Spotlight on Your Funds

February 2024

Benefit Funds Boost Members’ Financial Know-how with Online Series 

The Benefit Funds’ Financial Wellness program, together with our partner Amalgamated Bank, has begun offering a new Healthy Finances webinar series to provide information on the financial issues that affect members most. The series covers such topics as managing a bank account, using and building credit, and protecting their homes and identities in the age of online transactions. The latest course, “Keeping It Safe,” held on January 24, focused on strategies to avoid identity theft and financial abuse. All courses are available to view on the Healthy Finances page of the Funds’ website. For more information, members may also visit the Benefit Funds’ Financial Wellness page or call (646) 473-6484.

Benefit Funds’ Partnerships Help Members File for the EITC 

The Benefit Funds have again partnered with the Food Bank For New York City and nonprofit educational program Ariva to help members file for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and receive the full refund to which they are entitled. Free tax preparation assistance is available through April 15 at locations in all five New York City boroughs, as well as in Westchester County, Long Island and New Jersey. Weekday, evening and weekend hours are available and, in most cases, so is walk-in service. For more information, members may visit the Benefit Funds’ website. Those who need assistance scheduling an appointment at one of the tax-prep locations may contact their Outreach Coordinator at OutreachAssistance@1199Funds.org. 

Training and Employment Funds Offer Classes for Speakers of Other Languages, Computer Labs 

The 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds (TEF) offer English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes that include instruction in basic English communication. TEF also now offers beginning ESOL classes for Chinese speakers with a bilingual instructor. The program is available during the academic year, including summer semesters, both in-person and remotely. For more information or to register, members can email TEFAdultEd@1199Funds.org or call (212) 284-9231. For a Chinese-language line, they can call (516) 636-6613. TEF also provides a computer drop-in lab for members to develop digital literacy and computer skills needed to advance their educational and career goals in the healthcare industry. The program is available during the academic year, including summer semesters, at the Adult Learning Centers at the Benefit Funds headquarters in Manhattan. For more information, members can call or text Yajaira Tejada at (347) 752-7311 or email Yajaira.Tejada@1199Funds.org.  

Child Care Corporation Hosts WorkForce 2000 Orientation Sessions

The 1199SEIU Child Care Corporation is holding orientation sessions through February 26 for its WorkForce 2000 (WF2) Program, which will run from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. The orientations provide an opportunity for members and their children to learn more about the program and connect with WF2, New York University and Queens College program staff. All sessions are taking place remotely via Zoom. Members who are interested in the 2025–2026 program can register beginning in August 2024.

WF2 is a year-round academic program designed to help children in grades 9 through 12 succeed in high school, prepare for college and explore career interests. The program provides leadership and development opportunities, along with academic coursework assistance through a New York City college on Monday through Friday during the summer and select Saturdays throughout the school year. Please visit the WF2 website for more information. 

Meet Our Featured Member

Sharese Welch from Weill Cornell Medical Center

Why did Sharese Welch begin her health journey? Read For Your Benefit online to find out!

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