Spotlight on Your Funds

February 2023

1199SEIU Members Sign Up for New WeightWatchers® Benefit

Last month, the Greater New York Benefit Fund launched a partnership with WeightWatchers as part of its “Healthy Living” initiative. The program provides a holistic approach to wellness and healthy eating, and members who enroll by February 28, will receive a free Bluetooth body weight scale that automatically syncs to the WeightWatchers app on their mobile phone or tablet. The WeightWatchers program includes virtual and in-person workshops with a health coach, 24/7 access to chat with a coach, meal and activity tracking, healthy recipes, on-demand fitness and mindfulness videos, tips to improve sleep, community groups and more. Members living with prediabetes or diabetes can join for $0 per month and are supported through tailor-made meal planning, health coaching and community groups specific to their condition. All other members can join for $8 per month but can get reimbursed at the end of their first year if they stay engaged and participate. For information on the program and to sign up, members can view the WeightWatchers flyer or visit www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/ww.

Greater New York Benefit Fund Free Tax Prep Assistance Program Helps Members File for the EITC

The Greater New York Benefit Fund’s (GNYBF) Tax Preparation Assistance Program has long helped 1199SEIU members file for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by providing free tax preparation services. This year, the GNYBF is again partnering with the Food Bank For New York City and nonprofit educational program Ariva so that members can receive the full refund to which they are entitled. The program is available through April 15, at locations in all 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 most cases, so is walk-in service. For more information, please visit the Fund’s website or use the QR code below.

Greater New York Education Fund Offers Certified Nursing Assistant Training

The Greater New York Education Fund (GNYEF) is offering 1199SEIU members a training program to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) as part of its response to the ongoing shortage of qualified workers in the long-term care industry. The GNYEF has obtained government and foundation funding to support the CNA training initiative, which seeks to build systems and capacity between the GNYEF, the Union, contributing nursing homes and community partners to prepare workers for New York State certification and job placement. Members who are interested in entering the direct patient care field, including those in the home care, dietary and environmental services, are eligible to participate. Grant funding also allows GNYEF to open opportunities to community residents, expanding the talent pool for nursing homes. Programs begin on a rolling basis throughout New York. Nearly 200 CNAs were placed in nursing homes in 2022. For information about hosting a CNA program at your facility, offering clinical education or referring members to CNA programs, contact James Chang at [email protected].

WorkForce 2000 Orientations for Next Program Have Begun

Orientation sessions for the Child Care Corporation’s WorkForce 2000 Program slated to run from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, began on January 10, with 30 families attending, and will continue through February 28. All sessions are taking place remotely via Zoom. The orientations provide an opportunity for members and their children to learn more about the program, have their questions answered, and connect with WorkForce 2000 and New York University program staff. Members interested in the 2024–2025 program can register beginning in August 2023.

WorkForce 2000 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 during the summer and on select Saturdays throughout the school year. Please visit the WorkForce 2000 website for more information.

Special Healthy Living Edition

A special Healthy Living edition of For Your Benefit, your member magazine, is now available to view online. 

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1199SEIU Funds News is a monthly email produced by the 1199SEIU Funds. Copyright 2023.

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