Miles and Milestones: Training Fund Celebrates Five-Year Anniversary, Honors Students - See more at: http://www.1199seiu.org/miles_and_milestones_training_fund_celebrates_five_year_anniversary_honors_students#sthash.hTeR6TqJ.dpuf

June 15, 2011

On Thursday, June 9, the 1199SEIU Training & Upgrading Fund, an educational benefit that allows union members to take college, GED, ESL courses and worksite trainings, celebrated its five-year anniversary.

A gala was held at the union hall where current and graduating TUF students, 1199 staff, and members of management at our worksites gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the fund. Boston Mayor Thomas Menino also made an appearance to congratulate TUF students.

“Luckily, I have the support of Cape Cod Healthcare, the union and the Training Fund,” said Antoine Charlot, a certified nursing assistant at Cape Cod Hospital. Antoine is working on his associate’s degree in nursing.

Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Joanne Goldstein said she was proud to see that the Training Fund was working for so many people.

“It’s such a remarkable program for management and labor to come together and do training,” she said.

1199 Executive Vice President Veronica Turner spoke to the 225 people who attended the event and said how proud she was of the union members who are taking advantage of the TUF program and how inspiring it is to see this program make a difference in the lives of so many people.

“Our union is committed to helping our members achieve their goals. The Training Fund has opened doors for members to begin that journey, to return to school, to access the resources and support needed to advance their careers,” she said. “I congratulate each of the students for having the heart and determination to seek fulfillment of their hopes and aspirations.”

Ralfie Solomon, a CNA at Sachem Nursing Home, was elated that the fund helped pay for her to go back to school.

“The 1199 Training Fund has given great opportunities to members. The trainings have helped me improve my skills,” she said. “1199 has made the right choice in helping to promote the careers of its members.”

Emily Dos Santos, who used the Training Fund to go back to school to become a nurse, was thankful to the union for providing a benefit that has changed her life and put her on the track to move forward in her career.

“I hope that others can look to their union and know that help is available,” she said.

- See more at: http://www.1199seiu.org/miles_and_milestones_training_fund_celebrates_five_year_anniversary_honors_students#sthash.hTeR6TqJ.dpuf