Funds Help Members Apply for Pandemic Financial Relief, Continue Vaccine Education Campaign
The Benefit Funds continue to support your 1199SEIU employees and members throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, recently sharing information on programs that may provide them with financial assistance. New York State’s Empire Pandemic Response Reimbursement Fund reimburses eligible healthcare workers up to $1,000 for child-care, transportation, lodging and other expenses that allowed them to perform their jobs during the pandemic. Members can visit the New York State website for more information and may contact their Outreach Coordinator at [email protected] for help completing the application. In addition, the Funds have been helping members apply for COVID-19 financial assistance programs, including the Brave of Heart Fund, which provides grants to eligible family members of healthcare workers who lost their lives to COVID-19; the Montefiore Family Resilience Fund (supported by the Robin Hood Foundation); and FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance. To date, the Funds have helped more than 1,000 members apply for these programs. If you have 1199SEIU employees or members who may be eligible, please refer them to [email protected].
As the pandemic continues, the Benefit Funds, in partnership with the Union and the Training and Employment Funds, are continuing to educate members about COVID-19 and the vaccines, with the joint information campaign reaching nearly 25,000 members and retirees. The Funds’ website, which has had 35,000 COVID-19-related page views since January 1, includes a regularly updated COVID-19 resources page and an FAQ section, provided in five languages. The Funds have made numerous informational member mailings on the virus and the vaccines. Members may also email COVID-19-related questions to the Funds’ Chief Medical Officer Dr. Van H. Dunn, who has answered nearly 140 questions in the “Ask Dr. Dunn” section. To date, there have been more than 30 “Get the Facts” Tele-Town Halls and webinars with Dr. Dunn. If your institution or facility would like to schedule a webinar with Dr. Dunn, please email [email protected]. |
|
Training and Employment Funds to Launch Chromebook Distribution Program |
|
The 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds will launch a Chromebook Distribution Program in the summer to support digital equity and literacy for your 1199SEIU employees and members. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the existence of digital inequities, with some members lacking the equipment they need to take certification and other educational training online. TEF created the Chromebook Distribution Program with grant funding to help ensure that members have broadband Internet access with Internet-enabled devices, supported by digital literacy training, technical support and content designed to encourage self-sufficiency. A total of 500 Chromebooks will be distributed to eligible members based on need, such as those enrolled in programs for which a computer is essential and those enrolled in foundational education programs, including high school completion courses. Members whose continued employment depends on their success in their academic or training program will be prioritized to receive Chromebooks. For more information, your 1199SEIU employees and members may contact Eric Johnson at [email protected]. |
|
The Child Care Fund Holds Virtual FALC Science Fair
Due to safety precautions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 1199SEIU Child Care Fund’s Future of America Learning Center (FALC) held its 25th annual science fair as a two-day blended learning online event, on March 29 and 30. This year’s theme focused on robotics and coding, with FALC preschool and upper kindergarten children creating their own robots from common household materials such as cardboard, plastic and aluminum. The students gave presentations describing the various parts of their robots, how they were designed and their functions, which included such tasks as cleaning and cooking. The children also shared their understanding of the basics of coding with family and friends via Zoom. Each set of presentations concluded with a performance of songs and dances. Parents of children who took part in the fair praised the event and the hard work and support of FALC staff. According to one parent, “All the teaching teams, parents and students did an amazing job,” while another said, “Many thanks for the tireless efforts and guidance of our teachers.” For more information about FALC, visit www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/FALC. |
|
The Institute for Continuing Education Presents Upcoming Programs
The 1199SEIU 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 employees and members at your institution.
The schedule is also available on our calendar.
Sunday, May 16
8:45 am to 4:30 pm
This six-hour interprofessional symposium for healthcare workers will include discussions on the range of lung-related COVID-19 complications, management of post-COVID lung diseases, and recovery from the mental and emotional effects of COVID-19. The symposium will be offered live via live webcast.
Saturday, May 22
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
This four-hour accredited seminar for clinical laboratory techs will include information on lab safety protocols, antibody tests and detection, and identifying COVID-19 strains. The seminar will be offered via live webcast.
For more information, visit the Institute for Continuing Education’s web page, call (212) 894-4390 or email [email protected]. |
|
|
|
Linda has always relied on her 1199SEIU Funds to help keep her and her family healthy—never more so than throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
|
|
Is there anyone else at your organization who should receive this newsletter?
1199SEIU Funds News is a monthly email produced by the 1199SEIU Funds. Copyright 2021.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
