Spotlight on Your Funds

April 2024

The Benefit Funds Debut YouTube Channel   

The Benefit Funds have launched a YouTube channel, the latest tool to support 1199SEIU members on their personal health journeys. We know that members have multiple preferred modes of communication, which enables the Benefit Funds to leverage an array of technologies and social media platforms to expand their reach and meet members where they are. Members may use any laptop, tablet or smartphone to tune in to the new YouTube channel and view cooking demonstrations; exercise classes; and wellness webinars on such topics as maternal health, hypertension, preventive screenings and mental health. They may also view videos in the Members’ Voices series and workshops on financial wellness and pension and retirement, as well as listen to episodes of the Benefit Funds’ new Health Is the Key podcast. The channel includes a playlists tab with collections of videos and webinars, and a community tab with interactive posts that allow members to engage directly with the Benefit Funds and one another. Members may subscribe to the channel and receive notifications when new videos and other content are added. Please share this valuable resource—www.YouTube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds—with your 1199SEIU members.

Benefit Funds’ Partnerships Help Members File for the EITC 

The Benefit Funds have partnered with the Food Bank For New York City and nonprofit educational program Ariva to connect members with free tax preparation assistance to help them file for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The tax preparation assistance 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. For more information, members may visit the Benefit Funds’ website.

Training and Employment Funds Host Lung Health Symposium 

The 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds will hold a symposium on April 20 entitled “Rising Inflammation: Asthma and COPD.” This six-hour interprofessional symposium will help members enhance patient care by providing them with information on the most effective techniques and practices in lung health. Presentations will address current and future diagnostic tools, the latest advances in treatment and rehabilitation, pharmacological options for managing lung diseases, and the importance of cultural sensitivity and psychosocial support for patients with COPD and asthma. Among the presenters are Dr. David Mannino, Medical Director and Co-Founder of the COPD Foundation, and Dr. Elizabeth Smith, Assistant Professor at National Jewish Health, the only facility in the world dedicated exclusively to medical research and treatment of patients with respiratory and other health disorders. Eligible 1199SEIU members can register for the symposium with no out-of-pocket costs. For more information, members may email Institute@1199Funds.org or visit the Institute for Continuing Education’s website

Child Care Funds’ Holiday Sleep-Away Programs Score High with Members

The 1199SEIU Child Care Funds held their Holiday Sleep-Away Program (HSAP) from February 19 to February 23, while the Teen Holiday Sleep-Away Program (T-HSAP) ran from February 17 to February 23. A total of 92 children attended HSAP, which serves youth ages 8 to 13, while 61 teenagers attended T-HSAP, which serves youth ages 14 to 17. Activities included games, team sports, arts and crafts, hiking, nature exploration, movie nights, and big brother/big sister mentorships between the HSAP and T-HSAP participants. Both programs were operated by Hands In 4 Youth, the home of Camp Vacamas, in West Milford, New Jersey. According to the HSAP and T-HSAP Winter Session Satisfaction Survey, 76 percent of members said their child liked or loved their camp experience, 78 percent were likely or extremely likely to apply for the program again, and 87 percent said participation in the program has had a positive impact on their child. According to one member, “My child loved [her camp experience]. It was the best decision letting her attend. I highly recommend it.” For more information about HSAP and T-HSAP, visit the Child Care Funds’ website or email HSAP@1199Funds.org.

Meet Our Featured Member

Sharese Welch from Weill Cornell Medical Center


Why did Sharese Welch begin her health journey? Read For Your Benefit online to find out!

Read More

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1199SEIU Funds News is a monthly email produced by the 1199SEIU Funds. Copyright 2024.

For further information, contact the Communications Office at Communications@1199Funds.org.

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