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Kathleen M. Kielar, director of staff educational services, Student Academic Records and Financial Services, is chair of the Employee Assistance Program at UB.
What is the Employee Assistance Program?
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers faculty and staff, and their families, free wellness and referral services. We offer wellness programs, such as walking programs, as well as supervisory training and caregiver assistance. Beyond programming, EAP offers faculty, staff and their families free and confidential referral services on topics ranging from chemical dependency, financial assistance, grief and work/home related issues.
What types of problems, issues or concerns does EAP assist with?
Coordinators can assist staff, faculty and their families with just about any issue they may have. Common issues we deal with include grief, health issues, financial issues, work-related issues and legal issues.
Who is eligible for EAP services?
All staff, faculty, retirees and their families can take advantage of EAP.
Does EAP offer counseling?
We do not offer counseling, but refer clients to agencies in their communities that best meet the clients' needs.
EAP is offering two new programs. Tell me about them.
The first program is called Powerful Tools for Caregivers. It is a unique program in that it doesn't teach people how to be caregivers, but instead teaches the caregivers how they can take care of themselves. Emphasis is placed on balancing the caregivers' lives by identifying resources they can use, demonstrating methods to reduce stress and improving self-confidence. This six-week program is sponsored by the School of Public Health and Health Professions, EAP and the Erie County Department of Senior Services. Each of class session meets for 2 1/2 hours over six weeks (6 class sessions for a total of 15 hours). Anyone interested in registering for the class can call the Erie County Department of Senior Services at 858-2177.
The second program is the American Heart Association Walk. This is an attempt to get people to exercise. We all know that by exercising we feel healthier. It is a flexible program that will allow walkers to walk at their own pace-individually or in a group. EAP will provide participants with walking guides, trails and other incentives. More information about both programs can be found on the EAP Web site at http://wings.buffalo.edu/eap .
Have the issues raised by employees changed over the years?
I think that with the UB 2020 strategic plan, employees are excited about the changes that are coming at the university and have a great deal of energy to begin the many initiatives that have been announced. Of course, this will cause some anxiety about the changes that will occur. Many people will feel stressed, while others will be up to the challenge. In any case, I think the issues employees raise are not different, I just think they are accelerated.
How does one access help?
Anyone seeking assistance can contact one of our three coordinators-Barb Christy (829-2144), Valerie Williams (829-2231) or Neil McGillicuddy (887-2498)-or they can stop by our office in 156 Parker Hall, South Campus, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.