Informational Resources
Employee Assistance Program
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Most people think of physical abuse when they think of domestic violence, but it can be sexual, psychological, or economic abuse as well. If you or a family member is experiencing domestic violence and want help, there are resources in your community:
Call the confidential New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906 for English, Spanish (Español) and other languages. Call 711 if you have a hearing impairment.
Text 844-997-2121 (24/7) for confidential assistance with domestic violence issues from professionals.
Also, search local domestic violence assistance programs in your area.
New York State Office for Prevention of Domestic Violence
For additional information, assessment and referral services for addressing domestic violence or any other issue, contact your NYS agency EAP coordinator. Coordinator Listing.
Network Child Care Centers
Free Materials from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a variety of helpful and informative free materials, flyers, fact sheets, and books that can be printed directly from their website or if you need multiple copies can be ordered through their website at: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/freematerials.html
Topics include:
- Children’s Mental Health Report-Data regarding mental illness in childhood
- Positive Parenting Tips-Information about developmental milestones and tips for things that parents can do to help during each stage.
- “Learn the Signs. Act Early” Program-The CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program aims to improve early identification of children with autism and other developmental disabilities so children and families can get the services and support they need.
- Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) -People with ADHD have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors, and in some cases, are overly active.
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)-ASDs are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges.
The website includes a wealth of information on these and other conditions that can be printed directly from their site.
For information on the Network Child Care Centers, go to: Network Child Care Centers.
Pre-Retirement Planning
Saving for Retirement. Is Now the Right Time?
If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that dramatic change can happen quickly. It’s clear that just about everyone’s life has been turned upside down during this pandemic. Many have been forced to rethink their plans, including plans for retirement.
In the midst of this upheaval, a clear trend has emerged that many people are spending less money, which may create an opportunity to start saving for retirement or increase your current savings.
Why Save for Retirement?
While retirees tend to spend less than they did while they were working, financial experts say you’ll still need 70 to 80 percent of your pre-retirement income to maintain your lifestyle during retirement.
New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS) members have the rare advantage of a well-funded, defined-benefit pension. As a NYSLRS member, once you’re vested, you’re entitled to a pension that, once you retire, will provide you with monthly payments for the rest of your life. Retirement savings can supplement your NYSLRS pension and Social Security, helping you reach that income-replacement goal.
Retirement savings can also be a hedge against inflation and a source of cash in an emergency. A healthy retirement account will give you more flexibility during retirement, helping ensure that you’ll be able to do the things you want to do. It can also provide peace of mind.
Getting Started
For New York State employees and many other NYSLRS members, there’s an easy way to get started. If you work for a participating employer, you can join the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan.
Once you sign up for Deferred Compensation, your contributions will automatically be deducted from your paycheck and deposited into your account. You can choose from a variety of investment packages or choose your own investment strategy. (The Deferred Compensation Plan is not affiliated with NYSLRS.)
Information Source: New York State and Local Retirement System News, August 2020 https://www.nyretirementnews.com/saving-for-retirement/
For Pre-Retirement Planning information, go to: Pre-Retirement Planning.
Welcome to the Family Packet
Work-Life Services offers a Welcome to the Family Packet. Raising a child is an exciting and challenging experience. Today’s families often face unique circumstances trying to balance their work and family responsibilities. As a New York State Executive Branch employee, you are entitled to several negotiated benefits designed to assist you with balancing work and life. The Welcome to the Family Packet will outline these benefit programs as well as provide informative resources to support you through the rewarding experience of raising a child. We invite you to request a Welcome to the Family Packet for yourself or a family member who has recently welcomed a child into their family. Email your request along with your name and home mailing address to: [email protected].
For more information on the Network Child Care Centers, go to: Network Child Care Centers.
Elder Care Resources
Are you caring for an elderly family member or close friend?
Today’s families face unique circumstances trying to balance the responsibilities of caring for an elderly loved one while managing other demands. Work-Life Services now offers Caring for Your Elderly Loved One, an educational resource packet for employees who are caring for an elderly person. The packet includes a comprehensive guide to resources for older New Yorkers as well as information about memory loss, legal and financial planning for people with Alzheimer’s disease, older drivers, Medicare, long-distance caregiving, advanced care planning, end of life decisions, and much more.
To request a Caring for Your Elderly Loved One educational resource packet, click on the email link under Contact Us on the left side of the Work-Life Services homepage or email [email protected] to request the educational resource packet. You will need to provide your name and home mailing address.