EFR Employee & Family Resources

Grief doesn’t always wait. When facing a significant change—whether it’s a terminal illness, divorce, or another life-altering event—grief can begin long before the loss occurs, casting a shadow over the present and draining your energy. So, how can you stay present and find joy even when facing an impending loss? 👇 https://lnkd.in/gQQSTxjm

💡Last week, part of our EFR Prevention team attended the National Prevention Network Conference in Arizona! It was an incredible opportunity to connect with other professionals, share best practices, and learn about the latest research in substance use prevention. We're excited for the team to integrate this new knowledge into their work as we continue to learn and grow for the communities we serve! ⭐ Pictured below from left to right: Jordan, Penny, Haley, Abby, and Joe

First responders, from dispatchers to front-line workers, often face repeated trauma due to the nature of their work. Trauma in the line of duty affects more than just first responders—it impacts their families, too. In our latest podcast, Jennifer Anderson explores these challenges and how EFR’s First Responder Coaching provides vital peer support.

🎡 Fair Fever hit the EFR office! Cortney and CEO Tammy Hoyman brought the Iowa State Fair to us with a festive snack cart loaded with corndogs and lemonade. With carnival music setting the scene, our team enjoyed a little taste of fair week at work!

🌿 "Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you." 🌿 This isn’t just a feel-good saying—it’s science! Stress builds up and causes the most harm when left unchecked. Regular breaks disrupt that cycle, sharpening your focus and ability to learn. In just 60 seconds, you can shift your brain from 'fight or flight' mode to a state of calm. This National Relaxation Day, take a moment for yourself. Check out EFR’s Guided Relaxation and Meditation playlist to destress, stay grounded, and build mindfulness in just a few minutes. 🎧

📓🖍Preparing for back-to-school doesn't just mean buying supplies. Rehearse with your child to help them feel more comfortable and confident. Preparing in advance helps ease any anxieties and make the transition smoother!

All smiles at the Waukee Community School District Resource Fair this week! A big shout-out to Waukee Community School District for their commitment to student well-being. And a huge thank-you to our board member Don Fifer, MBA and SAP Consultant Steve Arneson for empowering students and families to take advantage of the free, confidential counseling offered through our Student Assistance Program. Together, we're helping the Waukee community school district thrive—both in and out of the classroom 🌟

💬 Don’t let back-to-school jitters balloon into overwhelming anxiety. Validating your child's feelings helps them build emotional regulation skills and develop deeper trust in you. When you actively listen and respond with understanding, your child feels safe sharing and working through their experiences with you!

Mental health matters—just look at Simone Biles. Human potential centers on well-being, and this cannot exist without mental wellness. Congratulations to Simone Biles for achieving gold in the women's all-around and to Jordan Chiles, Hezly Rivera, Simone Biles, Jade Carey and Suni Lee of the US women's gymnastics team for winning the gold in the team final! Thank you for using the stage to remind us that taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body 🥇

As a manager, you have a unique vantage point to notice when something’s off with your team members. If your organization offers an EAP or work-life benefits, guiding a struggling employee to these resources is a powerful strategy to prevent personal stress from escalating into professional issues. So, how can you refer an employee to support without overstepping boundaries, especially when their performance hasn’t warranted intervention—yet?