MEMBER FOCUS
Have-a-Heart Month
At CSEA, there is no ‘I’ or single individual above another. We’re in this together and that means coming to the aid of one another in times of need.
We all know that when classified workers support each other, gaining safer working conditions, job security, and increased wages is possible through the collective solidarity of their union sisters, brothers, and siblings.
But what happens when you need emergency support outside of the job? For CSEA members, help can be found through the Dorothy Bjork Humanitarian Assistance Fund.At CSEA, there is no ‘I’ or single individual above another. We’re in this together and that means coming to the aid of one another in times of need.
“CSEA Takes Care of Their Own”
Over the years, Susan Zarate-Sandoval has referred many CSEA siblings to the Humanitarian Assistance Fund. Susan has been a member since 2015 and as a chapter president, chief negotiator, chief union steward, site representative, and regional secretary for Region 98 in Area K, was well-versed in the resources available to CSEA members.
Never could she have predicted that she would be the one in need of a helping hand though.
In June of 2023, Susan’s husband, Manuel Sandoval, suffered an intra-cerebral stroke and aneurysm. To receive the best care possible, he was flown from a hospital in Brawley to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla in San Diego.
Due to the location of the aneurysm though, surgery was not recommended, leaving Manuel with lasting side effects like numbness and weakness in his right side that will require time to rehabilitate before returning to work.
“I’m the leader that encourages members to apply for assistance. Never did I think I would be on the receiving end."
- Susan Zarate-Sandoval, Imperial Unified Chapter 565
That’s enough for one family to worry about on its own but Susan and Manuel had also budgeted for their daughter’s expenses to attend Fresno State that fall – and no one plans for a life-threatening medical event.
Couple that with everything happening when utilities bills are at their peak during the height of summer, and Susan and Manuel found themselves wondering how they were going to get by.
Humanitarian Fund Bridges the Gap for Members
Since its founding in the mid-80's, CSEA’s Humanitarian Assistance Fund has provided emergency financial relief to CSEA members undergoing difficult times.
“Every February, CSEA celebrates Have-a-Heart Month to honor the vision that former CSEA President Dorothy Bjork set forth to uplift members living through their most dire moments,” said Association President Adam Weinberger.
When Bjork set out to create a fund to support members, she likely couldn’t imagine the challenges we face now.
Today’s CSEA members are enduring unprecedented times: from increasing wildfires and floods due to climate change, the reeling effects of a pandemic, and the ever-increasing challenge of making ends meet.
Yet, this is where Bjork’s vision of a true humanitarian fund by members, for members, continues to shine: helping countless CSEA families who will all benefit from the donation you make to the Dorothy Bjork Humanitarian Assistance Fund during Have-a-Heart Month.
“I sincerely believer today it was me, tomorrow it will be someone else.”
- Susan Zarate-Sandoval, Imperial Unified Chapter 565
As a member leader, Susan is normally the one encouraging members to apply for the Humanitarian Assistance Fund, but she gained a new appreciation for the fund after finding herself in the position so many of us do when we least expect it.
Susan and Manuel were able to get relief from their utility bills, which allowed them to focus on Manuel’s healing so he could return to work when he was ready.
She still makes a monthly contribution to the Assistance Fund and said it’s one of the many benefits she shares with potential members, emphasizing that a fund sustained by and for members to help in their times of need isn’t something others have.
“Receiving the letter made me appreciate all of our members for their monetary contributions to the Assistance Fund,” she said. “I sincerely believe today it was me, tomorrow it will be someone else.”
Application Process
If you find yourself in need of assistance, here is the application process:
1. Fill out the application here. Submit it to humanitarian@csea.com or call 866-ITS-CSEA (487-2732) and Member Benefits will walk you through the details.
2. Provide supporting documents, such as past due bills. For example, if a member is applying due to a loss in the family, attach funeral bills and/or a death certificate with the application.
3. After the application is submitted, it will be reviewed and, if needed, the member will be contacted for additional documents that help demonstrate need.
4. It is then sent to the Humanitarian Committee for review and final approval
5. Once approved, the member is notified
Ways to Donate
- Donate Online: Use our easy-to-use online donation form
- Donate by Check: Please send your donation to:
Dorothy Bjork Assistance Fund
2045 Lundy Avenue
San Jose, CA 95131
- Donate by Phone: Call CSEA Member Benefits 866-ITS-CSEA (487-2732), option 1
- Donate by Payroll Deduction: give a small amount each pay period
