MEMBER FOCUS
Have-a-Heart Month
While CSEA accepts donations for the Dorothy Bjork Assistance Fund year-round, CSEA celebrates Have-a-Heart Month each February to fundraise for the Assistance Fund. This year’s efforts raised $26,238 across all forms of donations that will go directly to members in need! That’s over 50 union siblings who will be able to receive relief should life deal them a difficult hand.
One of the most unique and selfless aspects of CSEA, the Assistance Fund is a shining example of our dedication and commitment to each other. Funded entirely by donations, the fund exists solely to provide help to members in times of need. It is impossible to predict what’s next and any one of us could suddenly find ourselves in need of a helping hand.
Whether it’s unexpected medical expenses, the impact of a natural disaster, the loss of a loved one, or any number of life events, CSEA is here to help bridge the gap when times are tough.
Susan Zarate-Sandoval was one member who received a grant from the Assistance Fund. She had referred members to it for years and never expected she would be the one applying for aid. But when she and her husband found themselves facing large utility bills after unexpected medical expenses, she was able to apply for and receive assistance.
Unexpected challenges and emergencies can happen to anyone, so if you find yourself in need of assistance please visit csea.com/assistance or call Member Benefits at 866-487-2732.
Thank you for your generosity and if you have not donated to the Assistance Fund, consider giving today at csea.com/assistance. Every gift in any amount means a future lifeline for another union sibling when they need it most.
Susan Zarate-Sandoval was one member who received a grant from the Humanitarian Assistance Fund. She had referred members to it for years and never expected she would be the one applying for aid. But when she and her husband found themselves facing large utility bills after unexpected medical expenses, she was able to apply for and receive assistance.
Unexpected challenges and emergencies can happen to anyone, so if you find yourself in need of assistance please visit csea.com/assistance or call Member Benefits at 866-487-2732.
Thank you for your generosity and if you have not donated to the Assistance Fund, consider giving today at csea.com/assistance. Every gift in any amount means a future lifeline for another union sibling when they need it most.
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
