Editorial Prelude
By Edie Johnson
Most of us have met someone in our lives who truly epitomizes the essence of kindness. Most recent generations were fortunate to have the TV Show where they watched Mr. Rogers an individual who devoted his life to teaching kindness to children (and some adults while he was at at it). Add a layer to that kindness of incredible hard work and a Superstar in knowledge of the capabilities of Social Work, with humility, along with detailed knowledge of all of Orange County and its government links. Top that off with beauty and grace and you have Darcie Miller, who has served Orange County as Social Services And Mental Health Departments as Commissioner for 23 years. . I had the good fortune to attend and write stories about a dozen or more of events that Darcie held as Commissioner over the past decade. Having a major in psychology I have kept a special interest in what happens in the worlds of psychology and social work for nearly 40 years (some good, some bad and ugly and ineffective). I sat in absolute awe at a City of Newburgh gathering at the Activity Center some years back where she and the rest of the Social Services team, along with local leaders, introduced a broad spectrum of plans to help the poor and struggling in the Newburgh Area, whether financally, emotionally or mentally stressed. Within 5 minutes of meeting her I had the feeling of having a new friend for life, and a huge "AHA!" moment of "THIS is what Social Services is meant to be". That "aha" has recurred every time I watched her in action over the past 10 years. I congratulate her on her recognition and wish her the best in her retirement, tho I'm quite sure she will be actively contributing to our communities in beautiful ways for a long time to come!
Goshen, N.Y. – Pres Release: Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has named Darcie Miller, Commissioner of Orange County’s Departments of Social Services and Mental Health, as May’s Citizen of the Month. May is National Mental Health Awareness Month.
Miller has served for thirty-six years in County Government, with the last 23 in Orange County. In October 2016, Miller, then Commissioner of Mental Health and acting Commissioner of Social Services, became the permanent Commissioner of both departments. Commissioner Miller is retiring from County Government next month.
Commissioner Darcie Miller with other Orange County offiicials at the County's Annual "FEARLESS" event recognizing Domestic Violence with a clothesline of tee shirts incribed by violence survivors
“It was great to spend some time chatting with Darcie,” Neuhaus said. “She’s been a colleague and a friend for the ten years that I’ve been County Executive and she’s one of the hardest working Department heads in County government. Her dedication in promoting mental health awareness and working towards solutions is exemplary. Darcie will certainly be missed, but fortunately for us and the County, she is leaving both DSS and Mental Health in capable hands.”
Lacey Trimble, currently Deputy Commissioner of Mental Health, will take over as Commissioner of both departments when Miller retires toward the end of June.
“It’s an honor to be named Citizen of the Month, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month,” said Miller. “It’s also been such an honor and a privilege to serve in Orange County government these past 23 years. I’m grateful for the fulfilling and humbling experiences, the wonderful staff in both departments, and for the opportunity to make a positive impact in our community. I appreciate County Executive Neuhaus’ trust and support through the years, and I know that Lacey will continue the work of improving the quality of programming and care both Mental Health and Social Services provide to the population they serve.”
Just a few of Miller’s responsibilities include, leading the development and assisting in facilitating WELCOME Orange, Orange County Court Connection Projects, serving as the Principal Investigator for the Children’s Mental Health Initiative System of Care, Mental Health Juvenile Justice Projects, supporter of Crisis Intervention Training for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, and participating in bringing evidence-based initiatives to Orange County. She serves on many local and statewide committees and teams, including the multi-disciplinary County Team which focuses on youth needs in the community, SUNY Orange Advisory Committee, the Medical Reserve Corp, and the Cultural Equity Task Force.
Miller has been a successful partner in grant writing and has played a significant role in securing funding from federal, state, and private sources over the course of her career. As a member of Orange County Government’s “Team Orange,” she has become Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certified implementing efficient, cost-effective, and exemplary government practices. Miller is a member of the New York State Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors, Inc. (CLMHD), a member of the NYS Public Welfare Association, a former member of the Advisory Board of Westchester Medical Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP), and Chair of the Orange County Changing the Substance Abuse Ecosystem Committee (formerly the Opioid Task Force), a member of the Orange County Think Differently Committee, a member of the Regional Planning Consortium, a co-sponsor for the Orange County Resilience Project (ACEs), and a participant in multiple cross-system stakeholder collaborations.
“Darcie is more than deserving of the gratitude and accolades that come her way as she retires,” Neuhaus added. “She has always been reliable and professional and cares deeply about her work and the Orange County residents that she serves. Darcie is well-liked and respected by her colleagues and has done wonderful work during her admirable career. I congratulate her and wish her all the very best on her retirement.”
Neuhaus introduced his Citizen of the Month Award, which acknowledges outstanding Orange County residents, in January of 2017. To nominate someone for the Citizen of the Month Award, please email ceoffice@orangecountygov.com or mail a letter to “Citizen of the Month” at 255-275 Main Street Goshen, N.Y. 10924. Be sure to include the nominee’s name, hometown, a list of their accomplishments, why you are nominating them and any other pertinent information.
Feature photo caption from Orange County: Darcie Miller, Commissioner of Orange County's Department of Mental Health and Social Services with County Executive Steve Neuhaus.
******************ADVERTISING**************************
A Special Thank You to our TOP Tier Advertiser
Charles Quick of Quick Insurance Agency
for renewing his FULL YEAR $800 Advertisement
entitling him to multiple ads for 52 weeks,
and appearance in any print publications, a BIG banner in the Podcast Office, eand the first interiew on my Podcast that with God's help will premier before the end of Summer.
And Wclome to Leo Garrison , Head of METRO SOUND PRO,-a Multimedia star in the business and
ANOTHER full-year $800 Advertiser who will have the same benefits AND is going to help produce an awesome Podcast for me!
Our 6-Month advertisers (Village of Washingtonville, Medicare Advantage, Washingtonville Pharmacy, Guilty Pleasures/Washingtonville Event Committee and Shampoochie, receive multiple ads weekly and news coverage for 52 weeks for $250 and an ad in any future publications/catalogues of the Blooming Grove Art & Environmental Learning Project
We also thank SUNY ORANGE for their support, giving us the privilege to advertise their aweome events in both Middletown and Newburgh locations
with single running ads for $40 and Press Releases..
Check our Calendar Section for upcoming an curent events.
Thank you and Have a SAFE and Pleasant Holiday Weekend!
You help keep honest, detailed and unbiased news flowing in Orange County, with special emphasis on what is great about living here!.
Comments