Greetings to all DPA staff.

I am happy to note that we have made real progress on the integration of childcare services, formerly with the Department of Education and Early Development, into DPA. The need to organize this large working unit, with it's policy staff,contracts administrators, budget staff and licensing personnel into our structure was a big task.

To do a good job, we found that this task required re-evaluation of the existing DPA organizational structure. Your managers drew draft plans for efficient reorganization which were worked into the new organizational chart. In the process, we created some additional working units that did not exist previously. We expect that these units will be staffed with our current staff.

The Food and Nutritional Services office (FNS - Food Stamps) has several foreign language brochures available on their web-site that cover topics such as "Questions and Answers about Getting and Using Food Stamps", "Immigrant Eligibility Questions and Answers" and a "Fact Sheet on Eligibility" just to name a few. Obviously not all languages are represented however some of these may prove helpful for you as you work with Food Stamp clients that do not speak English as their primary language. Additionally, brochures with income and allotment information will not reflect Alaska standards. You can find these brochures at:

Nearly half the states have reduced child-care subsidies for poor families during the past two years, according to a federal study to be released today, which shows that states' fiscal problems have prompted state agencies to restrict eligibility, stop accepting new families or charge them more for the care.

Our first star is highly respected and very dear to her co-workers. She is described as someone who has a uncanny knack for inspiring, supporting, and encouraging others. Professional, compassionate, friendly, easy-going, effective, up-beat, knowledgeable, positive, and diplomatic are just a few of the words her co-workers used to describe her. Known for her unusual taste in food - this star has a sweet tooth for such delicacies as frozen whip cream and any type of vegetable, especially green beans. She is originally from Iowa and enjoys running, ice fishing, cooking, making smoothies, and plants. Can you guess who this star is?

This message is to let you know of changes to the time-limit exemption status for a number of Native communities. These changes are being made based on the 2000 census data, and are effective May 1, 2003. These changes affect communities in the Southeast, Northern, and Coastal regions; there are no affected communities in the Central region.