Waupaca Foundry Plant 4 in Marinette County has earned recognition as a Recovery Friendly Workplace, demonstrating its commitment to supporting employees in recovery and fostering a healthier, more inclusive work environment.
The Recovery Friendly Workplace 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 Recovery Friendly Workplace 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.
“Our commitment to the Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative aligns with Waupaca Foundry’s values of supporting our employees and the community,” said Phil Eatherton, Plant 4 Human Resources Manager. “We are recognizing the potential in everyone and offering second chances to those who need it most.”
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.
“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.
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.
