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Connecting Hope

Connecting Hope

Written by: Mississippi Department of Human Services
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 Connecting Hope is a production of the Mississippi Department of Human Services. Join us as we explore the people, policies, and programs that bridge the gap from hopelessness to hope for Mississippians, young and old. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Mississippi Department of Human Services. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "Mississippi Department of Human Services" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.© 2024 Connecting Hope Podcast Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Supporting Older Adults & Their Caregivers

    Supporting Older Adults & Their Caregivers
    Nov 4 2025

    Mark Jones talks with KenYada Blake-Washington, Division Director of the Aging and Adult Services, about MDHS's home and community-based services, as well as caregiver supports to senior adults across the state of Mississippi.

    • (00:00) - Opening
    • (00:52) - Guest introduction
    • (01:32) - Supporting older adults and caregivers
    • (04:06) - Adult Protective Service
    • (05:45) - The importance of caregivers
    • (10:53) - Area Agency on Aging
    • (13:05) - MDHS gives out a million and a half meals a year
    • (16:32) - Importance of home and community-based services
    • (19:33) - Different ways to connect to the programs
    • (21:48) - Open Enrollment
    • (23:23) - State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
    • (24:37) - Reporting abuse
    • (25:38) - A message for caregivers and older adults
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    27 mins
  • MDHS speaks on Integrity in Action

    MDHS speaks on Integrity in Action
    Oct 6 2025

    Mark Jones talks with the Office of Inspector General on the topic of Integrity in Action.

    • (00:00) - Opening
    • (01:05) - Guests introductions
    • (05:03) - Investigation Division
    • (07:24) - Making sure the right people are getting the benefits
    • (10:09) - Common fraud schemes
    • (11:42) - Collaborating with local law enforcement
    • (13:28) - Internal investigations
    • (17:52) - Benefit Recovery Unit
    • (21:42) - Fraud prevention tips
    • (30:01) - Administrative Hearings
    • (36:11) - Fair hearing process
    • (39:14) - Cross divisional collaboration
    • (42:12) - Civil and criminal cases
    • (48:54) - Closing thoughts on identifying and preventing fraud
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    54 mins
  • Child Support Means Stronger Families

    Child Support Means Stronger Families
    Oct 6 2025

    Denise Wesley, director of the Child Support Enforcement Division, talks with Mark Jones about what child support is, the function it plays in administering the programs, and how it encourages the support of both parents in the life of a child.

    • (00:00) - Opening
    • (00:40) - Guest Introduction
    • (01:06) - What is Child Support Enforcement
    • (03:27) - How Child Support helps the child financially, emotionally and mentally.
    • (05:40) - Different ways people can enter into the Child Support Program
    • (10:30) - Importance of showing for a Child Support hearing
    • (14:06) - Custodial and Non-custodial parents supporting the well-being of their child is the goal
    • (18:00) - Circumstances of a Non-custodial parent's job changes. What do they need to do?
    • (21:16) - Consequences of an arrearage
    • (28:12) - Child Support Initiatives
    • (33:40) - Future of Child Support Enforcement
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    42 mins
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