Southwest Michigan Employer Resource Network

13/01/2026

We're so grateful for our amazing Success Coaches like Tamara Angle! Tamara's walking alongside individuals through it all, making a real difference in our community. Thanks for your dedication, Tamara! 🙌

Meet Tamara Angle, ERN® Success Coach with Southwest Michigan Employer Resource Network, who's changing lives one conversation at a time. Thanks, Tamara, for making a real difference!

Read more: https://www.upjohn.org/erns-tamara-angle-removes-barriers-changes-lives?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnIMKvc0tr00vC03T2RByEanZLsMvjlDYNDb8wV0XU3LP0tdN3eqlXixaQ_O_aem_OZLTkonD_NSnJNcZKoqdsw

02/01/2026

Our latest ERN® Success Coach Connections Newsletter is out! 🌟 Financial empowerment is here - get Free VITA Tax prep, budget brainstorming tips, and join the 52-week savings challenge! Success Coaches are helping employees set goals for stability and financial control. See your Success Coach for:
- Financial planning support
- Tips to boost savings
- Help setting stability goals

Read the full newsletter and take control of your finances:
Success Coach:
April Gordonhttps://ern-usa.com/application/files/4817/6608/3454/Jan_-_March_2026_Newsletter_April_Gordon.pdf
Betsy Sanchezhttps://ern-usa.com/application/files/5517/6608/3394/Jan_-_March_2026_Newsletter_Betsy_Sanchez.pdf
Tamara Anglehttps://ern-usa.com/application/files/2817/6608/3366/Jan_-_March_2026_Newsletter_Tamara_Angle.pdf
Barb Wisehttps://ern-usa.com/application/files/4817/6608/3523/Jan_-_March_2026_Newsletter_Barb_Wise.pdf

10/12/2025

Demand of food assistance has increased 20-30% across our region. 30 food pantries in MI have closed due to insufficient resources to serve the growing number of families, in line making this the most challenging hunger crisis in more than 40 years. Duncan Aviation has come up with an innovative way to help their employees with the Lift Pantry. For the crew by the crew .

23/10/2025

Our latest ERN® Success Coach Connections Newsletter is out now! After tackling immediate needs with challenges at work and home, long-term goal setting, training, and skill development can be powerful next steps. We agree with Carrie Bolton, Success Coach (Tompkins County ERN), in that "a stable personal life creates a strong professional foundation." See your Success Coach for Self-Development opportunities and discover:

- Going beyond "surviving to thriving"
- How Success Coaching can help you achieve your goals
- Tips for tackling overwhelming tasks and finding support

Read the full newsletter here:
April Gordon, Success Coach:https://ern-usa.com/application/files/7717/6133/1267/Oct_-_Dec_2025_Newsletter_April_Gordon.pdf
Tamara Angle, Success Coach:https://ern-usa.com/application/files/4317/6133/1301/Oct_-_Dec_2025_Newsletter_Tamara_Angle.pdf
Betsy Sanches, Success Coach:https://ern-usa.com/application/files/8217/6133/1320/Oct_-_Dec_2025_Newsletter_Betsy_Sanchez.pdf
Barb Wise, Success Coach:https://ern-usa.com/application/files/8917/6133/1352/Oct_-_Dec_2025_Newsletter_Barb_Wise.pdf

23/10/2025

Not only do we as Success Coaches help break down barriers, but we also step up to help in times of need - such as organizing and supporting a job fair. After 49 years, MEC is closing their plants, but we will be here to support their staff until they close their doors! SWMERN®

21/10/2025

We're thrilled to share that Southwest Michigan ERN has received a grant award from the Branch Community Foundation! This funding will provide wrap-around services to ERN® member employees in the area for important needs such as transportation, housing, and childcare. We're thankful for the support of the Branch Community Foundation and look forward to making an even bigger impact within member companies and the community!

Wrap-around services are a person-centered approach to supporting individuals, providing tailored resources and support to address their unique needs and circumstances. Through resource navigation and coaching, ERN Success Coaches work closely with employees to identify their specific needs, develop personalized plans, and connect them with local resources and support, empowering them to overcome employment barriers and achieve stability and success in their personal and professional lives.

A huge thank you to our amazing Success Coaches who work tirelessly to support our employer partners and their employees every day! Your dedication and expertise are the driving force behind our success. And a special shoutout to Kelli Adams, our ERN Administrator, for her exceptional work in securing this grant and leading our efforts in Branch County! We're grateful for your leadership and expertise.

We're thankful for the support of the Branch Community Foundation and look forward to making a positive impact in our community.

12/09/2025

https://battlecreekpodcast.com/community-matters-153-success-coach-helping-local-employees-be-better-workers/
Please take a listen to ERN Director Kelli Adams and Success Coach April Gordon as they explain how important it is to have a Success Coach at your place of Business and the impact it has on the Employees and the culture of your Business too!

April Gordon has a cool title: Success Coach. The concept is to help employees with everyday challenges – which can have an impact on their job performance. Doing so, April says, improves retention and work performance. The service is part of the national Employer Resource Network (ERN) and is adm...

26/08/2025

Numbers tell a story! In 2024, ERN Success Coaches nationally assisted 5,699 employees and helped them access over $509,973 in resources, making a measurable impact on member employees' stability and well-being. Need support? Your Success Coach is here to help you thrive - reach out today! Check your member company's onsite schedule:

Battle Creek:https://ern-usa.com/application/files/4617/5571/9664/July_-_September_2025_Newsletter_April_Gordon.pdf

Kalamazoo - Tamara Angel:https://ern-usa.com/application/files/6217/5571/9440/July_-_September_2025_Newsletter_Tamara_Angle.pdf

Kalamazoo Betsy Sanchez:https://ern-usa.com/application/files/3917/5571/9490/July_-_September_2025_Newsletter_Betsy_Sanchez.pdf

St. Joseph:https://ern-usa.com/application/files/7617/5571/9564/July_-_September_2025_Newsletter_Barb_Wise.pdf

20/05/2025

In the April-June ERN Success Coach Connections Newsletter, Success Coaches urge employees to seek onsite assistance early for solutions to health needs, scams and summer childcare. Don't let the stress of these issues and having to resolve off-site jeopardize your job.

See your ERN Success Coach today!

Each Success Coach has their own edition with company/schedule listing:
April Gordon:https://ern-mi.com/application/files/6417/4776/6084/April_June_2025_Newsletter_April_Gordon.pdf
Barb Wise:https://ern-mi.com/application/files/6417/4776/5975/April-June_2025_Newsletter_Barb_Wise.pdf
Betsy Sanchez:https://ern-mi.com/application/files/6817/4776/6034/April-June_2025_Newsletter_Betsy_Sanchez.pdf
Tamara Angle:https://ern-mi.com/application/files/2117/4776/6127/April_June_2025_Newsletter_April_Gordon.pdf

11/03/2025

As employees grow concerned over social service cuts, ERN Success Coaches provide stress relief in tax refund planning, budgeting, community resourcing, and addressing home stress while juggling for success. ERN Success Coach Connections Newsletter provides a connection to the Success Coach with free and confidential assistance at the workplace.

Each Success Coach has their own edition with company/schedule listing:

April Gordon:https://ern-mi.com/application/files/5917/4171/5306/Jan-March_2025_Newsletter_April_Gordon.pdf

Barb Wise:https://ern-mi.com/application/files/7117/4171/5248/Jan-March_2025_Newsletter_Barb_Wise.pdf

Betsy Sanchez:https://ern-mi.com/application/files/8017/4171/5389/Jan-March_2025_Newsletter_Betsy_Sanchez.pdf

Diana Easter:https://ern-mi.com/application/files/3517/4171/5431/Jan-March_2025_Newsletter_Diana_Easter.pdf

26/11/2024

In the November/December“ Success Coach Connections” newsletter, plan ahead this year – VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) appointments open up the first part of January and fill-up quickly. Try the ERN USA 52 Week Savings Challenge with just $1.00 the first week! Don’t forget - the holidays can be difficult – if stress or holiday blues are getting you down – your success coach is available onsite, even if you just need someone to talk to about life. Stop and say hello, text, or call.

ERN Success Coaches:
Barb Wise:https://ern-mi.com/application/files/9717/3265/5333/Nov_-_Dec_2024_Newsletter_Barb_Wise.11.26.24.pdf
April Gordon:https://ern-mi.com/application/files/5717/3265/5431/Nov_-_Dec_2024_Newsletter_April_Gordon.11.26.24.pdf
Betsy Sanchez:https://ern-mi.com/application/files/1317/3265/5293/Nov_-_Dec_2024_Newsletter_Betsy_Sanchez.11.26.24.pdf
Diana Easter:https://ern-mi.com/application/files/2517/3265/5373/Nov_-_Dec__2024_Newsletter_Diana_Easter.11.26.24.pdf

30/09/2024

In the September/October “Success Coach Connections” newsletter, learn about new ERN trainings offered onsite including, “Strategies for Successful Employment” and a series of Business trainings Leadership (for new supervisors and managers) provided by ERN Success Coaches. The trainings are free and onsite. Read about how two employees had success with their Success Coach (transportation and medical bill relief) – give success coaching a try for assistance with any challenge or goal, at home or at work.

Each Success Coach has their own edition with company/schedule listing:

Barb Wise: https://ern-mi.com/application/files/1917/2770/6959/Sept_-_Oct_2024_Newsletter_Barb_Wise.9.25.24.pdf

Betsy Sanchez:https://ern-mi.com/application/files/4617/2770/7214/Sept_-_Oct_2024_Newsletter_Betsy_Sanchez.9.25.24.pdf

Diana Easter: https://ern-mi.com/application/files/5217/2770/7330/Sept_-_Oct__2024_Newsletter_Diana_Easter.9.25.24.pdf

April Gordon: https://ern-mi.com/application/files/3517/2770/7010/Sept_-_Oct_2024_Newsletter_April_Gordon.9.25.24.pdf