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Member Assistance Program gets rolling Fresh produce and bags of food await the members on Local 751's out-of-work list. In April 2009, the NCCRC launched the Member Assistance Program (MAP) to help ease the pain for members who are out of work in these tough times. The Delegates approved the program at the April Council meeting, and several speakers urged everyone to think of ways to help our brothers and sisters in need. This month, we highlight a couple of locals in the Northern District that have successfully launched their MAPs. Local 751 Local 751 got a fast start, pushing out its Member Assistance Program in May, just a month after the Council approval. The Local partnered with the Redwood Empire Food Bank to distribute food to lessen the impact of extended unemployment. Once or twice a week, Field Representatives visit the food bank, which can shop in bulk. Back at the hall, they separate the items into individual packages for each out-of-work member. "Although this is no substitute for steady employment, we are glad to help out during these tough economic times," says Local 751 Financial Secretary and Field Representative Dan Digardi. "Our members have expressed their gratitude each time we do this. I am very hopeful that we can continue this program until work picks up." The Local [46] has given out over 2,000 boxes of food for members in need.
On Roll Call days, once members sign the out-of-work list, they come into the Main Meeting hall to receive their packet. Each package contains a variety of items, usually 8 to 10 different choices. They also have bulk items of various fresh produce and bread. Members are free to take as much as they need. The Local is thankful to some of the local merchants who have generously given bags and boxes: Safeway, G&G Market, Target, Bottle Barn, Costco and Vintners Exchange. The Local also wants to give a shout-out to the volunteer efforts of rank-and-file members Dan Rickett and David O’Kelly, who have been instrumental in the distribution process. Christopher J. Flores, Field Representative/Caseworker for Congresswoman Doris Matsui, helps the staff at Locals 46, 9109 and 1618 box up the food to be given away in July. Local 46 In March 2009, Local 46 in Sacramento started a food bank that included Locals 9109, 1618 and any members who live in or sign up on the out-of-work lists in the area. Since then the Local has given out over 2,000 boxes of food for members in need. The Food Bank trucks the food to the Local where the Field Representatives have set up a production line to fill the boxes. "The first giveaway was in March with 200 boxes to see how it was going to work, and since then have increased the amount given away each month to 400," said Michael Leong, Local 46’s Financial Secretary and Marketing Representative. "The first time we did it a couple members looked me straight in the eye and said, ‘I can really use this.’ That made me really believe in what we’re doing here." |
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