With mix of collaboration and education, Support Service Panel provides Picatinny Arsenal employees with overview of available resources

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - Amid the swirl of rapid changes affecting federal employees, more than a dozen subject matter experts from within Picatinny Arsenal recently gathered to present advice and expertise on a variety of topics.

“This event is not just about EAP (employee assistance program)” said Amy Gopel. “It’s about helping you connect with the people and programs that are here to guide you through life’s uncertainties, whatever they may be.”

Gopel is Picatinny Arsenal’s Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program Manager and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Coordinator, who sought out subject matter experts from multiple mission partner organizations at Picatinny to inform employees of programs and services available.

The panel presentation comes on the heels of various changes reverberating through the federal government, including multiple executive orders, delayed resignation programs, a DOD hiring freeze as well as other changes affecting the workforce.

The Picatinny Installation Community Alliance (PICA) Support Service Panel event was held on May 15 at the Lindner Conference Center. Organizations represented include the U.S. Army Garrison Picatinny Arsenal; U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center; Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division, Picatinny Detachment; and various other supporting agencies. Collaboration was the central theme. mind.

“As your Employee Assistance Program team, we have the privilege of walking alongside members of our workforce during both personal and professional challenges,” Gopel said.
“One of the most important things we've learned is that no one should have to face those challenges alone.”

Throughout the panel event, the leaders and subject matter experts answered questions from the audience and other panel members, creating an experience suffused with information and insight that may have generated more peace of mind for some.

Subject matter experts each briefly discussed who they are, what they do, and how to contact their respective offices. Throughout the presentation, quality of life programs and services available was a common theme for most.

Employees listened to brief presentations from the Religious Support Office; Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Directorate; Sexual Harassment and Assault/Response and Prevention Coordinator; Army Community Services; Equal Employment Opportunity; Family Advocacy Program; Wellness Program; Inspector General; Talent Management; and Garrison Security.

The panel of experts discussed ways to build connections to strengthen personal, family, and community relationships, while informing employees of items that may affect their security clearance or job status.

Increased quality-of-life is directly tied to increased Army readiness, and is critical to upholding the Army’s commitment to care for Soldiers, Army civilians and families.

Understanding and addressing challenges are crucial for military and civilian leaders and support services to enhance employees, servicemembers, and their families' overall quality of life.

Recent collaborations between various mission partners have helped to pave the way for quality-of-life programs to be shared Arsenal wide.

For instance, the religious support office’s commitment extends beyond spiritual and emotional needs. They assist during deployments, organize community events, and address community needs effectively.

During the panel, Chaplain Joseph Lawhorn discussed partnering with Armaments Center’s wellness program coordinator to offer no-cost training in suicide prevention and anger management. Lawhorn also said he offers confidential counseling and therapy sessions free of charge to employees who reach out to him.

Tony Ardolino, Marketing and Events Coordinator for Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, and Sandrea Goldfarb, Armaments Center Wellness Program Coordinator, each talked about clubs, activities, and services offered to employees and family members, some of which are free.

In other presentations, the Garrison Security Manager and Operations Security Officer, and Mark Borawski, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Inspector General, each tried to dispel myths that their functional areas are only sought out when employees find themselves in trouble.

Borawski detailed that his office rarely conducts investigations, serving more as an extension of the eyes, ears, voice and conscience of the commanding general, making recommendations to address and resolve any issues.

As the event culminated, Gopel informed the audience that she will be retiring after 30 years of federal service. As the EAP, she served as the intermediary between the panel members and employees in need of support services.

“Amy (Gopel) is an awesome catalyst for good things at Picatinny,” said Andrea Stevens, an Armaments Center program analyst at the event. “It was great for her to organize this because I didn’t know some of these services existed, or what they can offer. It’s good to know that people are out there to help and care with no judgement.”