Employee Assistance Program: Helping civilians cope at work

Published Aug. 29, 2017
By Robb Lingley
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – -- The Air Force Space Command Employee Assistance Program is a voluntary, confidential program that helps employees, including management work through various life challenges that may adversely affect job performance, health and personal well-being. It exists to optimize the 21st Space Wing’s success at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

EAP services are available and confidential to all civilian employees and their family members and is there for all of life’s challenges, big and small, with a goal of alleviating their concerns.

“It can be a huge challenge to keep one’s professional duties in line while also dealing with personal responsibilities,” said Beverly Price, Wing Staff Agency community support coordinator. “More importantly it’s crucial to have access to resources that can provide support and proper guidance.”

EAP provides financial, legal services and counseling services, health and wellness orientations, supervisor and risk management consultations and crisis responses. All is done in confidentiality, except in life-threatening situations, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is similar to the Airmen’s Military One Source.

“You can meet or speak with a licensed EAP counselor at your convenience,” said Price. “No matter what the issue relates to whether it be work, relationships, family, health, finances, or even substance abuse the EAP is here to help.”

EAP works with management and supervisors providing advanced planning for situations, such as organizational changes, legal considerations, emergency planning and response to unique traumatic events.

“Civilians are an important part of our total force,” said Price. ”The goal is to make sure that they understand how vital they are. ‘EAP says we care, just call.’”

There will be an EAP Employee Orientation Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. or 2-3 p.m. at the Base Auditorium. The orientation will provide an overview of services that focuses on the nature of EAP as a voluntary, confidential and free benefit to employees, family members, and supervisors.

There will also be an EAP Educational Seminar Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017 from 9:30-10:30 am at the Airman and Family Readiness Center large classroom, building 350. The seminar covers common causes of stress, how to recognize stress signals and successful strategies for managing stress when it occurs.

For more information call 1-800-222-0364 or visit FOH4You.com. Price can be contacted at 719-556-6768.