Spotlight on Your Funds

January 2025

Benefit Funds Launch Second Season of Health Is the Key  Podcast

On January 1, the Benefit Funds launched the second season of Health Is the Key, the podcast designed to support your 1199SEIU members and employees on their health journeys. The podcast will feature a new lineup of guests this year, including expert healthcare providers and leaders from 1199SEIU institutions. The podcast will also include more interactive opportunities for members to suggest health and wellness topics they would like to see covered. The first episode of the new season introduces Dr. Lela Mayers, the Benefit Funds’ Deputy Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Mayers shares how her early career as a family medicine physician has helped her better understand the needs of 1199SEIU members. She explains the importance of members making their own health a priority, offers tips for finding the right doctor and discusses the various Benefit Funds wellness resources that members can access. Tune in and subscribe to Health Is the Key wherever you get your podcasts.

Training and Employment Funds CPT Program Recruitment Efforts a Success

The Training and Employment Funds (TEF) have successfully recruited more than 2,000 prospective participants in the Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program. In August 2024, TEF was named one of three Workforce Investment Organizations that would receive a total of $646 million through the New York State CPT Program to recruit and train healthcare workers in shortage areas. Since then, TEF has held three series of orientations for members interested in receiving assistance through the program, such as tuition assistance, tutoring support services and job placement assistance. The program, which began in fall 2024, will run through June 2027. Interested members may register by calling (844) 833-1199 or logging in to MyTEF.

Important Child Care Corporation Program Deadlines Are Approaching

The Child Care Corporation is reminding 1199SEIU members and employees of the 2025 Youth Mentoring Program (YMP) and Anne Shore Sleep-Away Camp Program deadlines. The YMP provides summer employment opportunities for members’ high school–age children at participating hospitals and nursing homes. Members can apply online via MyAccount through February 21. For more information, members may email Youth.Mentoring@1199Funds.org, call (212) 564-2220, extension 3458, or visit the YMP website. The Anne Shore Sleep-Away Camp Program offers 9- to 15-year-old children a range of summer camps in the Northeast. Members can apply online via MyAccount through January 31. For more information, members may email AnneShoreCampProgram@1199Funds.org or visit the Anne Shore website. Members can also RSVP for the Anne Shore Sleep-Away Camp Program’s Online Camp Fair on January 14 and its Online Special Needs Camp Fair on January 15 to speak with summer 2025 camp providers.

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!

Read More

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