Over 100 community members attended an historic kick-off event over breakfast on Friday, October 18, 2013, where it was officially announced that Whiteside County is now a 2-1-1 County.
“The 2-1-1 system was established in the late 1990’s in Atlanta, GA,” Russell Siefken, Jr., said. He is Executive Director of the United Way of Whiteside County. “Illinois is one of the last states to implement 2-1-1.”
United Way of Whiteside County, in partnership with PATH, Inc. and United Way of Illinois, launched the County’s first 2-1-1 phone system–a free and confidential information and referral line.
Now, Whiteside County residents in search of health and human services can simply call 2-1-1 from their phones to get one step closer to finding the help they need. The service is available every day, around the clock.
This is thanks to a new initiative spearheaded by the United Way of Whiteside County. It attempts to connect people to necessary local services, be that finding a food pantry, helping pay utility bills, or locating suicide prevention resources.
When a family has a specific need, they may not know who to call. By dialing 2-1-1 a trained operator will try to find them the help they need.
“The partnership between United Way of Whiteside County and PATH (Providing Access to Help), a 2-1-1 call center from Bloomington, IL, focuses on the needs to make services more accessible to those in need,” said Russell Siefken, Jr., United Way Executive Director. “With many nonprofit organizations in Whiteside County, finding help can be confusing and intimidating. Those organizations who want to give help may not know where to begin. With United Way 2-1-1, we’re breaking down the barriers between those who need help and those who can help them.”
The system is free to use and confidential and can translate for nearly 160 languages. Operators also schedule a follow-up phone call with users, to make sure the information they provided was accurate and answer any questions.
Volunteer operators receive more than 80 hours of training on communication skills, referral protocols, and how to assess people who are suicidal.
“Without that core base, the cost of 2-1-1 would be much greater than what it is,” PATH Executive Director Karen Zangerle said.
United Way invested $4400 for the first year of 2-1-1 in Whiteside County.
“I believe passionately in 2-1-1, because I think what we really want to do is connect people to the help they need,” Zangerle said.