Empowering employment by improving
retention and productivity

Southwest Michigan ERN - SWMERN (Calhoun - April)

Founded: 2011

1025% Employer ROI

 

2478 Delivered Case Needs

 

1142 Unique Employees Served

 

13.8% Employee Utilization

 

Source: 2023 ERN USA Annual KPI Report

 

Services

Onsite Success Coaching

The core of the ERN model is onsite confidential Success Coaching that employees can access on a predictable, ongoing basis - no more wasted hours in social services offices. Success Coaches offer direct connection to community resources for any challenges they are facing at work or at home. Employees who face a crisis from lack of resources can get immediate, personal relief at the workplace. Training and advanced education for work-based skills or life skills can be focused goals along with barrier reduction. Services are available to all ERN member employees. Success Coaches accommodate all shifts with off-site locations and alternate meeting times available upon request.

SWMERN Video: April Gordon, Success Coach

SWMERN Success Coach, April Hall, highlights the benefits and opportunities of success coaching for SWMERN member employees and employers.

Bronson SWMERN Success Coach Video

SWMERN Success Coaches, April Hall and Betsy Sanchez highlight the benefits and opportunities of success coaching for Bronson employees.

Hardship Loan & Savings Program

Partners: Kalsee Credit Union & Southwest Michigan First

Purpose: The Bridge Loan provides a financial resource for the Success Coach and clients, allowing the coach to connect clients to fair and reputable lending. These loans help clients overcome financial burdens that may be negatively impacting their life including auto repairs, credit repair, payday lending traps, appliance purchases, debt, and family emergencies. It is offered as a last resort for employees facing a financial emergency.

Savings Component: The loan includes a savings component which requires a $10 per week deposit into a savings account. The savings commitment is added to the loan repayment amount, which is placed into a savings account that does not allow withdrawals until the loan is paid in full. At the end of the payment plan, the client will accumulate over $520 in savings. Upon pay-off, the client is encouraged to continue the habit of savings. This not only teaches the client the importance of saving, but also acts as a safety net for the bank/credit union. If an employee is terminated while in payments, the savings account is released back for the lending institution to cover any unpaid remaining portion of the loan.

Medical Crisis: Signing Up for Public Assistance

Get inspired by other employees' success stories! Tammy contacted her Success Coach about her grand-daughter, Remi and the difficult time they were having at home. Remi was diagnosed with cortical dysplasia and epilepsy with up to 20 seizures a day. Her daughter-in-law, Cierra, had to quit working to care for Remi. Remi’s father, Fred, works full-time. Cierra was trying to make contact with the Social Security Office and DHHS to get public assistance for Remi, but she kept getting the 'cookie cutter' answer of “someone will get back with you shortly." Funds and patience were running thin. Remi and her family moved in with Cierra's parents to save money. Tammy and her husband were even taking on some of Cierra and Fred's monthly bills. The Success Coach connected Cierra to Lisa Stanley directly from the Disability Network. Lisa met with Cierra within a week and helped the family apply for all of their public assistance needs. Remi underwent brain surgery at U of M, came home on June 29, and is doing well.

Employer Members-Investors

Strategic Partners