December 18, 2025
Sometimes, the most powerful support begins with simply being heard.
As Employer Resource Network® (ERN) Success Coach Tamara Angle puts it, “Often, people just need a listening ear.”
For one Greenleaf Hospitality employee, that listening ear became a lifeline.
After starting his role in early September, the employee was introduced to the ERN and Success Coach Tamara Angle during his onboarding. He recalled being “absolutely blown away by how much Greenleaf really wanted us to be successful.” Greenleaf Hospitality has been an ERN member company since 2011, an effort aimed at improving employee retention.
Through this introduction, the employee learned that ERN provides free, personalized support and coaching to help remove barriers that can interfere with work performance. From transportation and housing assistance to financial guidance and personal well-being resources, ERN coaches work closely with both employers and employees to ensure staff have the tools and support they need to succeed.
What began as a brief conversation in the cafeteria with Angle soon grew into ongoing support during a particularly stressful time, as the employee faced an expiring lease, a challenging housing market, and mounting car troubles.
Angle helped him understand his options and guided him through next steps, providing consistent follow-up and reassurance along the way.
“I love helping people,” Angle said. “We’re all here to serve others in some capacity.”
When his car finally broke down, Angle’s continued support helped him overcome transportation barriers and regain his independence in less than a month. She encouraged the employee to explore support through the Talent and Growth Program, which could assist with the purchase of a reliable car.
“Tamara went above and beyond in explaining my options and how to proceed,” the employee said. “From sending follow-up emails on what I missed or still needed on the application, Tamara was devoted and amazing to work with as she helped me get situated. I am so happy to finally be back on the road as an independent person. I cannot thank or repay her enough.”
That human-centered approach is at the heart of Angle’s work.
“If someone is happy and healthy outside of work, they are more productive at work. They perform at a higher level,” she said. “We’re often the light for people who are in a dark place.”
The impact of Angle’s support extended beyond the workplace. Having reliable transportation allowed the employee to attend his mother’s two-year memorial.
Reflecting on the experience, he shared, “I’m 35 years old, and I’ve never received help like this in my life. It felt so good to face the most stressful time of the year with her support throughout all of it.”
In addition to Greenleaf Hospitality, Angle provides coaching services at Stryker Medical, Stryker Instruments, Summit Polymers, Senior Care PACE, and Novolex.
The ERN operates in Southwest Michigan as part of the W.E. Upjohn Institute’s Center for Workforce Innovation and Solutions (CWIS). CWIS manages employment and training services for Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties. Through collaborative partnerships and a comprehensive, intersectional approach, CWIS strives to develop and implement high quality services and systemic changes that result in positive impacts for both workers and employers.