History of Employee & Family Resources
Throughout its significant history, the board and staff of Employee & Family Resources have endeavored to be guided by, and fulfill, the mission to deliver "solution-focused resources … enhancing lives one person at a time."
1964
Dorothea Tone & Anna Meredith identify a need for information and local resources to address alcoholism. They assemble concerned citizens and establish the Iowa Affiliate of the National Council on Alcoholism to provide alcohol information & advocacy services to the community. Its first Executive Director is John P. O'Neil. The organization's efforts are instrumental in establishing local treatment programs for alcoholism and alcohol abuse.
1975
The board of directors approves broadening the organization's mission to include mental health concerns. Working with community leaders, the organization hires its second Director, John E. Tapscott, and establish an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
1977
The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is created for students and families.
1979
The organization is awarded a contract by the Iowa Department of Substance Abuse for substance abuse prevention services throughout Polk County.
1980
The organization establishes centralized, independent substance abuse assessment and referral services that come to be used by the legal system, individuals and families.
1984
The EAP becomes national in scope through a network of clinical providers maintained by the organization.
1989
High risk, minority and refugee populations become a focus of the organization's service design and delivery system with the inception of Project Uplift.
1995
The board of directors hires Paul M. Hedquist as its new CEO. Later that year, the organization is selected to administer the nation's first public-funded substance abuse treatment managed care program, the Iowa Managed Substance Abuse Care Program, managing more than $22 million per year.
1996
Substance abuse intervention, assessment and referral services are taken on-site at juvenile corrections and court locations, and the Polk County jail. The same year, the organization assumes a key role in an innovative Drug Court program in Polk County. The organization’s name is changed to Employee & Family Resources (EFR), reflecting its broadened services and targeted recipients. Also in 1996, the Family Counseling Center merges with EFR, bringing to the organization its expertise in services for the Deaf and hard of hearing communities.
2003
EFR takes the lead in designing and implementing an internationally innovative, community-wide substance abuse treatment wait list service. The program measurably reduces the number of individuals who drop out of the system while on treatment waiting lists. EFR also develops a system of care principals to keep African American youth out of the juvenile justice system.
2004
EFR is awarded funding by United Way for low-income, Spanish language individual and family counseling.
2005
EFR establishes the nation's first underage possession of alcohol program that is based on the principles of restorative justice. In its first year, nearly 1,200 youth are referred to the program, which is being promoted to communities throughout the U.S.
2006
The organization develops and implements the nation’s first internet—and telephone—based holistic retirement coaching service, My Plan After 50®, based on the Eight Elements Essential for a Vibrant Life after 50®.
2007
The Employee & Family Resources Foundation is established as a supporting foundation for EFR. It receives 501(c)(3) recognition by the IRS. EFR itself submits a request for a redetermination of its 501(c)(3) status, based on new programs and services added since its original IRS ruling. The IRS issues an updated affirmation of the organization’s status as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
EFR becomes the owner and operator of KFMG 99.1 LP radio (www.kfmg991.org) which began airing in February. As "the voice of the community," the station increases awareness of issues that are commonly addressed by EFR and other charitable organizations, resulting in a healthier, safer and more productive community. Programming features the arts, literature, local entertainment, and live programming—all recognized as essential components of a healthy and well grounded community and lifestyle.
A Chief Development Officer position is created for EFR to assist in expanding awareness of the organization, creating a donor base and developing an endowment fund within the Foundation.