UCAN Graduation

On February 27, The United Way of Greater Rochester and the AFL-CIO Community Services Committee kicked off the 2018 United Way Labor Fundraising Campaign. More than 200 members from the labor community joined together to honor Community Service Award winners at the Hyatt Regency and celebrated the 19 graduates who participated in this year’s Union Community Assistance Network (UCAN) training program.

Several CSEA members participated and graduated from the 2018 UCAN training program, including Renee Kendrot (Rochester Public Library, CSEA Monroe County Local 828); Margaret Chatterton (Rochester Public Library, CSEA Monroe County Local 828); James D’Amico (President, Monroe County Employees Unit 7400/Local 828); Joanne Dunn (Monroe County Local 828); Angela Muscianese (Monroe County Local 828) and Carrie Chapman (Monroe Community College, Monroe County Local 828).

CSEA Local President Bess Watts was awarded the Robert J. Flavin Community Service Award

For more than 40 years, United Way and AFL-CIO Community Services has trained union members to assist troubled co-workers through the Union Community Assistance Network. The training emphasizes the development of relationships with community partners while retaining a focus on member-to-member communications. The Union Community Assistance Network (UCAN) program's goal is to expand labor's presence in our communities. This year, 19 union members participated in the training to gain a better understanding of the social and economic conditions that contribute to workers' everyday stresses, and learn how to help meet the human service needs of working families.

For more than two decades, CSEA has been one of the top donors to the annual campaign fund for the United Way of Greater Rochester.

Accepting Scholarship Applications!

Since 1993, CSEA Monroe County Local 828 and its major Units have awarded over $119,000 in    scholarship prize money. In 1994, the Monroe County Employees Unit 7400, the largest Unit in the Local, created their own scholarship program and has distributed more than $25,000.

Mr. Growney was a long time labor leader and activist who was employed as a probation officer with Monroe County. He served as local president for nearly two decades before his retirement in 1995. George had a passion for kids to succeed, and would be proud that his union brothers and sisters have carried on his legacy of love and commitment to youth. George M. Growney died on August 10, 1997. The scholarship program was named in his honor the following year after his death.

The scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors whose parents and caregivers are members or agency shop fee payers of Monroe County Local 828. Scholarship applicants are judged on academic achievement, a written essay, financial need and potential.

“This is one of the best things we do as union activists,” said Bess Watts, President of Local 828. She added, “It’s very rewarding to know we are helping our young people succeed in life as well as giving back to our community.”

CSEA Local 828 Scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors whose parents and caregivers are members or agency shop fee payers of Monroe County Local 828. The scholarship committees have reviewed thousands of applications in the past 25 years, demonstrating a significant need of financial resources for young adults continuing their formal education. Scholarship applicants are judged on academic achievement, a written essay, financial need and potential.

Applications are available by contacting your workplace CSEA representative or by downloading the application and other materials here:

Eligibility and requirements checklist

Scholarship Application

High School Transcript Request

 For more scholarship information, you can go to our Voice Reporter Scholarship page or call Barbara at HQ 585-328-5250.   

Apprentice Organizer the Year Award

Congratulations to Carrie Chapman for receiving the Apprentice Organizer of the Year Award at the Rochester Labor Council Annual Delegates Dinner.  Carrie was recognized for the outstanding work she has done throughout the year in the Rochester Labor Community.  Carrie is the chair of CSEA Local 828's Next Wave Committee where she led the effort to collect 'Never Quit' cards and was instrumental in educating members about the Constitutional Convention.  Carrie is also a delegate for the Local.  We expect great things from Carrie and are thrilled that she received this award.  Congratulations, Carrie!

CSEA Local 828 Donates to the Veterans Outreach Center

The CSEA Local 828 Women’s Committee coordinated donations to the Veterans Outreach Center.  Public Service workers generously donated money and items for the Veterans which was delivered to the center on November 14^th.    Monroe County, Water Authority and the Town of Webster were particularly generous in their gifts, as well as the CSEA retirees Knitting Club for knitting scarfs, hats and gloves for the Veterans.  A special thank you to the Women’s Committee, led by Committee Chair, Angela Muscianese for coordinating this effort.

 The Veterans Outreach Center provides comprehensive resources to current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families through direct service, community collaboration and advocacy.  It is through the generosity of our community, including CSEA, that programs and services are offered free of charge.  

Pictured are employees of the Veterans Outreach Center with Angela, Bess and Kathy.

CSEA Local 828 Members featured in CSEA Videos

CSEA's Michael Irving makes his community a better place

WNY-- CSEA member and Monroe County Water Authority (NY) employee Michael Irving makes his community a better place. Video by CSEA ©2017.

CSEA's Carrie Chapman makes her community a better place

WNY-- CSEA member and Monroe Community College (NY) employee Carrie Chapman makes her community a better place. Video by CSEA ©2017.