Spotlight on Your Funds

September 2025

Benefit Funds’ Partner Brightline Expands In-Person Mental Health Care for Children and Teens

The Benefit Funds’ virtual mental health partner, Brightline, is expanding its brick-and-mortar locations, offering 1199SEIU members more in-person services for their children and teenagers in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Long Island. Brightline’s team of licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists and coaches can support youth with conditions including ADHD, depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues and social-anxiety disorders. Parents can access in-person therapy sessions, medication management and psychological testing, as well as a dedicated coach who will help them manage their children’s care and monitor their mental health. They can also review Brightline’s back-to-school checklists in our Healthy Living Resource Center to help their children feel more mentally prepared. To schedule an appointment at one of the locations listed below, members may call (888) 255-1329. For more information about Brightline, members may visit their  website.


  • Brooklyn: 32 Court Street, Suite 808, Brooklyn, NY 11201
  • Manhattan: 330 West 58th Street, Suite 611, New York, NY 10019
  • Long Island: 3000 Marcus Avenue, Suite 3E01, Lake Success, NY 11042

Benefit Funds Kick Off Annual Flu Shot Campaign

The Benefit Funds have launched their annual campaign encouraging 1199SEIU members to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza to protect themselves, their families and their patients or residents from the virus. The Benefit Funds have begun reaching out to members through emails, the For Your Benefit member magazine and social media channels. In addition, as new variants of the COVID-19 virus circulate, the Benefit Funds are encouraging members to check with their doctor if they recommend a COVID-19 booster. As a reminder, members enrolled in health coverage through the Benefit Funds can receive vaccinations from their participating provider or pharmacy with no out-of-pocket costs.

Career Pathways Training Program Opens Doors and Changes Lives

The Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program—offered by the New York State Workforce Investment Organization and hosted by the Training and Employment Funds—removes financial barriers for healthcare workers pursuing their education in critical shortage areas. It empowers workers to build meaningful careers, achieve financial stability and inspire future generations. The CPT Program has allowed Chasity Milburne to focus on becoming a licensed mental health counselor without the burden of tuition costs, while changing her life and her family’s future. “I’ll be…the only person in my family who has furthered their education,” Chasity says. Stephanie Oliveira De Araujo, a patient care technician, says, “CPT not only helps me get my degree, but it also helps my future patients receive the care of a good nurse.” For Zsa Zsa Medwinter, who is pursuing her associate’s degree in nursing to become a registered nurse, CPT brought a sense of relief and balance. “I’ve always supported my family,” she says, “but this time I can relax…and have quality time with them while supporting them.” To learn more about the CPT Program, members may visit www.TEFCPT.org.

Registration for 2026 Child Care Funds Programs Has Begun

The registration period for Child Care Funds (CCF) 2026 programs started on August 20. Eligible members can register online through the secure member portal MyAccount for day care and after-school care reimbursement, holiday sleep-away and summer day camps, academic prep courses and cultural arts programs. They can also register virtually via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, as well as in person. Members can visit the registration information page or call (212) 564-2220 to schedule a virtual registration appointment or to find office hours and locations.

 

Wage Class I or II members do not need to submit their pay stubs. However, they need to provide pay stubs if they:


  • Work for an employer that does not participate in the 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund;
  • Want to enroll their child in the Future of America Learning Center;
  • Make less than $35,000 per year; or
  • Are receiving short-term disability, Workers’ Compensation or New York State Paid Family Leave. They must submit a copy of their last pay stub and most recent disability, Workers’ Compensation or New York State Paid Family Leave stub.


The registration deadline is Friday, October 31, at 4:00 pm. All required documents must be received within seven days of applying online to be considered for 2026 CCF benefits. For more information about CCF programs, members can visit CCF’s website.

The Institute for Continuing Education Presents Upcoming Programs

The League Training and Upgrading Fund strengthens the healthcare delivery system by offering 1199SEIU members training and education programs designed to help improve patient outcomes and provide quality care. Please share these opportunities with members at your institution or facility. (The full schedule is available on the program calendar.)


Obesity and Chronic Diseases

Saturday, September 13

8:45 am to 4:30 pm


This interprofessional symposium will focus on recent advances in obesity treatment, prevention and control of obesity among adolescents; current research best practices in weight management; and long-term strategies in obesity and chronic disease management.


For more information, members should visit the Institute for Continuing Education’s web page, call (212) 894-4390 or email Institute@1199Funds.org.

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

Yolanda Acevedo from Garnet Health Medical Center


Why did Yolanda Acevedo begin her health journey?

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.