Spotlight on Your Funds

February 2025

Benefit Funds Help Eligible Members File for EITC

The Benefit Funds have long assisted 1199SEIU members in filing for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by connecting them with free tax-preparation services so that they may receive the full refund to which they are entitled. This year, the Benefit Funds are connecting members with the Campaign for Working Families (which is partnering with the Food Bank For New York City), the nonprofit educational program Ariva and the NYC Free Tax Prep program. Free tax-preparation assistance is available through April 15 at locations in several of the 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 some cases, so is walk-in service. For more information or to make an appointment, members may contact the programs directly: 

• Campaign for Working Families: call (646) 981-6111 or visit their website
• Ariva: call (718) 292-2983 or email info@ariva.org
• NYC Free Tax Prep program: visit their website

Members may also visit the Benefit Funds  website for additional information. 

Training and Employment Funds Offer ESOL Classes, Computer Labs

The Training and Employment Funds (TEF) offer English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes that provide instruction in basic English communication, including new beginning classes for Chinese speakers. The program is available during the academic year, including summer semesters, both in-person and remotely. For more information or to register, members may email TEFAdultEd@1199Funds.org or call (212) 284-9231. For a Chinese language line, they may 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 Center at Funds headquarters in Manhattan. For more information, members may call Gabriel Brito at (212) 631-8346 or email Gabriel.Brito@1199Funds.org.

Child Care Corporation Hosts WorkForce 2000 Orientation Sessions

The Child Care Corporation is holding orientation sessions through February 26 for its WorkForce 2000 (WF2) Program, which will run from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. 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 2026–2027 program can register beginning August 2025. 

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, Monday through Friday during the summer and select Saturdays throughout the school year. Members may visit the WF2 website for more information.

Meet Our Featured Member

Melissa Spells from Jamaica Hospital

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

Is there anyone else at your organization who should receive this newsletter?

Please email Communications@1199Funds.org to add them to our distribution list.

1199SEIU Funds News is a monthly email produced by the 1199SEIU Funds. Copyright 2025.

For further information, contact the Communications Office at Communications@1199Funds.org.