Happy New Year to all EAPA members.  I look forward to the new and exciting things that each of us will experience as we work together in the Northern Ohio Chapter (NOC) of EAPA.  I believe that our Program Committee has gotten us off to a wonderful start, this year, with the exciting programs they put together to take us through 2008.  Hats off to them.

The NOC has had struggles during the past year, however, by keeping our eyes on the prize, by staying focused on our mission statement we were able to meet of the goals set for our chapter.  We were also able to rise above by continuing to work together and by communicating more effectively on all levels from our Executive Board, Board of Directors and to our membership.

NOC EAPA MISSION STATEMENT:  “To promote the highest standards of practice and the continuing development of the Employee Assistance Professional and growth of the Employee Assistance Profession.” 

Goals:

• To increase NOC – EAPA membership (while retaining current members)
• To increase volunteer participation in NOC – EAPA (committee level)
• To establish a NOC Labor Committee
• To improve / enhance communication (E-Board and membership levels)
• To increase awareness of the value of the Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP) credential

God is not looking for perfection - He is looking for progress.  I feel that we (the NOC Board, Committee Co-chairs and Committee Members) have done an exceptional job working to meet the goals set for our chapter during our monthly Board meetings.  I extend a “heartfelt thank you” to each person involved and I extend an open invitation for others to join as we work on our 2008 goals.

Please join us on the third Friday of every month for our membership meetings (except the month of March 2008) with the Board meetings to follow.

Something exciting is going on – NOC is offering two special workshops in 2008. Join the NOC as we present a “Spring Training – Capturing the Shadow”; a program designed to provide professionals a better understanding of themselves, so they may better support their clients.  The date has been set for May 09, 2008 from 9a.m until 4p.m (registration at 8:30a.m.).  For more information, contact NOC-EAPA at 216-491-4626.