Illustration by Michele Amatrula
Members Helping Members
11-Point Membership Benefit Program
ESWA’s 11-point membership benefit program is built by and for members to meet material needs as expressed by ESWA’s membership council, where delegates from the membership can provide input into the working of their benefit program.
At ESWA, we have fought steadfastly to meet membership needs since our founding, while holding the government accountable to the needs of working people. The varied and growing number of requests from ESWA members for benefits further exemplifies the failure of the government to ensure the needs of its people are met.
In 2015, 193 nations around the world – including the United States government – officially adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They represent the basic needs of any human being. They also represent commitments the federal government initially ignored and, at a United Nations General Assembly meeting in March of 2025, officially denounced.
Throughout the page below, click on any colorful, multilingual SDG icon for more information about that goal and join us in fighting to hold the government accountable to their commitment to the 2030 Agenda.
Emergency and Supplemental Food Benefit
Non-perishable food items are available for ESWA members upon request of an emergency food benefit to aid with immediate needs. Members can also enroll in a year-round budget savings program, which includes weekly fresh grocery distributions.
Did you know?
ESWA’s 14605 zip code in North Marketview Heights has the second highest rate of “food insecurity” in the state. Citywide, requests at food cupboards have gone up more than 30% since 2022.
(Below) ESWA welcomes volunteers from the First Ward of Rochester of the Church of Jesus Christ for our Holiday Food Basket Distribution to ESWA membership families enrolled in ESWA’s annual budget saving program:
Clothing Benefit
Clothing of all sizes and seasonal needs is available at your local Benefit Office (call ESWA for hours).
Did you know?
In the United States, 85% of all discarded textiles end up in landfills or incinerators – even though more than two-thirds of that clothing is less than one year old. Meanwhile, two in five American kids are unable to adequately dress themselves because their families cannot afford clothing.
Preventive Medical Care Benefit
Volunteer doctors and other medical professionals donate their services through ESWA’s preventive medical benefit to see members for free-of-charge medical check-ups in their offices and present medical education and information sessions on medical topics like diabetes.
Did you know?
Despite being a significant hub for medical research, Rochester has the state’s lowest number of hospital beds per person. Rochester’s ER wait times average is more than 4 ½ hours. Getting from a gurney in the hallway into a hospital room can take up to a week.
Legal Advice Benefit
“Know Your Law” sessions conducted by volunteer attorneys present information about legal topics of interest to low-income workers as requested by ESWA members. Legal advice is provided to a requesting member privately in legal advice sessions with a volunteer attorney accompanied by a volunteer lay advocate to assist with the next steps of the attorney’s advice.
Did you know?
Monroe County public defenders frequently have to represent more than 100 clients at a time, exceeding the state standard. Statewide, 99% of misdemeanor charges and 96% of felony charges are resolved through guilty pleas, effectively denying defendants their Constitutional right to defense and trial.
Non-Emergency
Dental Care Benefit
Volunteer dentists and other dental professionals volunteer their services through ESWA’s non-emergency dental benefit. Other volunteers donate transportation and other needed follow-up determined by the professional. Volunteer dental professionals also provide group presentations on health topics of interest to the members.
Did you know?
While the federal government designates Rochester as a dental desert – with tens of thousands of low-income patients on waitlists – federal dental reimbursement rates are so low they cost dentists an average of $120 per visit to see a Medicaid patient.
These and other membership benefits are available through request. Call ESWA and speak to an organizer if you need help and to learn about other ways you can participate and build the benefit program.
(585) 654-9640