Employee & Family Resources

08/22/2025

Since August 11th, we have been seeing clients for substance abuse evaluations on a walk-in basis at our downtown Des Moines office at 505 5th Avenue, Suite 600. Clients will be seen on a first come, first served basis. If you have any questions, please call: 515-243-4200.

EFR’s substance abuse evaluations are accepted by the Iowa Court System, Department of Human Services (DHS), and the Department of Transportation (DOT). You can find additional information on our website.

EFR offers confidential assessments and referrals by certified substance use disorder counselors.

08/22/2025

Workplace Wellness Tip: Try the “20-20-20” Rule

Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple practice helps reduce digital eye strain, improves focus, and gives your mind a quick reset during screen-heavy workdays.

08/15/2025

Members of our prevention team were in Washington DC for the National Prevention Network Conference. From left to right: Lauren, Jordan, Penny, and Barb. We appreciate the insights they've gained into how consistent outreach, emotional support, and meaningful connections help reduce mental health crises and promote resilience. We know they will bring these practices to our community.

08/13/2025

Wellness isn’t just physical health — it’s also about emotional and mental balance.

Tip: Encourage employees to take regular “brain breaks” to prevent burnout. Even 5 minutes of stepping away from a screen can make a difference.

08/13/2025

The end of summer is quickly approaching and school will be starting soon! Joe McQuerry, our Student Assistance Program Consultant was at South Middle School for the Waukee Community School District Resource fair. Joe was promoting our SAP program available to students and their families.

08/13/2025

Please remember that we will see clients for substance abuse evaluations on a walk-in basis at our downtown Des Moines office at 505 5th Avenue, Suite 600. Clients will be seen on a first come, first served basis. If you have any questions, please call: 515-243-4200.

EFR’s substance abuse evaluations are accepted by the Iowa Court System, Department of Human Services (DHS), and the Department of Transportation (DOT). You can find additional information on our website.

EFR offers confidential assessments and referrals by certified substance use disorder counselors.

08/11/2025

Are you a caregiver struggling with attending to your own self-care needs? In this episode of EFR’s Emotion Well Podcast, Melody Vachal, Amazon best-selling author, speaker, and caregiving advocate, shares her experiences on both sides of the caregiving journey—having spent many years as a primary caregiver to her son with special needs and then having to be the recipient of care after a serious car accident. She gives practical advice on how to carve out the mental, emotional, and physical spaces needed so caregivers can show up as the best versions of themselves to the people who rely on them. Link to the podcast is in the comments.

08/08/2025

Beginning on Monday, August 11, we will see clients for substance abuse evaluations on a walk-in basis at our downtown Des Moines office at 505 5th Avenue, Suite 600. Clients will be seen on a first come, first served basis. If you have any questions, please call: 515-243-4200.

EFR’s substance abuse evaluations are accepted by the Iowa Court System, Department of Human Services (DHS), and the Department of Transportation (DOT). You can find additional information on our website.

EFR offers confidential assessments and referrals by certified substance use disorder counselors.

08/08/2025

Volunteering doesn't just benefit the community, there are also benefits to individuals and organizations that promote volunteerism in the workplace. Click below to read our latest blog.

Leaders are always seeking ways to improve—not only themselves, but their teams, organizations, and the broader communities they touch. Sometimes this involves cutting costs, investing in leadership training, building a strong employer brand, or finding new ways to boost employee morale and engage...

08/04/2025

August is National Wellness Month!
Wellness is more than just workouts and smoothies—it’s about your emotional and social well-being too.

Prioritize your wellness. You deserve it.

07/31/2025

We’d like to extend our best wishes to our employees who celebrated a work anniversary in July! Our employees are our greatest strength and resource. Thank you for contributing to the mission and success of EFR!

✨ Haley Pederson, Substance Abuse Programs Director – 9 years
✨Jessica Streeter, Counseling Program Manager – 5 years
✨Damon Tucker, IT Specialist – 5 years
✨Bailey Buchman, Intake Specialist – 3 years
✨Lava Shralan-Schade, Substance Abuse Counselor – 3 years
✨Teresa Belden, Employer Services Manager – 2 years

07/30/2025

It's the International Day of Friendship! Looking for an easy way to improve your mood, reduce stress, and foster a sense of belonging? Spend some time with a friend. Healthy friendships provide us with social support systems, offer emotional comfort and encouragement....and most importantly, they are fun.

In our busy lives, how many times have you put off spending time with friends in order to take care of obligations? Take today as your sign to text or call a friend!