Free EAP program offered to small businesses

The May member meeting of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce introduced guests to a new program for small businesses that provides access to valuable counseling and recovery services. Jennifer Mills, EAP Business Navigator, made a presentation on the opportunity.

The Mental Health and Recovery Services Board is partnering with New York-based ENI to provide free EAP (Employee Assistance Program) services to small businesses across Allen, Auglaize and Hardin counties. The board has funding to assist thousands of employees across the region.

The pilot program will target businesses with fewer than 100 employees, offering them one free year of access to NexGen EAP Plus benefits. This program would give their employees access to a variety of resources, ranging from health insurance advocacy to a nationwide network of more than 40,000 counselors.

 “The hope is that we can get people easy access to help that, due to expense or stigma, they might not be willing to seek out on their own,” said Mills.

The program was initiated by the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board after identifying a gap in service to local businesses. Understanding that many owners and managers do not have the time to manage both their businesses and the sometimes-complex needs of their employees, the Board moved to partner with ENI and Activate Allen County to create NexGen EAP Plus. 

This program is designed to ensure that all local workers have access to the vital services provided through an EAP and to simplify the operation for businesses by providing a local navigator to help both the employee and employer get the very most out of the program. 

For more information, contact  Jennifer Mills at 419-996-9403 or  jmills@eniweb.com

For information on chamber programs and membership, contact Jim Enneking at (419) 369-2985 or email blufftonchamber@gmail.com

Jennifer Mills with breakfast sponsor Dan Klear of Superior Energy Solultions and chamber director Jim Enneking.
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List of local 2022 graduates from Bluffton University

Bluffton University has announced the following graduates from the greater Bluffton area including Beaverdam, Jenera and Pandora.

Brittany Alvarado of Beaverdam, Ohio, earned a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology and audiology from Bluffton University.

Zachary Basinger of Bluffton, Ohio, earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bluffton University.

Leslie Diaz Valdiviezo of Bluffton, Ohio, earned bachelor’s degrees in graphic design and marketing from Bluffton University. She was also the recipient of the Graphic Design Distinguished Scholar Award and graduated as a member of Pi Delta Society.

Christopher Gott of Bluffton, Ohio, earned a Master of Arts in Education from Bluffton University.

Nathan Heinze of Bluffton, Ohio, earned a bachelor’s degree in convergent media from Bluffton University. Heinze was the recipient of the Convergent Media Distinguished Scholar Award. He also graduated as a member of the Honors Program.

Jesse Owsley of Bluffton, Ohio, earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bluffton University.

Therisanyo Phetlhu of Bluffton, Ohio, earned bachelor’s degrees in economics and marketing from Bluffton University.

Jessica Pratt of Bluffton, Ohio, earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Bluffton University.

Ethan Rodabaugh of Bluffton, Ohio, earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bluffton University. Rodabaugh also graduated as a member of Pi Delta Society.

Kai Smith of Bluffton, Ohio, earned a bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in psychology from Bluffton University.

Veronika Stafa of Bluffton, Ohio, earned bachelor’s degrees in biology and pre-medicine from Bluffton University. Stafa was the recipient of the Pre-Medicine Distinguished Scholar Award. She also graduated as a member of the C. Henry Smith Scholar Program.

Leah Tabler of Bluffton, Ohio, earned a bachelor’s degree in English with minors in honors studies and writing from Bluffton University. Tabler was the recipient of the English Distinguished Scholar Award. She also graduated as a member of the Honors Program and Pi Delta Society.

Alissa Rutherford of Jenera, Ohio, earned a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from Bluffton University.

Nathan Zuercher of Jenera, Ohio, earned a bachelor’s degree in middle childhood education from Bluffton University.

Lorca Ali of Pandora, Ohio, earned bachelor’s degrees in business administration and marketing from Bluffton University.

Graduation ceremonies awarded degrees to over 150 students and took place on Saturday, May 7.