Client: Summit County, Colorado
Challenge: Strengthening resilience, team unity and preparedness across a diverse, multi-functional department during a period of post-COVID adjustments.
Outcome: Summit County Human Services Department created deeper connections among staff, enhanced team collaboration, and equipped the department with tools to navigate stress and build resilience.
Summit County Human Services Department plays a critical role in its community, delivering programs ranging from Medicaid and child welfare services to senior events and emergency preparedness. The department is also a key player in the county’s ESF 6 mandate, supporting clients with access and functional needs during emergencies such as wildfires or snow events.
In recent years, as the department dealt with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in both internal and external challenges, leadership realized they needed to prioritize building a stronger, more connected team.
“Being a relatively small team requires flexibility and adaptation to make sure services are provided timely, knowing how to support each other is key to success. And we know it’s not a question of if a wildfire or major event will occur, but when,” shared Janet Wolfson, Economic Security Programs Manager. “Our goal was to focus on how we can be a better team and work through challenges together.”
Impressed by Hummingly’s unique approach, the department invited Jolie to lead a workshop that would address team resilience and cohesion.
During the workshop, staff who typically worked in silos came together to explore stress triggers, share personal experiences, and build practical strategies to support one another. “This wasn’t your usual workshop where people sit on their phones or answer emails,” shared Janet. “Everyone was engaged, present, and invested in the process.”
What set this workshop apart was its depth. Instead of focusing on surface-level icebreakers, it encouraged staff to connect on a meaningful level.
“It was getting to know each other on a different level. It wasn’t just learning how old their kids are or their favorite color. This was deeper. It was getting to know people deeper. What are your stress triggers? How can I help you? When and in what way?”
Leadership also noted the thoughtfulness of Hummingly’s approach, from preparing Spanish-language resources to maintaining focused, relevant discussions throughout the training.
For Summit County Human Services Department, partnering with Hummingly wasn’t just about improving team morale—it was an investment in their ability to continue delivering vital services to the community, no matter what challenges lie ahead.
