Spotlight on Your Funds
January 2022
Benefit Funds Will Hold Facebook Live Panel Event on COVID-19 and Variants
As part of their ongoing member education campaign on COVID-19, the Benefit Funds will hold a Facebook Live panel discussion on January 19 for your 1199SEIU employees and members, led by the Benefit Funds’ Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Van H. Dunn. Funds Wellness nurse Karen Larane, RN, will join Dr. Dunn to provide updates on the Omicron variant, as well as information on the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines; the importance of getting a booster shot; and the best ways to stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic and flu season. In addition, an 1199SEIU member will share his or her experience being vaccinated with those members who may still be hesitant to get the vaccine. After the live event, its content will be posted on the Benefit Funds’ Facebook and Instagram pages, where more members may access the information. For event information and updates, your 1199SEIU employees and members may “Like” www.Facebook.com/1199SEIUBenefitFunds and follow the Funds on www.Instagram.com/1199SEIUBenefitFunds.
The 2022 Member Calendar Is Now Available
The Benefit Funds have released their 2022 member calendar, featuring messages of inspiration and resilience from 1199SEIU members who have served on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Benefit Funds are mailing the calendar to Trustees and delegates, as well as to members who attended wellness webinars or participated in online wellness programs in 2021. Members may request a calendar by visiting our website.
Training and Employment Funds Launched Chromebook Distribution Program
The 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds (TEF) launched a Chromebook Distribution Program in summer 2021 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. Among the 40,000 members who use TEF programs each year, about 6,800 have no computers or reliable Internet service. TEF created the Chromebook Distribution Program with grant funding to help ensure that TEF members are able to access virtual programs with Internet-enabled devices. Chromebooks and mobile hotspot devices are being distributed to eligible TEF members based on need, such as those enrolled in programs for which a computer is essential; members enrolled in foundational education programs, including high school completion courses; and those enrolled in a TEF program in response to a risk of layoffs at the agency where they are working. TEF is also providing digital literacy training, technical support and content designed to encourage self-sufficiency. For more information, your 1199SEIU employees and members may contact their program's manager or Milca Urena-Rodriguez at [email protected].
1199SEIU Funds Executive Directors Named to “Power of Diversity: Women 100” List
City & State New York, a media organization dedicated to covering New York’s local and state politics and policy, recently named Donna Rey, EdD, Executive Director of the Benefit and Pension Funds and CEO of Funds Administrative Operations; Sandi Vito, Executive Director of the 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds; and Vivian Fox, Executive Director of the 1199SEIU Child Care Funds, to its “The Power of Diversity: Women 100” list. The list recognizes prominent women, including politicians, government officials, consultants and union leaders, across New York State. For more information, visit the “Power of Diversity: Women 100” list website.
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Bertha Motta counts on her 1199SEIU mental health benefits during these stressful times.
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