively participating in BPRO as PD 11 President, Technology chair and also being tasked by the state on numerous committees, he was a poster child for BPRO. Dennis was a joy to be around and those who were fortunate enough to know him under-stand that.
We will have a short memorial for Dennis at the business meeting and then please join us later to share in our “Dennis” stories in the hotel during hospitality hour.
We hope to see many of our lifetime members stop by to offer their short stories of Dennis, I know I have a few to share, do you?
 As you know, BPRO always likes to do a “give back” to the community during conference. We had previously decided on Union Mission but with the passing of a dear lifetime member Dennis Shearin, we have changed our “give back” to the Fisher House in his honor.  

Please take a moment to look at their website and also think of contributing to this wonderful organization in honor of Dennis Shearin. https://www.fisherhouse.org  
Being in a hospital dealing with a terminal illness or recovering from a major surgery can be an emotional and frightening time. Zachary Fisher first established the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Armed Services Foundation in 1983 to boost the spirits of patients by providing families of military members and individuals cared for by the Department of Veterans Affairs the opportunity to be near loved ones during their stays at a military treatment facility.
 The Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Fisher House is one of more than 60 houses donated to the government by the Fisher House Foundation, which are designed to care for the families of patients who may be injured, wounded, sick or terminally ill while in medical treatment facilities. The foundation provides grants to families, allowing them to stay in a “home-away-from-home” near the treatment center. 

Early Registration Deadline is 4/4/2018.  Have you registered for Spring Conference?

My name is Tina Caldwell-Eheart and I am running for the office of 2nd Vice President for the Virginia Benefit Programs Organization for the term beginning July 2018 and commencing June 2020.  I have been an active member with the BPRO organization since 1997 and currently hold the office of 2nd Vice President, which I have held since July 2016.  I have held the position of 2nd Vice President for 2 consecutive terms from 2008 – 2012 and State Treasurer for 2 consecutive terms from 2012 – 2016.  I planned 11 successful BPRO Conferences and I was the Professional Development Chair from 2006-2008, planning workshops and training for BPRO Conferences.   
I am a Benefit Programs Supervisor with the City of Charlottesville Department of Social Services.  Prior to becoming Supervisor, I was the agency trainer, training SNAP, TANF, Medicaid (ABD and F&C), as well as all orientation for both Benefits and Services staff since February of 2006 and a Benefit Programs Specialist in both ongoing and intake since 1997. I also currently work with PACEM (People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry) which is a grassroots organization that coordinates space and volunteers to provide shelter for individuals in our community who are homeless. 
Past volunteer experience:
2008-2010 Player Agent and Volunteer Coordinator, Gordonsville Little League
2002-2007 Secretary, Gordonsville Little League
2002-2004 President, Gordon Barbour Elementary PTA
1999-2001 Mentor, Project Breakthrough
 
My time spent in the BPRO organization has afforded me the opportunity to build relationships with workers from all over the state, as well as, State staff.  These relationships have become invaluable to me and provided me with lifelong friendships.  I have enjoyed many years in conference planning and have built a strong network with various hotels across the state. 
 
“Be Proud, Be Professional, Be Proficient and Be Productive”

• Where you are currently employed and your position:
  • I am currently employed at Charlottesville Department of Social Services where I have worked for sixteen years.  I am currently a Self Sufficiency Case Specialist where I work with the VIEW Program and Childcare.
• Why you are interested in serving on the executive board:
  • During my time at Social Services I have worked in several capacities starting out as an Administrative Secretary in the Benefit Programs Division and holding an office in the local planning district for our affiliate organization POSSESS.  I then became a Benefit Program Specialist where I worked for several years and also served in our local planning district for BPRO as the PD Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President and President over the years.  While I served as PD President, I switched roles in my agency to become a Self Sufficiency Case Specialist working only with the TANF/VIEW population.  It was here that I became very interested in this program and moved from the local PD President to our current BPRO State TANF/VIEW Committee Chair.
  • Since my time at Social Services, I am very proud of the career that I have built for myself here and the mentors that I have had along the way to keep pushing me to my fullest potential.  I believe that when you are a part of something you try to do your very best.  I am a strong supporter of our organization and truly believe in our Mission and Vision to help support those in the Benefit Programs Division so that we may continue to show others that this is not only a job but a career.  I believe in our continued efforts to support and encourage our professional development and the growth and support that our organization has built over the years through the support of our members.  I am proud to be a member of the BPRO organization and look forward to possibly serving on the Executive Board.
• One or two things personal about yourself (family, animals, something your passionate             about)
  • When I am not at work I am usually spending time with my family or am working in the community through Girl Scouts or with my Church.  I am currently the Co Troop leader of Girl Scout Troop 1270 and I work with the youth and seniors in our Church.   As youth leader my goal is to work on bridging the gap between our youth and seniors in the Church and in our Community.  We have so much to learn from each other that we often forget to learn something new or to hear the wisdom that our more seasoned folks have to offer.
  • I am very passionate about helping others live to their fullest potential and being a part of someone’s journey as they continue to grow and discover their best selves.

I hope that this gives you a little insight to who I am and my desire to serve on BPRO’s Executive Board as our 3rd Vice President.  Should you have any additional questions about my desire to run for this office, please feel free to reach out to me at any time.

Be proud. Be Professional. Be Proficient. Be Productive. - Tonia Alexander

I am currently employed with Amherst County DSS and I am a BPS II. I am interested in serving on the executive board to help assist our memberships with getting information out to them timely and effectively.  I am currently serving as the state secretary and have learned how important it is to be active with BPRO and to make those local and state connections. I am a mother to a wonderful 23 year old that is starting her nursing school career. I have become an aunt for the first time and absolutely love being with my niece as much as I can. I have two Sugar Glider animals that are the most loving animals. I am, as they call, a Disney Fanatic…I love everything that has to do with Walt Disney himself and with Disney World….especially Mickey.

Elaine Burgess and Deana Bennett were present at the  State Department of Social Services Board meeting on Wednesday, October 18, 2017, to accept the resolution declaring Benefit Program Specialist Month for February 2018.  Pictured with Commissioner Schultze and members of the State Board is Deana Bennett, BPRO Treasurer.