Deputy commissioner frames Human Services as dignity-driven, community-centered work

Valerie Milke, deputy commissioner for health services, said Human Services "means treating people with dignity and with respect, enabling them to live their lives in the way that they want to live them, in the communities where they want to live, and having the supports and services needed to do so."

Milke, speaking in New Jersey, said one of the biggest challenges is that "individuals don't always know the rich resources that we have here in New Jersey," leaving some people "suffering alone because they're not availing themselves of the services and supports that are designed to help to address whatever their needs are."

Milke characterized effective human services as a community effort, saying "it takes a village" and that, as an agency leader, she must "continuously learn from my colleagues, from individuals that we serve, and our stakeholders." She emphasized learning from those who receive services as part of shaping programs and supports.

Milke also shared personal influences, saying her grandmothers and mother were the strongest shaping forces in her life and that she must "always stay the course" through internal and external challenges. She framed continued effort and resilience as part of the work of public service.

There was no formal vote or action connected to these remarks; they were presented as a statement of values and priorities for Human Services in New Jersey.