For the City Times Staff

Across the nation, communities are celebrating 2-1-1 on February 11^th.  On a local level, Mayor Zack Vruwink has officially proclaimed February 11th “2-1-1 Day in Wisconsin Rapids.”

United Way’s 2-1-1 is an information and referral program that maintains a database of community resources and connects callers with questions to the proper services or organizations to meet their information needs.  This service is free, confidential and available 24/7.

“United Way’s 2-1-1 is a great community resource,” said Amy Fluno, 2-1-1 Program Director.  “Last year we helped many people find the resources they needed and look forward to continuing to meet the needs of our callers again this year.”

You can celebrate 2-1-1 by learning more about this useful tool, or by giving us a call if you have a question about a community resource.  Listed here are some things you can do February 11th:

• Advocate for a friend or relative who is having a difficult time.  Dial 2-1-1 to see what resources are available.
• Visit our website at www.getconnected211.org and download helpful guides such as the “Help Guide” for your community.
• Sign up for the “Get Connected Get Answers” Blog at www.unitedways211.blogspot.com to stay informed about local events, support groups, conferences, classes and updates in your community.
• Sign up for the 2-1-1 Resources E-Newsletter by contacting us at [email protected].
• If you are a non-profit organization, religious entity or government agency providing health or human service programs to the public, contact 2-1-1 to be added to our database. You can alsorequest free 2-1-1 materials (posters, fact cards, magnets, etc.) and put them on display or hand them out to clients.

In addition to connecting callers to local resources, United Way’s 2-1-1 also tracks caller needs and uses that information to analyze trends, such as identifying gaps in services.  This information can be used to help make program funding decisions.

For example, in 2015, our 2-1-1 call center answered 3,644 calls.  The top five needs were:

• In south Wood County

1. Food Pantries
2. Rent Payment Assistance
3. Electric Payment Assistance
4. Low Income Housing
5. Gas Money

• In Adams County

1. Rent Payment Assistance
2. Electric Payment Assistance
3. Food Pantries
4. Drug Counseling
5. Heating Fuel Payment Assistance

For more information, contact United Way’s 2-1-1 by calling 2-1-1 or 877-947-2211; or visit www.getconnected211.org.

United Way’s 2-1-1 is a non-profit organization based in south Wood County and is governed collaboratively between United Way of Inner Wisconsin and Marshfield Area United Way.  The 2-1-1 call center serves Wood, Adams, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Clark, Iron, Juneau, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor and Washburn Counties.