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  [email protected]

For information on chamber programs and membership, contact Jim Enneking at (419) 369-2985 or email [email protected]