Mary Black Foundation Expands Employee Assistance Program Access to Support Nonprofit Workers
Every day, nonprofit staff across Spartanburg County show up to do meaningful, challenging and deeply human work. The Mary Black Foundation is helping make sure the people behind that work have support, too.
In a recent newsletter story, the Foundation shared how it extended access to the Together SC Employee Assistance Program, or EAP, to a group of funded nonprofit partners as part of its broader commitment to supporting organizational and staff well-being. The opportunity was offered to 18 funded partners with revenues of $2 million or less. At the beginning of the year, 13 organizations enrolled through the Foundation’s plan at no additional cost to them, representing more than 115 full-time and part-time nonprofit employees.
An Employee Assistance Program is a voluntary, employer-paid benefit that provides confidential, short-term support services for employees and members of their households. The Mary Black Foundation’s plan includes counseling sessions, financial and legal consultations, referrals and case management support, and resources related to parenting, caregiving, career development, health and well-being.
For smaller nonprofits, offering benefits like these can be difficult because of cost, capacity or administrative barriers. By extending access through its existing plan, the Foundation created a simple, meaningful way to support the people doing important work across Spartanburg County.
“The Mary Black Foundation looks to support our many nonprofit partners with resources beyond our grantmaking dollars,” said Mary Black Foundation President & CEO Molly Talbot-Metz. “This includes capacity building, offering training, convening, and advocacy for our sector.”
Talbot-Metz shared that the idea came after learning about foundations in other communities offering EAP access to funded partners. She then explored the option with the Foundation’s benefits provider through Together SC.
“It is a small benefit that can provide big impact for an employee that needs additional support or resources,” she said.
At Together SC, we are proud to see members like the Mary Black Foundation using their benefits in creative, community-centered ways that strengthen the nonprofit sector. This story is a powerful example of how nonprofits get it done through philanthropy, partnership and practical support can come together to care for the people who care for our communities.
Learn more about Together SC member benefits, including Employee Assistance Program options, through your Member Compass or by contacting the Together SC team.
Read Mary Black Foundation's full blog.