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Issue: 891 Date: 9/20/2007
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U. City announces employee initiatives
Focus on housing, health, community service and transportation
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Under the umbrella of its new Wellness Program, the City of University City will announce three innovative employee initiatives 6:30pm Monday, September 24 at City Hall, 6801 Delmar.
At Home in U. CityOwning a home in U. City just got easier. Eligible City employees will receive a grant of up to $4,000 towards the purchase of a home in the city's northeastern section, defined as north of Olive and east of Midland. Participating employees not only help stabilize neighborhoods and increase the city's tax base, they reduce the stress of commuting to work, save time and fuel, and reduce the carbon imprint on the environment. University City is partnering with Freddie Mac, Beyond Housing, FOCUS St. Louis and area lenders to implement a Workforce Home Benefit initiative.
Workforce Home Benefit is a signature Freddie Mac initiative that is available across the country. Freddie Mac developed the offering to help employers throughout the United States foster homeownership for their employees. Workforce Home Benefit can be customized to meet employers' needs. Under this initiative, employees will receive homebuyer education and pre-purchase assistance that includes financial management, access to public agency subsidies and Freddie Mac's Home Possible mortgages which offer additional flexibilities for firefighters, law enforcement officers and healthcare workers.
Employee Wellness ProgramFulltime University City employees earn up to two Wellness Hours each week. During a regular work shift, those two hours can be used to participate in city-run fitness programs or to volunteer for U. City based organizations. Healthy employees are more productive. They also help reduce the cost of medical insurance.
Free access to Centennial Commons, the city's state of the art recreation/fitness/pool complex, puts every employee within minutes of a heart-healthy workout. Charitable volunteer time can be used at any U. City public or private school, or nonprofit organization. Employees are using Wellness Hours to read to local school children and coach athletic programs. One teaches financial literacy to grades 1-12 through Junior Achievement. Some provide non-emergency medical transportation to seniors through the County Older Resident Program.
Alternative Transportation ProgramSaving the planet can be profitable. Alternative modes of transportation help relieve road congestion and reduce harmful emissions. By foregoing single occupant commuting, employees will also earn $1/day when they carpool, bike, walk, or take Metro to and from work.In emergencies, taxis will be provided for participating employees. Carpoolers can poll their colleagues or register with RideFinder: 1.800.847.7433 or online: www.ridefinders.org.
Walking to work has become a healthy option for some employees. A group of firefighters has found carpooling an easier, less stressful way to work their shift. City Manager Julie Feier gave up a reserved parking space to ride her bright yellow bike to work on most days.
"Going green is not just an investment for future generations," said Feier. "Promoting healthier lifestyles has immediate benefits for all of us."
"Our only business is to serve those who work, live and play in University City. Employees are our best resources, and worthy of these positive lifestyle investments" added Human Resource Director, Yolanda Williams. |
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