Local 706 - The Artisan

Spring 2018

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6 • THE ARTISAN SPRING 2018 In 1921, what started as the "Motion Picture Relief Fund" (MPRF), with a simple coin box where entertainment industry workers would deposit spare change for fellow workers in need, evolved into the "Motion Picture Television Fund" (MPTF) in 1971. Just as MPTF's founders envisioned, this philanthropic service organization is now a lifeline for thousands of below- and above-the-line industry members and families, and remains at the core of its mission "To Give Back." A few months ago, I wrote an article for our bulletin about sub- stance abuse and mental health issues and how MPTF can help. In that this subject has become such an important topic globally, I am inserting an abbreviated version of the same article below, along with listing some other important MPTF benefits and support information available to our entertain- ment industry: "Occasionally, we are going to have friends and colleagues who might be in need of pro- fessional help with some kind of substance abuse or mental health issue, but don't know where to turn, or who to go to. We all do our best to manage stress in the workplace, and most of us are successful, but sometimes the anxiety that comes into play at work or home can test some to a breaking point. What starts out as a prescribed dose of pain medications, sedatives or other stronger sub- stances or so-called recreational drugs, can unintentionally turn into dependence or an addiction. Fortunately, MPTF has resources available to all eligible members, which offer confidential assistance in accessing mental health and chemical dependency benefits. The MPTF Social Services Department can help industry members who are ready and willing to seek treatment to find the appropriate ave- nue and level of care. Social workers provide nonjudgmental reassurance, guidance and emotional support to all industry members and their families who are struggling with addiction or mental health problems. If you or someone in the industry that you care about needs help, or if you are unsure about eligibility, please call MPTF's confidential Social Services intake line at (323) 634-3888 or email them at info@mptf.com." As the MPTF SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT is helping with the opioid crisis, it also keeps busy in providing counseling and financial assistance to those who are out of work, underemployed, or disabled; guidance in caring for aging parents; home safety assessments and specialized support for industry members and their families who are impacted by life-limiting illness. When a major medical diagnosis involving an advance illness occurs, MPTF's "PALLIATIVE CARE" is there at your side to help provide and LOCAL PERSPECTIVE guide you through the most challenging of health issues and obsta- cles; expertly walking you thru any stage of illness. This quality of life care and guidance for clinical and spiritual help is a mainstay of MPTF. They're always ready to help at (818) 876-1739. Each year, "HEALTH INSURANCE" is a number one con- cern for not only our Local 706 members, but all crew, below and above the line. If you and/or your family are not covered by MPIPHP Health or any other healthcare insurance and you are in need of coverage, MPTF can counsel and plan out what your needs are and help you pick the right plan for you and your fam- ily. They can be reached at (888) 558-4247. "THE SABAN CENTER FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS" is an integral centerpiece of the Wasserman Campus, located in Woodland Hills, CA. This haven for good health features the Jodie Foster Aquatic Pavilion, a high-tech fitness gym with trainers to assist, with educational seminars and classes. This center is also a great place where artisans and crew mem- bers can meet and socialize in a relaxed setting to form new friendships or rekin- dle old memories amongst like-thinking folks who share common experiences from our entertainment community. Lastly, MPTF's new campaign, "WE ALL PLAY OUR PART," is the engine that helps keep this important orga- nization viable and sustaining for not only our own Local 706 members and families, but the entire eligible entertain- ment industry. This program encour- ages industry members to get involved and contribute for the life and lon- gevity of MPTF through monthly and yearly financial support, volunteering and attending annual family fun events, such as the joint MPTF/IATSE-sponsored "Day at the Races" and "Heartbeat of Hollywood Golf Classic" and the "Heartbeat of Hollywood Lite" miniature golf event for industry employees and families. This article is just a sampling of the myriad of MPTF support systems that are right at your fingertips. To learn more on this fine organization, go to MPTF.org. Please enjoy this quarterly issue of The Artisan. Sincerely and Fraternally, by Tommy Cole Business Representative, I.A.T.S.E. Local 706 MPTF… is now a lifeline for thousands of below- and above-the-line industry members and families... " "

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