Earlier this month, the long-anticipated 211 service was launched in Waterloo Region, allowing people in our area to conveniently connect with the local services and help they need through one easy-to-remember phone number.
United Way KW is pleased to play a significant role in the 211 project, which is a joint initiative between ourselves, the Province of Ontario, the Region of Waterloo, and United Way of Cambridge and North Dumfries.
Along with the live telephone helpline accessed by dialing 2-1-1, information is also available online at http://www.211ontario.ca/.
In total, 211 provides access to about 56,000 programs and services in the community, social services, health and government sectors. Access is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, in more than 170 languages.
Our Board Chair, Victor Zamin, best summed up the benefits of 211 when he told attendees at the official launch, “This process is about becoming more efficient. It can be difficult for residents to find the information they need without investing large amounts of time and energy. Having a person actually there giving you answers can make all the difference.”
211 phone lines are staffed by Information and Referral specialists trained to connect people to the agencies and resources within their community that can best meet their needs.
I encourage you to visit http://www.211ontario.ca/ and see for yourself how 211 empowers individuals to quickly and confidently find the help they need.
Please help United Way KW spread the word about 211. It’s one more way we’re working within our community to change people’s lives for the better.
Jan
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.