Testimonials
We all share a common thread. We love the job we do. Unity is the strength that binds us together. It allows us to share our stories and find solutions together as we move forward during this period of great change for our profession.
"Dear VOICE/CSEA members,
I just wanted to let you know that I had my renewal inspection - no violations! Better yet I was approved for the ratio and capacity change!
Better yet, when I get my license it will be for a renewal in 4 years - Waaaahoooooo!!!!! All our hard work and the motivation of having a strong union is paying off!"
— Cheryl Oare, First Friends Preschool and Daycare
WHY I JOINED VOICE:
"This Agreement is better than I imagined it would be. We secured reimbursement rates at the 75th percentile, program improvement grants, expanded access to Family Health Plus, a professional development fund and legislation to make ratios more flexible. I'm joining because I want to vote YES and work with VOICE/CSEA to lead family child care into the future." —Wendy Nashid-Jackson
"Our VOICE Agreement helps ensure that OCFS will continue to set ceiling rates at the 75th percentile of the market rate survey. I'm joining VOICE/CSEA because with our union, we can negotiate with OCFS and lobby our legislators to make child care in NY work better for everyone." —Roxanne Savage
"This Agreement shows that working with VOICE/CSEA, family child care providers can get more of what we need to run our quality child care programs: program grants, professional development, more affordable health insurance, and rights and respect." —Marion Hunt-Robinson
"Under the VOICE/CSEA agreement with OCFS, Family Health Plus will be available to some of our members who aren't currently eligible because they make more income than income is allowed to be eligible. I joined VOICE because with our union, we can begin to tackle big problems like affordable health insurance that we can't solve on our own."—Charlese McClain
"With VOICE/CSEA, we have more of what we need to run our quality programs -an agreement with New York OCFS that includes union representation over problems with inspections and payments, rights, and respect. And member-only benefits like discounts on educational toys and more affordable liability insurance. To me, paying union dues is a solid investment in my business and myself. I'm joining VOICE/CSEA and voting YES." —Kim Bannister
"I joined VOICE because we can advocate as a statewide group. This opens doors for us to reach elected officials who see a unified body of providers, with concerns for our families and children, bringing our issues to the table to get things done." — Wendy Nashid-Jackson, Westchester County
"With the help of CSEA/VOICE we can make a difference in our lives and the lives of the families and children that we love and care for" —Jill Schechet, Monroe County
"A union for child care means that the Provider who does the work is sitting down at the table when rules and regs are in their birthing stages and we can have positive input as opposed to negative feedback." —Patrick Hogan, Westchester County
"I am so happy to be a part of the childcare provider UNION. I encourage all Latino providers in Monroe County to become members and support each other in our businesses"—Evelyn Casanova, Monroe County
I am active in VOICE because the public needs to know childcare providers are the backbone of our society. If we cannot provide parents with safe reliable, quality care, they cannot work. We need to be represented, protected and respected as legitimate business owners, and not just babysitters. Our union participation will help to ensure our future and that of the parent's and children in our communities." —Valeria Thomas, Albany County
"Union representation gives us, strength in our voice, but in order to truly succeed, we as providers each need to stand up for our cause. Let's get involved!"—Kim Brown, Westchester County
"Childcare providers need to be active in VOICE to get the respect we deserve. It's the only way we can make sure we get equal and fair treatment."—Lisa Jones, Jefferson County
"Providers: we need to speak out and stand up for ourselves. We are a Union now. Together we are strong!"—Maria Thorner, Suffolk County
Voice means exactly what is says, a VOICE for the people who can't speak for themselves. That is what I thought when I first learned we were going to have a union for childcare providers. For so many years we weren't heard now we had a voice in our union who would hear us and take our needs as childcare providers into consideration."—Darcel E. Leone
"It's been an amazing journey. It's hard to believe that a few short years ago we started VOICE with the goal of eventually negotiating with OCFS. Here we are in 2008 sitting across the table from OCFS negotiating a contract for Family and Group Family Providers. I am truly grateful to be part of this process. VOICE/CSEA has given providers a way to finally be seen as the professionals we have always been." —Kim Bannister, Erie County
"As Providers, we are often isolated from each other by the nature of our work. We work long hours, and may not have the time to speak out for ourselves. Through VOICE membership we speak in unison, at the table where decisions are made, governing our work. We must support our union because we are our union."—Claudia Bowker, Chatauqua County"
"As a CSEA union rep. for 30 years, I learned the benefits of a union both personally and professionally. It seems only natural, given the complexity of the childcare industry that we work together toward establishing and building our union."—Sally Heater, Onondaga County
"Though we as providers have very demanding schedules, it is imperative for us to find the time and get involved in our cause- VOICE, is our
union. Lets rally!"—Lucia Silvestro, Westchester County
"Voice is an opportunity to create change. We as providers are very knowledgeable. We play a very important role not only in the child's life, but their families. We help build the foundations for the childrens' future. We needed to stand up and be heard. As we unite and work together, we will be strong and get results. We can create change. VOICE is our opportunity.—Pam Wells, Washington County
"Our careers are extremely important in our local communities, allowing families to work without fear and with confidence that their children's needs are being met in a warm and loving home. Senator Joe Bruno said it eloquently; "You are the foundation for all working people in New York State." We work with our clients, often forming a supportive "Day Care Family" that these families need as well as work as independent small business owners. No wonder we deserve respect.—Cathey Sandman, Erie County
"I have a different outlook on things now. I was afraid and had lost hope. VOICE/CSEA has given me back my power. I feel stronger than ever, and I have faith that my future will be a bright one. We all fall down and require a helping hand to get back up! That helping hand has been the many childcare providers and members of my Union VOICE/CSEA. I feel that through all the challenges I faced, something amazing came out of it that is, that I made changes to my career without having to make a career change.—Damaris Samolinski, Suffolk County
"I am so excited and fired up about our Union. I feel like I have just won the lottery! With VOICE/CSEA we have a powerful Union that can be heard in Albany and make positive changes in the daycare field.—Theresa Allsopp, Chemung County
