In the spirit of the winter holidays, the United Probation Officers Association (UPOA) hosted a Health and Wellness, Toy, and Book Drive on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Maestro’s Caterers in the Bronx. At the event, UPOA members learned about wellness benefits available to them and donated over 210 toys and an abundance of books for the families of probation clients. NYC Department of Probation Commissioner Juanita Holmes donated six boxes of books to the toy and book drive.
“It is important for people who work in stressful fields like probation to maintain their physical, emotional, financial and work-related wellness” said UPOA President Dalvanie K. Powell. “This event would not be possible without the help of UPOA trustees and exemplifies how we can spread joy throughout our communities during the holiday season. The generosity of our members will allow us to bring holiday cheer to the families of our probation clients.”
The United Probation Officers Association protects the rights of its members, who are Probation Officers and Supervising Probation Officers in New York City through striving for safer working conditions, bargaining to secure adequate remuneration, negotiating work schedules, and advocating for increased salaries for Probation Officers.
“Many clients and families face a number of challenges, but I always say that the holidays are always an opportunity to find a reason to smile,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “Probation officers work in public service to serve others and give our clients and young adults hope for a better tomorrow.”
“There is no more important agency than probation when we talk about communities,” said Bronx District Attorney Darcel Denise Clark. “It os all about prevention and uplifting people in our communities. The Department of Probation leads people who have entered the system in the right direction, so I am proud of the work of probation officers.”
At the event, union members were able to speak with health and wellness experts, and learn about benefits available to them, including:
- NYC Employee Assistance Program (EAP): This comprehensive program is staffed with mental health professionals that can assist city employees and their families with personal and behavioral health needs such as stress and anxiety management. By working with NYC EAP, employees and families gain a helping hand to improve their health and well-being.
- Work Well NYC: This worksite wellness program for all city employees offers programming in five main areas: physical activity, healthy eating and nutrition, mental health and wellness, preventive care, and health equity. In addition, Work Well NYC offers digital fitness classes taught by certified instructors and ranging from dance-cardio and pilates to mindful meditation.
- Stacey Braun Associates, Inc.: UPOA members have six hours of free financial counseling per year. Financial advisors examine the member’s financial situation and then create and work towards individualized goals.
