A Message from Rossmery Dais

As we look forward to what 2025 may bring, we also reflect on the amazing work done in 2024. Our mission at the 1199SEIU/Employer Child Care Funds and the 1199SEIU/Employer Child Care Corporation remains steadfast: to ensure access to quality, affordable child-care and youth programs for 1199SEIU members and the community at large.

From our Future of America Learning Center’s “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” Science Fair to our Anne Shore Sleep-Away Camp Program to WorkForce 2000 summer internships—and everything in between—our children and families get the best we have to offer. In this issue of Child Care News, you will read about our Joseph Tauber Scholarship recipients, Aryan, Alia and J-Quan. They will share “In Their Own Words” the impact of our scholarships and how they have helped with their collegiate journeys at Cornell University, City College and John Jay College!

On November 20, 2024, we hosted our 17th annual Care for Kids Gala, where we had the honor of celebrating Dr. Danielle R. Moss Cox, CEO of Oliver Scholars, and Pamela J. Maraldo, PhD, CEO of Girls Inc. of New York City for their extraordinary work with youth. We are so grateful to our corporate chair, TD Bank, for helping to champion our event and our cause. In 2024 alone, funds raised from this event helped us support our current programs, pilot initiatives and provide scholarships, enabling us to assist 111 working families.

I remain extremely proud of the many lives we continue to uplift and the successes that come along with it. Enjoy the newsletter!

All the best,

Rossmery Dais
Executive Director, 1199SEIU Child Care Funds
President, 1199SEIU/Employer Child Care Corporation

Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow: 2024 Care for Kids Gala Recap

The 1199SEIU/Employer Child Care Corporation’s 17th annual Care for Kids Gala was held on November 20, 2024, at Chelsea Piers’ Current. The event’s theme was “Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow” in celebration of our work that nurtures, inspires and empowers our youth to maximize their potential and become effective leaders in our communities. This was highlighted by our past and current program participants who spoke about what our child-care programs have done for them.

TD Bank served as our corporate gala chair. In addition to hosting distinguished guests and community members, we enjoyed a wonderful performance by the Harlem School of the Arts Theatre Program’s fall show, School Girls; Or the African Mean Girl Play. This year, we honored Dr. Danielle R. Moss Cox, Chief Executive Officer of Oliver Scholars, and Pamela J. Maraldo, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Girls Inc. of New York City, for their extraordinary work with youth around New York.

This year’s event raised over $300,000 for CCC programming. Thank you to all who attended and those who continue to support our galas and year-round fundraising efforts. Funds raised help us support our current programs, pilot initiatives and provide scholarships. In 2024 alone, we assisted 111 families via summer day camp scholarships for Home Care members, piloting the Secondary High School Test Program, securing slots at Mount Sinai’s Nursing Pathway Program for our high-schoolers, covering sleep-away camp leadership training costs for our teens and much more. We look forward to many more years of uplifting our youth, their families and our communities.

Save the date! The 2025 Care for Kids Gala will take place on Wednesday, October 22, at Current in Chelsea Piers. The theme will be Bridges to the Future, and we hope to see you there!

Students Pave the Way for Bright Futures with WorkForce 2000 & the Pre-RN Program

Each summer, the 1199SEIU/Employer Child Care Corporation (CCC) partners with organizations and businesses in the New York metropolitan area to provide students with valuable internship and learning opportunities. In collaboration with the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), CCC offers paid summer employment and academic enrichment experiences through WorkForce 2000 (WF2) and the Pre-RN Program.

WORKFORCE 2000 SUMMER INTERNSHIPS

WF2 is a year-round academic program designed to help 1199SEIU youth succeed in high school, prepare for college and explore career interests. As part of the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), eligible students gain real-world experience by interning at various host sites.

SUMMER 2024 HIGHLIGHTS

• 74 WF2 interns were placed at 13 host sites, including hospitals, nursing homes and local organizations.
• Interns performed administrative and customer service tasks, data entry, social media management and more.
• Students received mentorship, professional training and career exploration opportunities.

STANDOUT INTERNS

• Alecia Smith McLean was placed at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center and was able to shadow a forensic pathologist and gain experience in the field. This opportunity was Alecia’s first step to pursuing her goal of becoming a forensic pathologist. She volunteered on Fridays when she was off from work and after the internship ended.
• Angel Santiago was placed at Brookdale and plans on being a dentist. He was lucky enough to shadow a dentist and gain professional experience. This was his second year in our internship program in the Dental unit.
• Gabrielle Augustin Orcel and Kimberly Tiwary were placed at From Soil to Boil. While working virtually, they made customer service videos, surveys for customers of the farmers market, and wellness tips posts. They also researched project diversification and their political influence as a local organization, and put their graphic design skills to great use.

INTERNSHIP DETAILS

• Duration: 6 weeks (July–August)
• Work Schedule: Up to 25 hours/week
• Compensation: Minimum wage, funded by DYCD
• Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old, live in NYC and submit required SYEP paperwork.

PRE-RN PROGRAM SUMMER EXPERIENCE

The Pre-RN program offers students interested in healthcare an opportunity to explore nursing and medical careers through academic coursework, hands-on training and hospital visits.

SUMMER 2024 HIGHLIGHTS

• 9 Pre-RN students attended hybrid classes through New York University (July 1–26).
• Workshops covered stress management, nutrition and mental health.
Hands-on medical experiences at:
• New York Simulation Center for Health Sciences (manikin simulation, wound care, intubation)
• Brookdale Hospital Medical Center (ICU, OR, ER, Pediatrics, Radiology, Labor/Delivery)

RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS

Students presented on topics including:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Gestational diabetes
• Homicidal behavior factors
• American hospice care
• Environmental impact on respiratory health

The WF2 and Pre-RN programs continue to provide transformative opportunities for students, helping them develop professional skills, industry knowledge and career aspirations. We look forward to another successful year ahead!

FALC Celebrates Science, Sports and Success!

27TH ANNUAL SCIENCE FAIR

On March 23, 2024, the Future of America Learning Center (FALC) hosted its 27th Annual Science Fair, where young scholars (ages 2-5) explored “Reducing, Reusing and Recycling” through hands-on experiments and STREAM-infused projects. Each of the seven classrooms presented creative displays demonstrating how personal habits impact air, land and water quality. Families and guests engaged in interactive exhibits, fostering curiosity and environmental awareness. The children confidently shared their research, answering questions like: “How can we adjust our habits to help our community?” and “What can we do to spread awareness about the importance of the three R’s?”

OLYMPIC/FIELD DAY 2024

On June 5, 2024, FALC held its 3rd Annual Olympic/Field Day at PS 246, and it was a day filled with high-energy activities and teamwork! Children, parents and staff embraced the spirit of healthy competition through engaging relay races, obstacle courses and other exciting challenges, such as balance beam exercises and basketball. The event began with an interactive Harambee greeting led by Ms. Funmi, our dance empowerment consultant, setting the tone for unity and enthusiasm. FALC families and staff also participated, exemplifying the joy of community spirit. The day ended with a grand rainbow portrait, and each participant received a medal in recognition of their efforts.

PRE-K CULMINATION

FALC proudly celebrated the graduation of 50 pre-K students on June 25, marking a milestone in their educational journey. The event took place in the spacious gymnasium of PS 246, where families gathered to witness their children’s transition to kindergarten. The ceremony featured vibrant music and movement performances, heartfelt parent tributes and proud moments as students introduced themselves and declared their aspirations with “When I grow up, I want to be…” The event highlighted the children’s confidence, teamwork and resilience, preparing them for their next educational step.

FALC continues to champion hands-on learning, community engagement and the success of our future leaders, ensuring that students build a strong foundation for lifelong achievement!

Youth Mentoring and Teen Programs Help Children Explore Interests and Prepare for Academic Success

The Youth Mentoring Program (YMP) continues to provide teenage children of 1199SEIU members with work and learning opportunities to boost their professional development skills.

In 2024, 177 teens were selected to participate in the YMP. The program offers a six-week summer employment opportunity at participating nursing home facilities and healthcare institutions across New York City. Interns build educational and on-the-job competencies throughout the program, helping to prepare them for careers in healthcare and beyond.

In 2024, interns completed projects on health-related topics and presented them at the YMP closing ceremony, held at the end of the summer. The 2024 intern projects focused on their institution’s educational approach to community health and wellness.

SPECIALIZED HIGH SCHOOLS ADMISSIONS TEST PREP

The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) Prep Program prepares seventh- and eighth-grade students for the admissions test for entry into one of New York City’s nine specialized high schools. Program participants attended admissions workshops, worked through practice materials and learned test-taking strategies to strengthen their skill sets in specialized interest areas as they geared up for the test in November 2024.

New in 2025, the program will offer its Family University. The Family University is a series of enrichment workshops specifically designed to enhance the student experience by offering targeted learning opportunities that include goal setting and student/life balance.

SAT PREP PROGRAM

In 2024, 218 students took advantage of the SAT Prep Program. This 13-week program was held virtually on Saturdays. Students gained access to content and instruction, as well as a series of specialized workshops covering topics such as “College Essay Writing,” “The Common Application” and “Test-taking Anxiety.” Students also gained in-depth insights into the college admissions process.

New for 2025, SAT Prep will also offer Family University, which focuses on high school success and college and career readiness.

HIGHLIGHTS

Overall, practice test composite scores improved by an average of 70 points. The highest overall practice score reported in 2024 was 1520, with a perfect math score!

Cultural Arts Stipend Program (CASP)

CCC offers stipends for participation in cultural arts programs. Members must find their own provider that:

• Provides services on the weekend, weekdays and/or during the winter or spring school breaks*;
• Has a tax identification number;
• Has been in existence for more than two years with an established art, recreational or educational program or a holiday school recess program*;
• Has established course descriptions and a fee schedule; and
• Offers age-appropriate programming to children ages 5 through 17.

*New for 2025: Members who have a child or children whose school does not follow the New York City public school calendar can use the CASP benefit to secure a Holiday Program. Members may be reimbursed up to $1,200 for programming held during their child’s winter and spring breaks. Members may combine additional programming if the total cost does not exceed $1,200.

Educational Fun for All: Anne Shore Camp (ASC) Summer 2024

• 704 children of 572 members attended sleep-away camp.
• 665 children attended through one of the program’s 21 contracted camp providers, located across six states throughout the Northeast.
• 8 children took advantage of the one-week trial sessions, which were restored in 2023. These shorter “taste of camp” sessions were offered by select camps to first-time campers ages 9 to 11.
• 39 children attended through ASC’s Independent Camp Program.

ASC’S POSITIVE IMPACT ON MEMBERS:

Sleep-away camp is an extremely powerful experience for youth of all ages. Aside from giving them amazing new experiences, it gets them outside, reduces screen time and makes a significant impact on their social, emotional and cognitive health. Campers learn to work better with others, develop their decision-making skills and build meaningful relationships. In turn, these skills help promote independence and self-confidence. In response to ASC’s summer 2024 Member Satisfaction Survey:

• 93 percent of children said they liked or loved their camp experience. When given the opportunity to leave more personalized feedback, here’s what parents had to say:
• “My daughter had the time of her life…she thoroughly enjoyed herself. She had a tough year at school, and this camp experience was the reset she needed. Thank you, 1199, for this amazing opportunity.”
• “The lessons camp teaches young girls are so important, and they have a blast while being there. My daughter is scared of heights, but she rope-climbed. She learned how to do her hair without Mom’s help. She got a bull’s-eye in archery and she rode a horse, which takes discipline and a gentle soul to connect with the horse and build trust with it. She gained a group of girls as lifelong camp friends, worked hard for what she wants—there’s so much a pre-teen can gain in life skills from attending camp.”
• “It’s not easy sending your child away for the first time. My son came back with new skills and experiences and a greater sense of independence. His connection with his counselors helped him battle his homesickness while fostering a new talent.”
• 96 percent of members reported they are likely to apply again.
• 98 percent of members said they are likely to recommend the program to another member.

2024 CHILD CARE CORPORATION (CCC) SCHOLARSHIPS

10 program alums who had aged out of ASC received a CCC scholarship to attend their camp’s Leader-in-Training (LIT) or Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program. ASC participants frequently demonstrate significant growth in leadership skill development and, often, participation in a camp’s leadership program can lead directly to future summer employment there.

ASC’S SUMMER 2025 CAMP FAIR

• Held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, at the Benefit Funds’ 498 Seventh Avenue headquarters.
• 19 of 24 camp providers participated.
• The American Camp Association, Dial-a-Teacher and staff from the Benefit Funds’ Wellness Member Assistance Program also participated.
• 28 families (68 people) attended.
• Members and their children had the opportunity to speak directly with ASC’s participating camp providers, ask questions and gain a better understanding of the unique programming each camp offers. Families came away with valuable information to make their camp/session preference selections on the application.

OTHER ASC EVENTS

• Online events for summer 2025 were hosted in mid-January:
• Online Special Needs Camp Fair (Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm)
• Consisted of four presentations, including ASC’s three special-needs camp providers (Ramapo for Children, Camp Reece and the Southampton Fresh Air Home) and ASC’s Independent Camp Program.
• 5 families attended.

JTSP Sets Up Students for Academic Success!

The Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program (JTSP) awards scholarships to children of eligible members who are attending accredited undergraduate programs. This need-based award can be used for books, personal expenses, transportation or tuition, as well as for reducing student loan debt.

During the 2024-2025 academic year, JTSP will grant over 2,300 scholarship awards. Here are the top 10 majors and institutions attended by 24-25 JTSP applicants:

Top 10 Majors
1st	Nursing	409
2nd	Biology	267
3rd	Computer Science	195
4th	Business	176
5th	Psychology	172
6th	Engineering	132
7th	Finance	66
8th	Criminal Justice	65
9th	Health Science	63
10th	Accounting	52
# of students w/medical-related majors = 1,217 students

Top 10 Schools
1st	SUNY Stony Brook University	102
2nd	SUNY at Albany	98
3rd	St. John’s University	95
4th	CUNY Hunter College	94
5th	SUNY University at Buffalo	93
6th	CUNY Lehman College	73
7th	SUNY Binghamton University	65
8th	CUNY City College	63
9th	New York Institute of Technology	60
10th	CUNY Baruch College	56
# of CUNY students = 601 students

In Their Own Words – Alia Mahmood Ul Haq

At The City College of New York, I am a sophomore and Biology major. I strive to become a physician’s assistant in the OB/GYN field.

My college experience has taught me to be thankful even for the adversities I face. Through these challenges, I learned many new things about myself. I realized the importance of standing up for yourself, how to deal with conflict between others and managing “adulting.”

The Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program provided me with a sense of hope and comfort. With the scholarship, I was able to purchase my first laptop. This gave me the control over my academics to succeed. Every day when using my computer, I am thankful to know my dreams are now attainable and not just a fantasy.