Spotlight on Your Funds

January 2026

Benefit Funds Spearhead Healthy Now, Healthy Later Campaign

As part of the Benefit Funds’ ongoing commitment to supporting members on their health journeys, the new Healthy Now, Healthy Later initiative encourages members to take proactive steps toward improving their physical and mental well-being today to help ensure a healthier tomorrow. The campaign is designed for members who are already living healthfully and want to stay on track, as well as for those who are not yet fully involved in preventive care and wellness activities. It highlights the wide range of programs and benefits available to help members stay ahead of potential health concerns, including annual checkups, routine screenings, healthy lifestyle programs, wellness resources and tools for managing chronic conditions.

Through the new The Choice Is Yours web page, members can explore programs such as Ochsner Digital Medicine, WeightWatchers®, FlyteHealth and Virta. These offerings support prevalent conditions, including hypertension, obesity and weight management, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

To start the year off and promote the Healthy Now, Healthy Later message, the January episode of the Health Is the Key podcast features Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lela Mayers, who provides an overview of available benefits, program partnerships and member resources. To find resources, members can visit the Healthy Living Resource Center and view the latest issue of the For Your Benefit member magazine.

The CPT Program Empowers Participants to Achieve Their Goals

Every day, participants in the Training and Employment Funds’ (TEF) Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program demonstrate dedication to completing their training and advancing in their future healthcare careers. For Kimberly Chavies, a Master of Clinical Mental Health and Counseling student at Molloy University who overcame financial burdens with the CPT Program’s support, it has allowed her to keep her eyes on the prize. “I can focus on my education without those financial frustrations and stay focused on learning as much as I can to help the population I want to serve,” Kimberly said. “I have so much joy in my heart, and I can’t wait. I’m ready to see what’s ahead for me.”

For employers seeking fully prepared candidates who will immediately strengthen the healthcare workforce, CPT Program graduates stand out as exceptional hires. To hire CPT graduates, healthcare employers must complete a provider attestation form, which verifies that they are a provider serving a Medicaid or uninsured patient population of at least 30 percent or are contracted through one of New York State’s approved Social Care Networks. Completing the form does not obligate employers to hire. For more information, visit the CPT Program website.

Child Care Corporation Kicks Off Youth Mentoring Program Application Period

The 1199SEIU/Employer Child Care Corporation’s (CCC) 2026 Youth Mentoring Program (YMP) application period is open now and runs through February 15. Eligible 1199SEIU members can apply through MyAccount. The YMP provides summer employment opportunities for high school-age children of 1199SEIU members at participating hospitals and nursing homes. In addition to giving them an inside look at potential healthcare careers, the YMP offers participants professional development seminars, helping establish a future workforce of young professionals. For more information, members can email Youth.Mentoring@1199Funds.org or call (212) 564-2220. They can also visit the Youth Mentoring Program page to learn about YMP and Child Care Fund programs.

Because applying does not guarantee acceptance into the program, CCC recommends that members also explore alternative summer program options in case their child is not selected. Members can visit the Alternative Child-care Services page for more information.

Check Out Our Podcast

Health Is the Key is dedicated to 1199SEIU members—healthcare workers who, all too often, put the health and well-being of others ahead of their own.

Meet Our Featured Member

Merlene Hardy from Northwell Health

Why did Merlene Hardy begin her health journey?

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1199SEIU Funds News is a monthly email produced by the 1199SEIU Funds. Copyright 2026.

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