Valley State Prison is in Chowchilla, California, about 40 miles outside Fresno. It’s here that Anthony Ngo, an AFSCME Local 2620 (Council 57) member, commutes every day, providing psychological counseling and group therapy to the medium security facility’s inmates.
“It’s a great job – great pay and benefits, and I love the staff, and I have a flexible work schedule,” says Ngo. “I also like the work I do.”
At Valley State, therapy is mandatory. Ngo works in an enhanced outpatient program for inmates who’ve committed crimes of varying severities to receive treatment for mental illness. Ngo always wanted to be a psychological therapist and pursued graduate school, interviewing and getting the job at the prison along the way.
“The results of my work depend on the individual,” reflects Ngo. “Those who set an intention and see therapy as a way to get better can experience powerful results. Still, some are so sick and are caught deeply within it and it’s hard to help them.”
Ngo describes his union as supportive, and he has been a regular attendee at meetings.
“They help us out a lot,” he says of his local.
It was through AFSCME Advantage that Ngo first heard of discounts exclusive to AFSCME members. He went online to learn more and discovered the Union Plus Auto Buying Service. Then, as if on cue, his car started acting up. A couple of problems with his vehicle were more serious than anticipated, and he knew it was time to start shopping.
“I have a pretty serious commute, and I really wanted to find an electric car,” says Ngo. “That’s when I decided to explore Union Plus for what they might offer.”
The Union Plus Auto Buying Service, administered by TrueCar or Union Auto Program depending on your state of residence, helps union members and their families find the right new or used car or truck at a great price and offers additional savings and benefits.
Ngo revisited the Auto Buying website and decided to call to ensure clarity throughout the process. He felt that the Union Plus team equipped him to move through each step correctly. Though Ngo found the car he wanted – a Chevy Volt, when he showed up at the dealer he didn’t have a specific form needed to process his transaction. But after a quick call to TrueCar backed Ngo up, the dealer finalized the purchase.
Because he purchased a new electric vehicle through TrueCar, Ngo received the Union Plus union-made green car** rebate that totals $200. Union members who purchase new union-made cars – no matter their environmental designation – receive a $100 rebate directly from Union Plus.
“I already had a new car that I love commuting in, and then I received the rebate. I was really caught by surprise,” remembers Ngo. “I had no idea I had that coming. Believe me, all AFSCME members should be using the Union Plus Auto Buying service – I’ve told all my friends about it.”
Visit unionplus.org/afscmeautobuying and select your state to learn how TrueCar or Union Auto can help you.
