Oceana Lakeshore Employer Resource Network

The Oceana Lakeshore Employer Resource Network (ERN) is a network of local employers who come together to respond to issues like turnover, productivity, training, and employer retention. Created in 2016, the ERN continues to work with Oceana County’s workforce to mutually support each other’s success. The Foundation provided leadership in convening partners to form the ERN, assisted with developing a 2-year co-funding strategy to help initial member costs, and provided seed grant funding. The ERN strives to improve communities by supporting local employers in retaining an engaged, skilled workforce. They additionally support nonprofits and their programs’ outcomes to advance community economic independence.

Network members include:  

  • Country Dairy  
  • Oceana County Medical Care Facility
  • Rivers Ace
  • Shelby State Bank  

Strategic partners include: 

  • ERN-USA  
  • Oceana Community Foundation 
  • Michigan Career Technical Institute
  • Michigan Department of Health & Human Services
  • MI Works! West Central
  • Oceana Hispanic Center
  • Oceana County Economic Alliance
  • United Way of the Lakeshore-Oceana

The heart of the ERN model is onsite, confidential Success Coaching that employees can access on a predictable, ongoing basis. No more wasted hours in social services offices; Success Coaches offer direct connection and access to community resources. Employees who face a crisis from lack of resources can get immediate, personal relief, onsite. Services are available to all employees in the member companies. Success Coaches accommodate all shifts with off-site locations and alternate meeting times available upon request. Oceana’s success coach is bilingual and is contracted via the Oceana Hispanic Center.

Another ERN service is the Bridge Loan program, which allows the coach to connect clients to fair and reputable lending. These loans help clients overcome financial burdens that may be negatively impacting their life including auto repairs, credit repair, payday lending traps, appliance purchases, debt, and family emergencies. The loan program also includes a savings component of $10 per week into a savings account, not accessible until the loan is paid in full. Upon pay-off, the client is encouraged to continue the habit of savings. Shelby State Bank services the Bridge Loan program at  supportive  interest rates.

You can help the Foundation lead initiatives like the ERN by supporting our Administrative Fund here.

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Read early. Read often.

Together with community partners, we initiated Read early. Read often. to better prepare our children for success in learning and in life.

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