Message from the WLC Coordinator
It has been an exhilarating first full year of service for me at the Work+Life
Connections (WLC) program. Over the last twelve months I had the
opportunity to work with employees, faculty,
sponsored dependents, children and retirees
from all walks of life and at least eight different
countries! During the past year I lso had the
opportunity to visit with and present to several
departments and colleges across campus.
WLC offers voluntary, confidential individual
counseling for employees, their family members
and sponsored dependents. The overwhelming
majority of people were seeking assistance for issues related to stress, both
at home and work. Their stress related to financial matters, conflict with a
co-worker or supervisor, parenting and relationships. Other reasons people
sought assistance were anxiety, depression and drug and/or alcohol use by
family members or self. I also spoke with people about grief and managing
mental illness.
WLC provides counseling for groups of employees experiencing the loss of
a co-worker, downsizing or other collective trauma. I also facilitate support
groups for specific issues. The most popular group in 2010 was Parenting
Teens and Tweens where parents met to share experiences, develop additional
parenting strategies and learn to “live with the alien that has invaded” the teen or pre-teen in their life. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren was
introduced for those parenting the “second time around.”
Five supervisors invited me to present the “Reframing Stress” workshop
to their department or unit. Each department leader noticed different
manifestations of stress in his/her group and wanted to help in some way. I
tailored each presentation and as a result, several people requested personal
consultations.
The office developed some good partnerships as some of these groups have
referred people to WLC’s services. I’d like to thank on-campus programs
including the Office of International Affairs, Outpatient Psychiatry, REFER,
the VIP Center, Health and Wellness, Disability Connect, Elder Care and
the Benefits group for assisting as needed and accepting referrals. Off campus
services were offered by Cathedral of Christ the King, Black Church
Coalition, God’s Pantry, Catholic Social Services and Southland Church as well as The Ridge and different 12-step programs.
I also met many employees while participating in the following campus
events: New Employee Orientation, Staff Appreciation Day, Benefits Open
Enrollment, Women’s Forum and various events during National Work and
Family Month and National Family Caregivers Month.
Contact Ann Bassoni:
- Phone: (859) 257-9433
- e-mail: ann.bassoni@uky.edu
(updated 04/04/11, Melanie Justice, e-mail melaniefjustice@uky.edu)
Request a free consultation
Contact Work+Life Connections today:
- (859) 218-0461
