Making Your Life Easier
Events Calendar
Office Staff
Member Dashboard
Member Media Center
Use of Local 479 Facility
Member Fitness Center
Recovery and Mental Health
The Robert Vazquez Scholarship
Suggested Mortgage Companies
Suggested Legal Services

THE JOURNEYMAN PROCESS

Journeyman status with Local 479 signifies that a member has accrued a requisite amount of work experience in a craft and can be considered knowledgable in that craft. New members may join as a non-Journeyman, but will eventually achieve Journeyman status and will be charged a fee at that time.

Non-Journeyman – Someone having less than 180 days of production experience. Joining in this capacity allows you to build contacts and experience. When you reach 180 days of work experience you are automatically upgraded to Journeyman status.

Journeyman – Someone having more than 180 days of production experience. You must be able to prove that you have 180 days or more of experience on a set to join at this level.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR STATUS

There are a variety of reasons why a member might seek to withdraw or rejoin Local 479:

Honorable Withdrawals

A member may withdraw from the local as long as they are in good standing and are fully paid. Simply send a request to the Treasurer/Secretary that you wish to be installed. You will be required to pay back dues UP TO 8 quarters.

Expulsion

Members face expulsion (removal from the membership) if they are more than 2 quarters in arrears.

Reinstatements

Former members may rejoin from either an honorable withdrawl or from an expulsion, provided that they meet the necessary requirements. Send a request to the Treasurer/Secretary, who will contact the IA to determine the amount that you owe.

Reinstatements from Expulsion

Former members who were expelled for being in arrears may petition the Treasurer/Secretary to rejoin the union. Reinstatement requires that the member pays a $100 reinstatement fee PLUS quarterly dues for every quarter missed plus any outstanding amount.

Benefits FAQ

If coverage is cheaper on the Marketplace, can I waive my current coverage and purchase coverage on the Marketplace?

You may not waive coverage under the Fund’s Plan C-1, C-2, or C-3 options. You may only waive an MRP balance if you are enrolled in the MRP Plan on a stand-alone basis. The only advantage to waiving an MRP balance is that this may allow you to qualify for a federal subsidy for coverage purchased through the Marketplace. We cannot offer guidance on this issue, since the subsidy is based on total household income, which is information that this Fund does not have.

Do Plan C employer contributions accumulate in my own account?

Yes, except for the first $150 of employer contributions when you begin to work under a Plan C Collective Bargaining Agreement. Thereafter, contributions made by your employer when you work in covered employment go into your CAPP (Contributions Available for Premium Payments) account. Your CAPP account is central to your eligibility and serves as the payment mechanism for your Plan C benefits.

What is the earliest I can enroll in Plan C coverage?

New employees who have never participated in Plan C before may voluntarily enroll in Plan C once their CAPP account has enough employer contributions to meet the charge for one month of Plan C-2 individual coverage. Please note that this is after the first $150 of employer contributions for new employees is applied to the Health and Welfare Fund’s general assets.

Can I use my CAPP balance for a purpose other than paying the cost to enroll in one of the Plan C benefit options?

Yes, if, when you reach either the voluntary or automatic enrollment thresholds and you demonstrate to the Fund Office that you have other employer or union sponsored group health coverage that meets the minimum value standards of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) you can use your CAPP account for the Plan C medical reimbursement program. Please remember there is annual quarterly $50 administrative fee and you must provide proof of qualifying other coverage EVERY year along with a signed certification of the ACA requirements by the open enrollment deadline which is typically December 15th to remain enrolled in this coverage option for the next calendar quarter. -- or -- If you and your eligible dependents are enrolled in Plan C-1, C-2 , C-3, or C-4 you are automatically eligible to participate in Plan C-MRP as a supplement to your Plan, provided you have sufficient funds in your account. Plan C-MRP allows you to use “excess funds” in your CAPP account to pay medical, prescription drug, dental and vision expenses that are not paid by the Plan (subject to the administrative charge described next). “Excess funds” means any amount in excess of what is needed to pay the current and next quarter’s CAPP charges for the medical coverage in which you are enrolled (Plan C-1, C-2, C-3 or C4).

Why is there an Out-of-Pocket Limit now on Plans A, C1, C2, C3, and C4?

The ACA places an annual limit on how much a person is required to pay out-of-pocket for covered services under a health plan. Once a person has met that annual limit, the health plan must cover all covered services at 100% for the rest of the year. While Plans C2 and C3 already contained an out-of-pocket limit, Plans A and C1 did not. And, the limits under Plans C2 and C3 did not include prescription drugs, which now count toward the annual limit starting January 1, 2015. The annual limit includes amounts paid by a participant for all essential benefits: hospital, medical, diagnostic, laboratory, mental health services, covered therapies, prescriptions, etc. (Services not covered by the Plan, such as out of network services under Plans C3 and C4, do not count toward the annual limit). As briefly described above, deductibles, copayments, and co-insurance (percentage) payments are all added together as out-of-pocket monies a participant is spending/cost sharing with the Plan. Once a participant’s spending reaches a certain dollar amount, then all further covered services in that same calendar year are paid at 100%. This means that, after that point, no more out-of-pocket expenses have to be paid by the participant except for non-covered services and out-of-network provider charges that exceed the reasonable and customary dollar amount determined by BlueCross BlueShield (or all out-of-network provider charges if the participant is covered under an in-network-only option). The out-of-pocket limits under Plans A, C1, C2, and C3 are more generous than required by the ACA, that is, the Plans are reimbursing more than is required by law.

Making Your Life Easier

By becoming a member of IATSE you made a decision to work as a professional in the film & television industry, and as a professional you demand benefits to protect your family’s health and to provide for your retirement years. Local 479 recognizes the challenges that our busy members face throughout the year and have provided a dedicated staff and this web resource to ensure that you can find the information you need to help you make the right decisons for you and your family, at any time of the day or night.

Events Calendar

	September 2021
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
			1 MEWP @ Sunbelt Renta… MEWP @ Sunbelt Rentals Empire Blvd. Atlanta September 1, 2021 @ 7:30 am - 2:00 pm 3430 Empire Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30354, USA This training prepares an individual to understand the hazards involved in operating specific equipment. Course includes in-classroom and hands-on training for Mobile Elevated Work Platforms. Responsibilities as a user and operator Conducting a pre-start inspection Conducting a workplace inspection Various types of equipment Preventing accidents and identifying hazards in operation Teaching materials: Safety guidelines booklet Course completion wallet card See more details •	2 MEWP TRAINING @ SUNB… MEWP TRAINING @ SUNBELT RENTALS DULUTH September 2, 2021 @ 7:30 am - 2:00 pm 3885 Buford Hwy Duluth, GA 30096-4133 This training prepares an individual to understand the hazards involved in operating specific equipment. Course includes in-classroom and hands-on training for Mobile Elevated Work Platforms. Responsibilities as a user and operator Conducting a pre-start inspection Conducting a workplace inspection Various types of equipment Preventing accidents and identifying hazards in operation Teaching materials: Safety guidelines booklet Course completion wallet card See more details •	3	4 FORKLIFT @ Sunbelt R… FORKLIFT @ Sunbelt Rentals Empire Blvd. Atlanta September 4, 2021 @ 7:30 am - 2:00 pm 3430 Empire Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30354, USA This training prepares an individual to understand the hazards involved in operating specific equipment. Course includes in-classroom and hands-on training for Forklifts. Responsibilities as a user and operator Conducting a pre-start inspection Conducting a workplace inspection Various types of equipment Preventing accidents and identifying hazards in operation Teaching materials: Safety guidelines booklet Course completion wallet card See more details •
5	6	7 MEWP @ Sunbelt Renta… MEWP @ Sunbelt Rentals Kennesaw September 7, 2021 @ 7:30 am - 2:00 pm 2390 Cobb Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152, USA This training prepares an individual to understand the hazards involved in operating specific equipment. Course includes in-classroom and hands-on training for Mobile Elevated Work Platforms. Responsibilities as a user and operator Conducting a pre-start inspection Conducting a workplace inspection Various types of equipment Preventing accidents and identifying hazards in operation Teaching materials: Safety guidelines booklet Course completion wallet card See more details •	8	9 MEWP TRAINING @ SUNB… MEWP TRAINING @ SUNBELT RENTALS DULUTH September 9, 2021 @ 7:30 am - 2:00 pm 3885 Buford Hwy Duluth, GA 30096-4133 This training prepares an individual to understand the hazards involved in operating specific equipment. Course includes in-classroom and hands-on training for Mobile Elevated Work Platforms. Responsibilities as a user and operator Conducting a pre-start inspection Conducting a workplace inspection Various types of equipment Preventing accidents and identifying hazards in operation Teaching materials: Safety guidelines booklet Course completion wallet card See more details •	10	11 Portable Power Distr… Portable Power Distribution and Electrics for Motion Picture Production with Richard Cadena Day 1 September 11, 2021 @ 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Portable Power Distribution and Electrics for Motion Picture Production 2021 Presented by Richard Cadena, ETCP RT/CEE live online Portable Power Distribution and Electrics is two-day online course taught for five hours each day with additional research topics and resources. It covers almost all of the topics listed in the content outline of the ETCP Portable Power Distribution Technician Certification exam. It is designed to accommodate a range of skills and experience, starting with basic electricity, circuit laws, and theory, and building towards more advanced topics including power distribution, power factor, and harmonics, with an emphasis on electrical safety, the use of PPE, codes and regulations, grounding and bonding, and GFCIs. The training platform allows attendees to ask questions and interact with the instructor. See more details •
12 Portable Power Distr… Portable Power Distribution and Electrics for Motion Picture Production with Richard Cadena Day 2 September 12, 2021 @ 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Portable Power Distribution and Electrics for Motion Picture Production 2021 Presented by Richard Cadena, ETCP RT/CEE live online Portable Power Distribution and Electrics is two-day online course taught for five hours each day with additional research topics and resources. It covers almost all of the topics listed in the content outline of the ETCP Portable Power Distribution Technician Certification exam. It is designed to accommodate a range of skills and experience, starting with basic electricity, circuit laws, and theory, and building towards more advanced topics including power distribution, power factor, and harmonics, with an emphasis on electrical safety, the use of PPE, codes and regulations, grounding and bonding, and GFCIs. The training platform allows attendees to ask questions and interact with the instructor. See more details •	13	14 FORKLIFT@ Sunbelt Re… FORKLIFT@ Sunbelt Rentals Kennesaw September 14, 2021 @ 7:30 am - 2:30 pm 2390 Cobb Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152, USA This training prepares an individual to understand the hazards involved in operating specific equipment. Course includes in-classroom and hands-on training for FORKLIFTS. Responsibilities as a user and operator Conducting a pre-start inspection Conducting a workplace inspection Various types of equipment Preventing accidents and identifying hazards in operation Teaching materials: Safety guidelines booklet Course completion wallet card See more details •	15 MEWP @ Sunbelt Renta… MEWP @ Sunbelt Rentals Empire Blvd. Atlanta September 15, 2021 @ 7:30 am - 2:00 pm 3430 Empire Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30354, USA This training prepares an individual to understand the hazards involved in operating specific equipment. Course includes in-classroom and hands-on training for Mobile Elevated Work Platforms. Responsibilities as a user and operator Conducting a pre-start inspection Conducting a workplace inspection Various types of equipment Preventing accidents and identifying hazards in operation Teaching materials: Safety guidelines booklet Course completion wallet card See more details •	16 FORKLIFT TRAINING @ … FORKLIFT TRAINING @ SUNBELT RENTALS DULUTH September 16, 2021 @ 7:30 am - 2:00 pm 3885 Buford Hwy Duluth, GA 30096-4133 This training prepares an individual to understand the hazards involved in operating specific equipment. Course includes in-classroom and hands-on training for FORKLIFTS. Responsibilities as a user and operator Conducting a pre-start inspection Conducting a workplace inspection Various types of equipment Preventing accidents and identifying hazards in operation Teaching materials: Safety guidelines booklet Course completion wallet card See more details •	17	18 MEWP @ Sunbelt Renta… MEWP @ Sunbelt Rentals Empire Blvd. Atlanta September 18, 2021 @ 7:30 am - 2:00 pm 3430 Empire Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30354, USA This training prepares an individual to understand the hazards involved in operating specific equipment. Course includes in-classroom and hands-on training for Mobile Elevated Work Platforms. Responsibilities as a user and operator Conducting a pre-start inspection Conducting a workplace inspection Various types of equipment Preventing accidents and identifying hazards in operation Teaching materials: Safety guidelines booklet Course completion wallet card See more details Rigging Math Fundame… Rigging Math Fundamentals with Michael Mathews Day 1 September 18, 2021 @ 10:00 am - 2:30 pm See more details • •
19 Rigging Math Fundame… Rigging Math Fundamentals with Michael Mathews Day 2 September 19, 2021 @ 9:00 am - 1:30 pm See more details New Member Orientati… New Member Orientation Via GoTo Training September 19, 2021 @ 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm IATSE local 479, 4220 International Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30354, USA Please register for New Member Orientation on Sunday, September 19, 2021 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM EDT at: https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/2904119588403558401 New Member Orientation is mandatory for all new members. We will discuss, Benefits, Safety, Union Governance, Collective Bargaining Agreements and Working in the Industry. We will also cover the basics of Workers Comp and Local Education and Training. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the training. Brought to you by GoToTraining® Online Training Made Easy™ LogMeIn, Inc. \| 7414 Hollister Avenue \| Goleta, CA 93117 Thank you, Kevin Amick, Local 479 Director of EDU See more details • •	20 New Member Orientati… New Member Orientation Via GoTo Training September 20, 2021 @ 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm IATSE local 479, 4220 International Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30354, USA Please register for New Member Orientation on Monday, September 20, 2021 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM EDT at: https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/6004231106448747521 New Member Orientation is mandatory for all new members. We will discuss, Benefits, Safety, Union Governance, Collective Bargaining Agreements and Working in the Industry. We will also cover the basics of Workers Comp and Local Education and Training. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the training. Thank you, Kevin Amick, Local 479 Director of EDU See more details •	21 MEWP @ Sunbelt Renta… MEWP @ Sunbelt Rentals Kennesaw September 21, 2021 @ 7:30 am - 2:00 pm 2390 Cobb Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152, USA This training prepares an individual to understand the hazards involved in operating specific equipment. Course includes in-classroom and hands-on training for Mobile Elevated Work Platforms. Responsibilities as a user and operator Conducting a pre-start inspection Conducting a workplace inspection Various types of equipment Preventing accidents and identifying hazards in operation Teaching materials: Safety guidelines booklet Course completion wallet card See more details •	22 MEWP @ Sunbelt Renta… MEWP @ Sunbelt Rentals Empire Blvd. Atlanta September 22, 2021 @ 7:30 am - 2:00 pm 3430 Empire Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30354, USA This training prepares an individual to understand the hazards involved in operating specific equipment. Course includes in-classroom and hands-on training for Mobile Elevated Work Platforms. Responsibilities as a user and operator Conducting a pre-start inspection Conducting a workplace inspection Various types of equipment Preventing accidents and identifying hazards in operation Teaching materials: Safety guidelines booklet Course completion wallet card See more details •	23 MEWP TRAINING @ SUNB… MEWP TRAINING @ SUNBELT RENTALS DULUTH September 23, 2021 @ 7:30 am - 2:00 pm 3885 Buford Hwy Duluth, GA 30096-4133 This training prepares an individual to understand the hazards involved in operating specific equipment. Course includes in-classroom and hands-on training for Mobile Elevated Work Platforms. Responsibilities as a user and operator Conducting a pre-start inspection Conducting a workplace inspection Various types of equipment Preventing accidents and identifying hazards in operation Teaching materials: Safety guidelines booklet Course completion wallet card See more details •	24	25 Truss & Hoist Ri… Truss & Hoist Rigging with Michael Matthews Day 1 September 25, 2021 @ 9:00 am - 1:30 pm To request attendance to this course, please send an email to training@iatse479.org Truss & Hoist Rigging with Michael Matthews This two - session course covers types of truss and hoists and methods for safely using truss and hoist rigging systems in entertainment production. TOPIC OUTLINE: • Basic Rigging Safety • The Rigging Plan • Types of Truss • Motors • Types • Electrical • Maintenance Procedures • Attachments • Lifting Operations • Loading Considerations • ESTA/ANSI Standards See more details •
26 Truss & Hoist Ri… Truss & Hoist Rigging with Michael Matthews Day 2 September 26, 2021 @ 9:00 am - 1:30 pm To request attendance to this course, please send an email to training@iatse479.org Truss & Hoist Rigging with Michael Matthews This two - session course covers types of truss and hoists and methods for safely using truss and hoist rigging systems in entertainment production. TOPIC OUTLINE: • Basic Rigging Safety • The Rigging Plan • Types of Truss • Motors • Types • Electrical • Maintenance Procedures • Attachments • Lifting Operations • Loading Considerations • ESTA/ANSI Standards See more details DMX Control for the … DMX Control for the Lighting Programmer & Set Lighting Technician with Chris Cotone September 26, 2021 @ 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm DMX Control for the Lighting Programmer & Set Lighting Technician DMX Control for the Lighting Programmer & SetLighting Technician teaches students to understand how to use DMX for Television Shows and Feature Films. The class breaks the subject into a manageable progression of skills, starting with the basics of running DMX Cables, tools required for troubleshooting, understanding the basic concepts of how DMX works, and using those skills so that Set Lighting Technician, Programmer and CLT Can work together to implement the complex tools of control and more effectively light the set. Topics to include: How to runDMX Cable. What toolsare required on set to work with DMX. What is thephilosophy of how DMX and the lighting console interact with the lightingfixtures to effect control of the lighting rug. How toaddress and profile different lighting fixtures. Determining Channelvs. DMX. How to createarchitecture and structure to lay out the DMX, Channels, and IP address of yourlighting rig. Helpingprepare students for the Reality of shooting on set, vs. the safer space oftraining in the classroom. The class hasthree tests, where students can demonstrate their understanding of the classmaterials. To register for this course, please send an email to: training@iatse479.org See more details • •	27	28 FORKLIFT@ Sunbelt Re… FORKLIFT@ Sunbelt Rentals Kennesaw September 28, 2021 @ 7:30 am - 2:30 pm 2390 Cobb Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152, USA To request attendance to this course, please send an email to training@iatse479.org. Please include your name along with Course Title and Date of the Course. This training prepares an individual to understand the hazards involved in operating specific equipment. Course includes in-classroom and hands-on training for FORKLIFTS. Responsibilities as a user and operator Conducting a pre-start inspection Conducting a workplace inspection Various types of equipment Preventing accidents and identifying hazards in operation Teaching materials: Safety guidelines booklet Course completion wallet card See more details •	29 FORKLIFT @ Sunbelt R… FORKLIFT @ Sunbelt Rentals Empire Blvd. Atlanta September 29, 2021 @ 7:30 am - 2:00 pm 3430 Empire Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30354, USA To request attendance to this course, please send an email to training@iatse479.org. Please include your name along with Course Title and Date of the Course. This training prepares an individual to understand the hazards involved in operating specific equipment. Course includes in-classroom and hands-on training for Forklifts. Responsibilities as a user and operator Conducting a pre-start inspection Conducting a workplace inspection Various types of equipment Preventing accidents and identifying hazards in operation Teaching materials: Safety guidelines booklet Course completion wallet card See more details •	30 MEWP TRAINING @ SUNB… MEWP TRAINING @ SUNBELT RENTALS DULUTH September 30, 2021 @ 7:30 am - 2:00 pm 3885 Buford Hwy Duluth, GA 30096-4133 To request attendance to this course, please send an email to training@iatse479.org. Please include your name along with Course Title and Date of the Course. This training prepares an individual to understand the hazards involved in operating specific equipment. Course includes in-classroom and hands-on training for Mobile Elevated Work Platforms. Responsibilities as a user and operator Conducting a pre-start inspection Conducting a workplace inspection Various types of equipment Preventing accidents and identifying hazards in operation Teaching materials: Safety guidelines booklet Course completion wallet card See more details •

Office Staff

Member Services

Lajuana Scott

Member Services

Lajuana Scott assists new members with the application process, and handles transfers and withdrawals. She is available during business hours Monday through Friday.

Lauralyn Walsh

Benefits Coordinator

Lauralyn Walsh assists members with managing their benefits. She routinely helps members negotiate a wide variety of complex rules, regulations and legal requirements, including: qualified child support orders, divorce decree/settlement, 401K Rollovers, assistance with administering pensions and annuities, healthcare paperwork issues, and requirements by the National Benefits Office. Lauralynn is also a certified Notary Public.

Sarah Williams

Accounts Receivable

Sarah collects monies owed from non-members and members of other IA locals, and processes new member fees and current member charges. She is responsible for sending out membership cards and quarterly stamps.

Auditing Department

The Auditing Department is responsible for collecting and reviewing all payroll and crew deal information for every union show filmed in the Local 479 jurisdiction. They review all covered craft positions to be certain that employees were paid correctly and received all appropriate additions (such as travel/per diem for distant hires), and confirm that employers properly paid benefit contributions to the National Benefits Fund and that Local 479 has received the correct work dues earnings for all covered craft positions, and bills/credits members as necessary.

Bobbie Thomas

Auditor

Bobbie oversees the audit of each project, reviewing paid benefits and assessments for all covered craft positions, billing and crediting members as necessary. She provides regular reports of discrepancies to the Business Agent.

Brittany Marshall

Auditing Assistant

Brittany assists the Auditor with compliance data collection and review.

Member Dashboard

members-only_0010_screenshot-522-png

One of the most useful online tools available to our members is the Member Dashboard, a centralized, individually password-protected repository of information covering your work history as a member of Local 479, from specific production details, to your personal account status and payment history. Upon logging in you will be able to find links to proprietary information about current shows in production, access to specific contracts, and benefit information, as well as Local 479’s E-Board and General Membership meeting minutes. Clicking the “My Account” button will take you to your personal profile, where you can check your standing with Local 479.

Member Media Center

Note: Access to the Media Center is currently available by appointment only, due to Covid-19. Please call ahead to schedule a time to use this facility.

The Member Media Center provides members with computer workstations (Mac and PC) stocked with local & national industry trade magazines (like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter), and features large wall-mounted computer displays listing the latest television and feature film projects currently in production. All workstations are internet connected and can print to a high-quality laser printer. The Member Media Center is a great temporary workspace where you can update and print your resume, conduct online job research, and view videos from previous training classes. This workspace is also available at no charge to members needing access to wi-fi and/or computers and printers for personal use.

Use of Local 479 Facility

Certain rooms of Local 479’s building may be rented by members in good standing for private purposes, like weddings, receptions, parties, and meetings, as long as there is no conflict with existing events. The rental cost depends on the nature and scale of your event, and includes the use of the commercial kitchen. Contact the Local and ask to speak to the office manager for more information.

Member Fitness Center

NOTICE: the Member Fitness Center is closed until further notice due to Covid-19.

Many of our members get their workouts by lifting equipment and pushing dollies 12 hours a day, but what happens when you’re between shows and feeling a little flabby? As an additional benefit to our members in good standing, the local has created a fitness center within our office building that is available 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK for your use. The Local 479 Fitness Center offers treadmills, ellipticals, and a StairMaster for a varied cardio workout, a fixed weight stack multi-use machine, as well as a dedicated area for stretching and yoga, which includes mats, balls and other equipment, two 24” televisions with cable access and DVD players, men’s and women’s restrooms/changing rooms with showers, a mini fridge, and filtered drinking water.

Recovery and Mental Health

Do You Need Help?

If you have realized that you need help for issues that you cannot overcome on your own we want you to know that you are not the only person facing these problems, and that help is available! Need Help Information Sheet (PDF, 127kb)

There is Good News!
There Is a Solution!

The contact information provided here can be your first step in addressing the issues that you have had no success in dealing with on your own. The people you will be talking to have “been there and done that.” – You will be in good hands.

If it is determined that you need in-house treatment, the IATSE health care does provide up to a 30 day hospital stay! You must have coverage through Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield for in-house treatment. If you have a different policy, please check with them to see if they will cover in-house treatment for substance abuse.

Please contact me directly if you need guidance as to the best facility for the issue you are dealing with.

I am here to help you! Your privacy is my first concern.

You will be protected.

Billy Deacon,

Director of Local 479 Substance Abuse Recovery Program – (678) 777-6204

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

If you need immediate help please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at:

1 (800) 273-8255

Don’t hesitate – please call right now.

Depression or Anxiety

Mobile Crisis Services: Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Disabilities

This crisis line is for people dealing with severe depression or anxiety who need professional help immediately. They will find someone to see you within 24 hours and sometimes the same day.

This 24/7 mobile response provides immediate on-site crisis management through assessment, de-escalation, consultation and referral with post crisis follow up to assure linkage with recommended services. These services may be accessed by calling the toll-free Georgia Crisis & Access Line at 1 (800) 715-4225 and on the web at: https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/mobile-crisis-services

CLICK HERE: Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Disabilities

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous is an international mutual aid fellowship with the stated purpose of enabling its members to “stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.” AA is nonprofessional, self-supporting, and apolitical. Its only membership requirement is a desire to stop drinking.

Central Office (24/7)
website: aa.org
(404) 525-3178

Georgia Overdose Prevention

This grassroots organization is comprised of parents, healthcare professionals, harm reduction advocates and friends of those who have lost loved ones to accidental drug overdose.

website: GeorgiaOverdosePrevention.org
facebook: facebook.com/GeorgiaOverdosePrevention/

Narcotics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous is a nonprofit society that employs the classic 12-step model for addressing substance use disorders.

website: na.org
Midtown Atlanta: (404) 795-0355
South Atlanta: (404) 447-4957
East Atlanta: (678) 405-0840
North Atlanta: (678) 405-0825

Gambling

National Problem Gambling Helpline

Call: 1 (800) 522-4700
Text: 1 (800) 522-4700
Chat: ncpgambling.org/chat

Gamblers Anonymous

website: gambersanonymous.org
Georgia Hotline: (404) 237-7281
Marietta/Douglasville: (404) 641-5327

Georgia Council on Problem Gambling

2801 Buford Highway NE Suite 550-B
Atlanta, GA 30329
Tel: (404) 985-6785
Fax: (404) 631-6395
Website: www.georgiagamblinghelp.org
Helpline: 1 (800) 522-4700

Celebrate Recovery

Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12-step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind, offering a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that are controlling our life.

website: celebraterecovery.com (Faith-based recovery)

Overeaters Anonymous

Overeaters Anonymous is a 12-step program for people with problems related to food including, but not limited to, compulsive overeaters, those with binge eating disorder, bulimics and anorexics.

website: oa.org

Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change
Courage to change the things I can
and the Wisdom to know the difference

The Robert Vazquez Scholarship

A scholarship fund has been established to award four (4) scholarships to a member, member’s spouse, child, grandchild or any child of which the member is deemed to be the legal guardian. The member of Local 479 must be in good standing. Additionally, it is the member’s responsibility to make sure they are in good standing. The scholarship is available to qualifying individuals (as stated in the official qualifying rules document issued to members every year) attending a four (4) year university, a two (2) year community/junior college, graduate school, or trade school anywhere in the United States. The scholarship is a onetime payment of $4,000 to each of the four winners. Note that the official qualifying rules may change at any time and supersede information presented on the web. The official qualifying rules are issued to the membership via email during the period in which the scholarship application is open.

Past recipients include:

2020 Winners

Andrew Bates son of member Eric Bates
Cody Gray nephew of member Aidan Hayes his legal guardian
Jacob Desmond son of member Marcus Desmond
Grace Wester daughter of member Richard Wester
Thomas Jerkins son of member David Jerkins
Violet Reynolds O’Brien daughter of member Christopher Reynolds
Elisabeth Schatke daughter of member Riko Schatke
Holden McLean son of member David McLean

2019 Winners

Gabrielle Faulkner – niece of Josh Nobles (full custody guardian)
Kaden Harrison – son of Sam Harrison
Mia Santo – daughter of Scott Naughton
Alyssa Cerchiai – daughter of Kevin Cerchiai
Hakim Robinson – member
Jamel Copeland – son of Reggie Copeland

2018 Winners

Eric Gluckman – son of Neil Gluckman
Alexander Stewart – son of Judith Stewart
Nevaeh Warren – daughter of Joshua Warren
Tisharna Besay – daughter of Garfield Besay
Annabella Veenstra – daughter of Jennifer Gingery

2017 Winners

Mariah Price – daughter of member Simeon Henderson*
Jamal Copeland – son of member Reginald Copeland
Carissa Oldknow – daughter of members Patrick and Michelle Oldknow
Luke Semones – son of member Ellen Semones

2016 Winner

Jennifer Galbreath, member of Local 479

2015 Winner

Essy Alberti, daughter of member Fabrice Alberti

2014 Winner

Nicholas Olson, son of member Sara Olson

Suggested Mortgage Companies

Local 479 maintains a list of mortgage companies who have demonstrated an understanding of the film/television industry and an ability to underwrite mortgages for our members. These groups should be also able to accept a work dues assessment statement as part of their documentation, helping to speed the process along. Read the entire article Lending Solutions for Members Seeking a Mortgage to learn more.

Bay Equity Home Loans

Megan Speno, Senior Loan Officer
(404) 421-9424
BayEquityHomeLoans.com/megan-speno

Fairway Mortgage | Moore Team

Mark Moore
(404) 373-3411
www.mooreteam.biz
www.filmindustryhomes.com

Good Friend Mortgage, Inc.

Randy Switts
(678) 762-0127
GoodFriendMortgage.biz

Synovus

Todd Allen
(678) 468-3905
Synovus.com

Southeast Mortgage of Georgia

Michele Hicks, Branch Manager – Executive MLO
(678) 613-5012
SoutheastMortgage.com
NMLS #1127576
GA MLO #41675

The Southern Credit Union

Monica Millians
(770) 719-1111
SouthernOnline.org

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