Support Chris and his family!

One of our union members, Chris, was unexpectedly dismissed from his job after working with us for almost a decade. Throughout Chris’ tenure at IFES, he and his family have dealt with severe chronic health challenges that prevent his spouse from being able to work and means that Chris needs to provide extra caregiving support for the family. Chris was his family’s sole source of income and insurance, so this has created a profoundly problematic and stressful situation for Chris, his wife, Amaya, and their daughter, Selah.

With insurance costs ($3,000 a month now that he’s not employed!), ongoing high medical expenses, and the holidays approaching, we want to make sure that their family can be as happy and healthy as possible, as Chris looks for a new job. While we work to see what we can do for Chris as a union, we’re asking that you give what you can to help Chris and his family. Part of why we formed this union was to support our colleagues and friends, and we’re asking you to help us do that today.

Some words our members have used to describe Chris are: “kind,” “always willing to speak truth to power,” “thoughtful,” “caring,” “patient,” “a leader … I really remember how much he stood up to management during the George Floyd protests and the issues with the board,” “always willing to use his privilege to push back, all while being a consummate professional,” “a pretty awesome dad,” “a great dad,” “a very caring dad,” (the results are in: Chris is a great dad!), “dedicated,” and a “cat enthusiast” (there were more, but we think you get the idea!).

If you don’t feel able to share financially, that’s absolutely fine - Chris has shared that he would appreciate professional recommendations from colleagues and connections to help secure a new job most of all, because it can lead to a long-term solution for their family.

Chris also asked us to share this with you: “I’m thankful beyond words that I’ve had the blessing to work with such wonderful colleagues during a decade at IFES. Your kindness and camaraderie over the years has made unbearable challenges bearable, over and over again. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who’s shown their care and support, especially now in this shocking, unspeakably challenging time. Our union’s been an especially amazing source of moral and practical support. It’s the perfect example of why IFES needs the union to protect colleagues’ rights and wellbeing, and to support one another in solidarity. We greatly appreciate y’all considering any kind of support for our family if that works well for you. Most of all, I hope we’ll find ways to stay connected as colleagues and as friends. Solidarity forever! :)”

The IFES Union family encourages everyone to share any form of support with Chris and his family that you can. Thanks in advance!