According to Mental Health America, one of the main reasons employees may not use their Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services is that they are not aware that EAP exists, what services they offer, and how to access them.

Let’s fix that! Drake’s EAP provider is Employee & Family Resources (EFR). They offer employees and their family members access to free and confidential support and resources.  You may reach EFR by phone (800-327-4692) 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit their website.

Often when we think of an employee assistance program, we think of counseling services.  EFR does offer confidential counseling but that is just one of their many services.

Need help with budgeting or other financial matters?  Need assistance with a living will? Have you recently had your identity stolen?  Are you looking for care for a child or aging relative? EFR can help.  Are you struggling to balance work, family, friends, and other responsibilities?  Is your teenager seeking guidance on their future career path?  A life coach from EFR can help.

EFR offers a full range of free EAP resources, including life coaching by a licensed professional counselor, financial and legal consultation, identity theft restoration, child/elder care resources, First Responder Coaching, and an online support peer community called Togetherall.  Check out the EAP Service Summary link on our EAP page for details on the number of free sessions, etc.

EFR’s website is also home to webinars, podcasts, a blog, self-assessment tools, posters, newsletters, and a free mobile app for our employees and their immediate families.  And for managers, they offer manager support and employee referral services.

If you would like to learn more about EFR and their EAP services, representatives from EFR are available to attend a department or staff meeting (in-person or virtually) to highlight their resources and help answer any questions.  They will present to groups of any size, for any length of time.  If you would like EFR to speak during one of your meetings, please send an email to Teresa Belden, EFR Account Manager, at tbelden@EFR.ORG or phone 515-471-2368.

Remember, the intention of an EAP is to serve as a convenient, and readily accessible support when life matters keep you from being your best. You do not need to be in a crisis to use or benefit from the EAP services, although it is there for that as well. Take some time to check out these resources.  Everyone can benefit!

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources