Two years ago, the County of Santa Barbara launched its first-ever Wellness Committee, bringing together representatives from departments across the County to promote employee health and well-being. Grigor Arzumanyan and I continue to proudly represent the Department of Social Services (DSS) on this committee as we work to support a culture of wellness, balance, and connection in the workplace.
Since its creation, the Wellness Committee has introduced several successful wellness initiatives, including the inaugural Walking Challenge, the Nourish Challenge, the Health Risk Assessment campaign, and this year’s expanded Walking Challenge.
The growth has been remarkable. Last year, the County’s first Walking Challenge attracted 429 participants and 52 teams. This year, participation increased to 514 employees and 77 teams countywide. DSS once again showed strong support, with 243 employees participating, which is nearly half of all County participants.
One of the most common pieces of feedback from last year’s participants was a request to lengthen the challenge. In response, this year’s challenge was extended from approximately one month to two months, giving employees additional time to build healthy habits, support one another, and stay active.
Perfect Team Performances
- Team Too Inspired to be Tired (DSS): Rudy D’Souza, Martha Jimenez, Debora Aquino, Angelica Rodriguez, and Nancy Saengjaeng
- Team My Legs (DSS): Joshua Morrison, Grisel Balderas, Sandra Sanchez, Merina Gomez, and Carlos Barbosa
- Team Pink Bloomers (DSS): Maritza Garcia, Karina Cabrera, Jasmine Eulloqui (not pictured), and Adriana Cordova
- Team Sip Happens (Probation)
Having three of the four top-performing teams come from DSS demonstrates the enthusiasm and commitment our employees bring to wellness initiatives.
Individual Achievement Recognition
In addition to the outstanding team performances, 49 DSS employees achieved their personal walking goals every single day of the challenge (maximum 280 points).
What Participants Had to Say
"Thank you for setting up healthy ways for us to decompress while dealing with the ups and downs of eligibility workers. The year got off to a good start with our CDR walking challenge, and rolling into Bloom was inspirational. I added hand weights to my own personal challenge and am pleased that after 5 months…I’m seeing good results. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!"
-Mari Butler, Eligibility Worker
"This walking challenge showed us that we are capable of being more active than we’ve ever been! I appreciated sharing this experience with my team and the motivation we brought to each other."
-Merina Gomez, Administrative Office Professional
"The walking challenge showed us that we are capable of completing our steps even when facing difficult moments in our personal lives. Walking helped us decompress and mentally clear our minds both at work and at home. Thank you to everyone who put this together. It may seem like an easy task, but only the committed push through. 'Go Pink Bloomers!'"
-Karina Cabrera, Administrative Office Professional
More than Just Steps
While the challenge focused on physical activity, its impact extended far beyond step counts. Participants shared stories of improved health, increased motivation, stronger connections with coworkers, and renewed focus on personal wellness goals.
Most importantly, the challenge demonstrated the power of encouragement, teamwork, and friendly competition in creating a healthier workplace culture.
We would like to thank everyone who participated this year. Whether you walked every day, encouraged a teammate, or simply cheered others on, your involvement helped make this challenge a success.
The Countywide Wellness Committee looks forward to bringing future wellness opportunities to employees, and based on this year’s enthusiasm and participation, we hope to see the Walking Challenge return.
Until then, keep moving, keep encouraging one another, and keep taking steps toward better health.