Marinette Plant Sets Standard for Recovery-Friendly Workplace
Megan Mulholland | Waupaca FoundryBuilding a stable and fulfilling life is a goal everyone deserves the chance to pursue, including individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. However, in Marinette County, Wisconsin —a community grappling with some of the state’s highest rates of drunk driving deaths and substance abuse—this is a particularly steep uphill climb. The opioid death rate in the county stands at 14.6 per 100,000 people, and opioid-related hospital admissions outpace those in the broader Northeast Wisconsin region, according to the University of Wisconsin Extension. Finding and maintaining employment is often one of the biggest hurdles for the sizable population of individuals in recovery. Gaps in work history, education, and lack of structure or support create formidable barriers, leaving many struggling to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities.
Waupaca Foundry Plant 4 has earned recognition as a Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW), demonstrating its commitment to supporting employees in recovery and fostering a healthier, more inclusive work environment.
The RFW initiative was developed through a partnership between Biehl Bridges to Recovery, a peer-run substance use recovery center, and the University of Wisconsin Extension’s Health and Well-Being Institute. The program empowers employers to reduce stigma, promote understanding, and implement inclusive practices that support employees in recovery. It offers both in-person training and a toolkit with best practices for supporting employees with substance use disorders and those in recovery. The program also refers job seekers in recovery to recovery-certified workplaces, fostering meaningful employment opportunities.
Waupaca Foundry achieved a bronze certification through this initiative and is the largest employer to become RFW certified, according to Beka Bussineau, peer recovery coach at Biehl Bridges to Recovery.
The program gained momentum in 2022 when Biehl Bridges to Recovery and the University of Wisconsin Madison Extension secured a three-year community impact grant from the Wisconsin Partnership Program. The grant aims to improve employment outcomes for people in recovery as well as promote a culture of recovery and support in the workplace.
A Commitment to Second Chances
“Our commitment to the Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative aligns with Waupaca Foundry’s values of supporting our employees and the community,” shared Phil Eatherton, Plant 4 Human Resources Manager. “We are recognizing the potential in everyone and offering second chances to those who need it most.”
“The commitment the management of Waupaca Foundry has to the well-being of its employees and their dedication to community at large is evident in their practices and we are grateful for their ongoing support,” Bussineau said.
Training and Resources
Waupaca Foundry’s Human Resources, Health & Safety, and leadership teams completed training provided by Biehl Bridges to Recovery. The certification acknowledges Waupaca Foundry’s training, policies, and resources that ensure employees feel valued and empowered to succeed, such as:
Why It Matters
Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) affects families, workplaces and entire communities, making it a critical issue for employers to address. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 70% of adults with alcohol or drug use disorders are employed, underscoring the vital role of workplace support. Research from Recovery Centers of America reveals that employees in recovery save their employers an average of $4,000 in turnover costs and $8,400 in lost productivity annually.
“When we support those in recovery and their families, we’re creating a stronger, healthier workforce. This initiative is about more than just policies; it’s about building a culture of understanding and respect,” Eatherton said.
Inspiring Change
“Waupaca Foundry’s leadership as a Recovery Friendly Workplace is a testament to the positive impact businesses can have on their communities,” Bussineau said. “They’re not just setting a standard but actively contributing to a healthier Marinette County. We hope the example they are setting for other manufacturing employers may spur them to engage in this free RFW certification process.”
Other organizations in the region, including Qualheim's True Value of Shawano, Biehl Bridges to Recovery, Anthony House, and the Marinette campus of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College are RFW-certified. Bussineau noted that several businesses have begun the certification process.
Businesses interested in creating recovery-friendly workplaces can visit Recovery Friendly Workplace to learn more about the program and how to get started.
Looking Ahead
Waupaca Foundry is actively exploring opportunities to reach silver-level certification. Plans include offering training programs to all employees and incorporating recovery-focused practices at workplace events. The ductile iron casting supplier remains committed to supporting local recovery courts and other initiatives that promote long-term success for individuals in recovery. These partnerships not only strengthen the workplace but also create meaningful second chances for many in the community.
A Stronger Workplace, A Stronger Community
With its Recovery Friendly Workplace designation, Waupaca Foundry is leading by example, demonstrating how businesses can cultivate environments that uplift employees and strengthen community connections. By embracing recovery-focused practices, the Foundry is paving the way for a brighter future for its employees, their families, and the Marinette community as a whole.
#award
#community
Waupaca Foundry Plant 4 has earned recognition as a Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW), demonstrating its commitment to supporting employees in recovery and fostering a healthier, more inclusive work environment.
The RFW initiative was developed through a partnership between Biehl Bridges to Recovery, a peer-run substance use recovery center, and the University of Wisconsin Extension’s Health and Well-Being Institute. The program empowers employers to reduce stigma, promote understanding, and implement inclusive practices that support employees in recovery. It offers both in-person training and a toolkit with best practices for supporting employees with substance use disorders and those in recovery. The program also refers job seekers in recovery to recovery-certified workplaces, fostering meaningful employment opportunities.
Waupaca Foundry achieved a bronze certification through this initiative and is the largest employer to become RFW certified, according to Beka Bussineau, peer recovery coach at Biehl Bridges to Recovery.
The program gained momentum in 2022 when Biehl Bridges to Recovery and the University of Wisconsin Madison Extension secured a three-year community impact grant from the Wisconsin Partnership Program. The grant aims to improve employment outcomes for people in recovery as well as promote a culture of recovery and support in the workplace.
A Commitment to Second Chances
“Our commitment to the Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative aligns with Waupaca Foundry’s values of supporting our employees and the community,” shared Phil Eatherton, Plant 4 Human Resources Manager. “We are recognizing the potential in everyone and offering second chances to those who need it most.”
“The commitment the management of Waupaca Foundry has to the well-being of its employees and their dedication to community at large is evident in their practices and we are grateful for their ongoing support,” Bussineau said.
Training and Resources
Waupaca Foundry’s Human Resources, Health & Safety, and leadership teams completed training provided by Biehl Bridges to Recovery. The certification acknowledges Waupaca Foundry’s training, policies, and resources that ensure employees feel valued and empowered to succeed, such as:
- Policies like drug screening and reasonable suspicion testing.
- An Employee Assistance Program offering confidential support.
- Wallet cards with contact information for local resources, including crisis hotlines, food pantries, domestic violence shelters, and veteran services.
Why It Matters
Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) affects families, workplaces and entire communities, making it a critical issue for employers to address. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 70% of adults with alcohol or drug use disorders are employed, underscoring the vital role of workplace support. Research from Recovery Centers of America reveals that employees in recovery save their employers an average of $4,000 in turnover costs and $8,400 in lost productivity annually.
“When we support those in recovery and their families, we’re creating a stronger, healthier workforce. This initiative is about more than just policies; it’s about building a culture of understanding and respect,” Eatherton said.
Inspiring Change
“Waupaca Foundry’s leadership as a Recovery Friendly Workplace is a testament to the positive impact businesses can have on their communities,” Bussineau said. “They’re not just setting a standard but actively contributing to a healthier Marinette County. We hope the example they are setting for other manufacturing employers may spur them to engage in this free RFW certification process.”
Other organizations in the region, including Qualheim's True Value of Shawano, Biehl Bridges to Recovery, Anthony House, and the Marinette campus of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College are RFW-certified. Bussineau noted that several businesses have begun the certification process.
Businesses interested in creating recovery-friendly workplaces can visit Recovery Friendly Workplace to learn more about the program and how to get started.
Looking Ahead
Waupaca Foundry is actively exploring opportunities to reach silver-level certification. Plans include offering training programs to all employees and incorporating recovery-focused practices at workplace events. The ductile iron casting supplier remains committed to supporting local recovery courts and other initiatives that promote long-term success for individuals in recovery. These partnerships not only strengthen the workplace but also create meaningful second chances for many in the community.
A Stronger Workplace, A Stronger Community
With its Recovery Friendly Workplace designation, Waupaca Foundry is leading by example, demonstrating how businesses can cultivate environments that uplift employees and strengthen community connections. By embracing recovery-focused practices, the Foundry is paving the way for a brighter future for its employees, their families, and the Marinette community as a whole.
We use cookies and other tracking technologies to personalize content and analyze our site traffic. More information about this is in our Privacy Policy. You can control third party cookies by adjusting your browser settings.