In February 2019 United Way of Rutland County partnered with Goodwill of Northern New England to establish the Employee Life Navigator Program. Employee Life Navigators (ELN) are skilled professionals who are equipped to help with the kinds of issues so many of us face: unreliable transportation, childcare, housing, medical concerns, etc. The ELN is a Goodwill of Northern New England staff member who is positioned within Rutland County workplaces as a case management/life coach helping employees address life challenges impacting employment. ELNs assess each case and the support services needed, and coordinates referrals to existing community programs. They assist each employee in developing and carrying out a personal plan to address their life barriers, build and maintain partnerships with lead and secondary partners in the community, and provide assistance with seeking growth opportunities and strengthening workplace successes.

After an initial investment of $30,000 by United Way and with generous support from the Vermont Community Foundation, the current program is established and self-sustaining at Casella Waste Management, Rutland Regional Medical Center, and Vermont Country Stores. Contact UWRC today if your business is interested in implementing this program for your employees!

If you would like to learn more about Goodwill Northern New England’s work/life model of services that seeks to bring people to personal stability, visit their website at www.goodwillnne.org.