Spotlight on Your Funds

October 2022

FindHelp to Support 1199SEIU Members Find Community-based Programs

The 1199SEIU Greater New York Benefit Fund has launched a customized version of FindHelp, the country’s leading location-based community resource referral network, as part of its Healthy Living initiative. Based on thousands of calls 1199SEIU members make each year to the Wellness Member Assistance Program, the tailored content provides members with referrals and information about resources for emotional well-being, food security, housing assistance, transit, additional child care, goods and services and legal assistance. Searchable by ZIP code, FindHelp helps members access free or low-cost community-based programs and services near where they and their families live and work. Members can conveniently obtain resources on their own or with the support of a Wellness Member Assistance Program Social Worker, Counselor, Case Manager or Outreach Coordinator. Employers, as well as the Union, may also refer members to FindHelp.1199SEIUBenefits.org.

Training and Employment Funds Respond to Nursing Shortage

In response to the ongoing shortage of qualified certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in the long-term care industry, the 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds (TEF) offer 1199SEIU members a Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program. The goal of the program, which seeks to build systems and capacities between TEF, the Union, contributing nursing homes and community partners, is to prepare workers for New York State certification and job placement. Participants have included home care workers, unemployed job seekers and referrals from community-based organizations. In March 2022, the program made 279 CNA job placements. New in-person programs began in September in Manhattan and the Bronx. For more information about future programs, contact Priscilla Polanco or Cynthia Beeks-Bonaventure at (844) TEF-1199. Current CNAs seeking healthcare employment opportunities should contact the TEF Employment Center at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/Employment/.

In addition, TEF’s Registered Apprenticeship (RA) Program is helping to address nursing shortages. Over the last three years, more than 60 members have taken part in the CNA RA Program, which has a 92 percent retention rate. Seventeen members who were in the licensed practical nurse (LPN) RA program are currently working as LPNs, and 10 LPN RAs in upstate New York will graduate in December. For more information about the RA program, contact Rebecca Hall at [email protected].

Registration for 2023 Child Care Fund Programs Is Underway

The registration period for the Child Care Fund (CCF) 2023 programs, which include day care and after-school care reimbursement, holiday sleep-away and summer day camps, academic prep courses and cultural arts programs, is currently open. 1199SEIU members may register online by visiting www.1199SEIUBenefits.org and logging in to the secure member portal MyAccount. The registration deadline is Monday, October 31, 2022, at 4:00 pm.

Members must submit copies of the following documents when registering online:

• Their two (2) most recent pay stubs, dated within the last 30 days
• Their 1199SEIU Health Benefits ID card, with their dependents listed
• The Social Security card of each child for whom they are applying

Members may also register virtually or in-person at 498 Seventh Avenue in New York City, Hicksville and Rochester, but must first make an appointment. For more information about CCF’s registration or programs, please visit www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/ChildCare/ or call (212) 564-2220.

The Institute for Continuing Education Presents Upcoming Programs

The 1199SEIU Greater New York Education 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 facility.

The schedule is also available on the program calendar.

Advances in Spinal Surgery

Saturday, October 22

9:00 am to 2:00 pm

This four-hour seminar for perioperative techs will focus on the evolution of spine surgery; an explanation of minimally invasive spine surgery techniques; and the use of robotics, navigation and virtual and augmented reality in spine surgery.

For more information, visit the Institute for Continuing Education’s web page, call (212) 894-4390 or email [email protected].

Meet Our Featured Member

Malikah Weston from Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State

Malikah Weston counted on her health benefits to help her deal with anxiety during the pandemic—and survive a brain tumor.