Liberty Resources launches EAP, continues growth

SYRACUSE - Liberty Resources, Inc., a Syracuse-based human services provider, has grown significantly in the past 10 years - its annual revenue has sky-rocketed from $4 million in 1997 to over $24 million by 2007. This growth will continue by adding a new service targeted to help Central New York businesses. Carl Coyle, CEO, explains that Lioberty's new employee-assistance program (EAP) will provide training and counseling to support managers and employees, allowing them to identify and address personal and physical issues within their work force.

To accommodate this new service, an affiliated organization, Liberty Workforce Solutions, Inc. (LWS), was established, and is headquartered at Liberty Resources. To run the new operation, David Lacy, formerly of META Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: METG), was tapped as president. Coyle notes that Lacy, who hails from South Africa and the United Kingdom, comes to Central New York with extensive national and international experience. LWS came about after an eight-month planning period and has tested its EAP programming with clients in large markets such as New York City and Chicago, as well as with one company in Central New York.

Coyle explains that LWS's core market will be local, privately held companies; cities; counties; and nonprofits. He says that the new EAP will have the ability to serve larger companies, but will emphasize smaller groups, those with five to 10 employees for example. He expects this market to be favorable, because LWS will be able to offer clients access to affordable services that might not be available elsewhere.

Local competition includes two EAPs operating in Syracuse - Crouse Help Line and Yost, Inc. - but Coyle believes that Liberty's service will be competitive because it's targeting a segment larger companies don't usually pursue. The program will use existing employees from Liberty Resources for counseling and administration. Additionally, he notes Liberty has national and international capabilities through other member organizations.

The new EAP has four program areas designed to cover all levels of service. Organizations can use the EAP for workplace assessments and plan development; employees can use the program to obtain confidential counseling; managers and supervisors can obtain training to identify workplace issues; and wellness seminars are available to identify stress, depression, and substance abuse.. Additionally, because Liberty Resources operates a variety of crisis and counseling services, Coyle notes that clients can obtain a continuum of services if more. in-depth treatment is required. Coyle expects the EAP to enroll 50 clients by the end of the year, covering about 5,000 workers. While all counseling is confidential, employers will have the ability to see reports that analyze data to target appropriate training opportunities. Coyle notes the EAP is designed to ensure workers are healthy, engaged, and feel supportive in the workplace.

Liberty Resources is headquartered at 1065 James St., in a 24,000-square-foot office building that it purchased in 2002. It employs 580, including about 110 clinical counselors, according to Coyle. LWS will operate from Liberty Resources until this fall when it will move into its new home at 1045 James St. It purchased this property for $1.3 million in October 2007, according to the Onondaga County Office of Real Property Tax records. The building is undergoing a complete renovation and will be occupied this fall.

Coyle says that Liberty Resources is a business-minded organization providing human services. He says that has led to its tremendous growth in the last 10 years, boosting revenue by $20 million over that period. Coyle expects another big year with revenues reaching $30 million in 2008. The nonprofit derives the majority of its income from government contributions (Medicaid, Social Security, etc.), but has also seen an increase in fees-for-service from $828,000 to $3.4 million between 1997 and 2007.

Copyright Central New York Business Journal Apr 25, 2008
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