By and 98 Cares Committee Members,Ibew Local,Justin Bielec,Ryan Gerold,Shawn Hayes Jr
Copyright phillyvoice
Life throws curveballs. Even with the strength of a union behind us, individual members and their families can face tough times. These struggles aren’t always just financial—they can bring emotional pain as well. An injury on or off the job, a medical emergency, or an unexpected disaster can turn a stable life upside down in an instant.
But we don’t have to face these challenges alone.
That’s where 98 Cares comes in. This program was built to support members when life gets really hard. It’s a helping hand, ready to lift you up during your darkest hours. Local 98 members are the heartbeat of this union, and they deserve to feel it—not just on the job, but off the job as well. This fund provides security, comfort, and a stronger bond throughout the membership.
How it started
From the outside looking in, it often seemed that Local 98 did a great job supporting causes outside the organization—but there was no real hardship program for members themselves. With Mark Lynch Jr. elected as Business Manager, a fresh opportunity arose. He welcomed new ideas and voices, and the focus quickly turned to putting the members first.
