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                          October 24, 2003

West Point's ADCO chief wins award

By Kathy Eastwood
Staff Writer

Apprehension and doubt are having an affect on many community members here.

Some are worried about losing their jobs to outsourcing and reduction-in-force initiatives. Some are experiencing substance abuse problems and family problems. Still others are worried about overseas deployment.

Any or all of these stresses can reduce the focus and productivity of West Point workforce members.

The Employee Assistance Program provides advice and help to those who may be feeling overwhelmed.

"The EAP provides confidential screening and assessment, counseling and referral services," said John Capen, EAP coordinator. The services are available for civilians, military, retirees and their adult family members who may be experiencing problems.

Capen said that includes those who have to start new jobs because of the changing face of civil service.

"We help employees adjust to possible job changes, which can have an emotional and stressful impact on them," he explained.

EAP also deals with disciplinary problems, such as anger management, Capen added.

"We try to get to the bottom of a situation and offer choices that may help the employee as well as the employer or supervisor," he explained. "We may refer them to the Army Community Center which has anger management classes.

"It depends on the situation," he added.

George Chagalis, director of the Army Center for Substance Abuse Programs, recently awarded Capen the 2003 Employee Assistance Program Coordinator of the year award. The award recognizes "outstanding performance of duties in support of the Army substance abuse program at the installation level worldwide."

For Capen, the recognition is wonderful, but his main goal is to help people cope with whatever life is handing them.

"Our goal is to have employees restored to full function, with the use of short-term assessment and referrals, to help them to lead a life of well-being in support of mission readiness," he said.

For information on the EAP, call 938-2462 or 2912.