Albuquerque Public Schools
A Valuable Resource for Managing Life's Challenges
In her weekly message, Superintendent Blakey highlights the APS Employee Assistance Program, which provides free, confidential counseling, financial information and expert guidance to all employees and their immediate family members.
We’re living in extraordinary times.
We can have dinner from our favorite restaurant delivered right to our home, place an Amazon order at midnight and have it on our doorstep when we wake up, and even train artificial intelligence to curate our emails to let us know what needs our immediate attention and what can wait a few hours.
Amid all this “efficiency” and convenience is often that dreaded feeling that our fast-paced lives are out of control and that no matter what we do, we’re never going to catch up.
The fact is that many of us are juggling demanding jobs, spouses, families and pets that need our attention, elderly parents we want to be there for and a host of other responsibilities that add up. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, particularly this time of year as we enter the final stretch of the school year.
And while I don’t have a silver bullet to keep the stress at bay, I do want to make you aware of an incredible program that Albuquerque Public Schools offers to all employees and their immediate family members at no charge.
The APS Employee Assistance Program is here for you and your family 24/7. It offers free, confidential help, including in-person and virtual counseling, expert advice and tools to help you navigate whatever life throws your way. The services are provided by ComPsych Guidance Resources.
They can help with everything from marital, relationship and family problems to stress, anxiety and depression. They can also help with grief and loss, job pressures and substance misuse disorders.
Too often we let embarrassment or fear get in the way of seeking the help we need. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed or are struggling with any of the issues I mentioned, you should give it a try.
It’s OK to ask for help.
The Employee Assistance Program offers more than free counseling and therapy.
ComPsych has experts who can do the research for you and provide referrals and customized resources for everything from child and elder care to college planning and even home repair.
Among the expertise they offer:
- Legal guidance: The GuidanceResources program gives you access to an attorney to help with a range of legal issues. That includes answering your questions about divorce, custody, adoption, real estate, debt and bankruptcy, landlord or tenant issues, and civil and criminal actions.
- Financial information: Financial planners are available to help you navigate debt management, tax issues, budgeting and other financial issues.
- Interactive digital tools: The self-care app, KOA Care360, offers access to guided health programs and tools that can help you improve sleep or tackle anxiety, depression and stress.
As employees of APS, you have access to all of these resources right now. And it won’t cost you anything to tap into them.
We invest in these services because we care about you, our employees, and want you to be at your best for our students and your families.
Have a great weekend!
To access ComPsych GuidanceResource® services:
- Call the toll-free number at 800-497-9088.
- Register with GuidanceResources® online at www.guidanceresources.com and enter the APS Company WebID: APSEAP
- Choose the role group that most closely aligns with your position at APS. For family members, choose the APS employee role group. Your designation (ie, spouse, child) will be captured later.
- Download the GuidanceNow™ app for fast and easy access to all your ComPsych resources. Use the same APS WebID: APSEAP