About Occupational Chaplains of America
Trusted, personal support for employees—right where they work.
Occupational Chaplains of America (OCA) is a modern, for-profit provider of workplace chaplain services based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
We support businesses across the Midwest and beyond with professional, relationship-based care, helping employees and their families navigate life’s challenges. Our brief, on-location visits provide convenient, common-sense care, which is deeply appreciated by staff and companies.
By becoming a consistent and trusted presence in the workplace, we help strengthen team culture and improve retention while easing the emotional burden on leadership.
Our Story
Occupational Chaplains of America began with a simple belief: when people have a neutral, trusted chaplain at work—someone who truly listens about struggles, accomplishments, or anything in between—they show up stronger.
And when people are stronger, businesses thrive.
Our founders saw firsthand how much leaders care about their teams, and how overwhelmed they often feel when hearing of the personal challenges, mental health struggles, and emotional stressors their employees carry.
HR departments were overextended. Small business owners felt responsible for their team’s well-being but lacked the time or training to help. Meanwhile, their traditional employee assistance programs went unused, and crisis hotlines felt distant and impersonal.
Leaders wanted to help, but lacked the tools, time, or support to do it meaningfully.
OCA was created to fill that gap.
We offer quiet, refreshing, consistent support through real human connection—without checklists, judgment, or agendas. Our chaplains show up regularly, listen deeply, and build trust over time, becoming a meaningful part of your workplace culture.
Better People, Better Business
Since 2015, OCA has walked alongside employees in family-owned businesses, multigenerational companies, the automotive industry, manufacturing and industrial workplaces, financial institutions, non-profits, and administrative office settings across the Midwest.
Our chaplains have built relationships that improve morale, reduce turnover, and help people stay grounded in tough times. Today, OCA continues to grow as a trusted workplace benefit, offering professional care that strengthens both people and the organizations they serve.
30
Businesses Currently Served
8
Average Years of Partnership per Client
14
OCA Chaplains in Service Today
3,000
Employees Under OCA Care
Our ambition isn't to be the largest; we strive for unmatched consistency, exceptional quality, and enduring partnerships. If this resonates with your business vision, let's connect and explore the possibilities together!
Contact us today to set up a free consultation.
Our Approach: Personal, Proactive, Built On Trust
OCA’s chaplain care model is grounded in presence. We’re not just available—we’re known. Our Employee Support Specialists become familiar faces through regular workplace visits, offering compassionate support in everyday moments and times of crisis.
Trained, Professional Chaplains
OCA’s professional chaplains are more than good listeners. We are continually trained professionals with the experience and skill to walk alongside your team with care.
All OCA chaplains are:
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Certified in occupational chaplaincy
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Skilled in trauma-informed care and responsive communication
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Mandated reporters with clear confidentiality protocols
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Matched for cultural fit, with both male and female chaplains available
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Supported through peer mentorship and ongoing professional development
Non-Denominational Chaplains
While the word “chaplain” can carry different meanings, our approach is always neutral and person-led. When requested, our professional workplace chaplains offer non-denominational spiritual support. Rather than assume, initiate, or impose beliefs, we follow the situational requests and preferences of each person.
Learn more about how our services work:
The OCA Leadership Team
Founders
Neal & Lana Bennett
A Note From Neal
Hello!
Recently, I had the privilege of sharing lunch with a successful business leader who confided in me about his struggles to connect with his team. What once felt effortless now seemed forced, and it was clear that something needed to change.
After listening closely to his concerns, I asked him a pivotal question: "John, what business are you in?" With a puzzled look, he replied, "The automotive business, of course." I gently reminded him, "That may be what your business card says, but John, you're really in the people business." Deep down, he knew this truth; it had simply become overshadowed by their rapid growth.
As fellow business owners ourselves, we understand the exhilarating challenges you face. Your business is your pride and joy—and at its heart are your people. That's where we come in. Our onsite chaplain support is designed to foster personal connections built on listening, trust, and encouragement. We believe that every member of your team will benefit immensely from this approach.
It would truly be an honor to learn more about your people and how we can best serve them.
Looking forward to connecting,
Neal Bennett
Request Your Free Consultation
Curious if chaplain support could benefit your team?
Schedule a free consultation today.
We can answer your questions and help you explore whether OCA is the right fit for your workplace. No pressure, no strings attached.