United Way recognizes National 2-1-1 Day at State House

Posted 2/19/15

Gathered in the State Room of the Rhode Island State House and surrounded by elected officials and community leaders, United Way of Rhode Island (UWRI) recognized National 2-1-1 Day on Feb. 11 by …

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United Way recognizes National 2-1-1 Day at State House

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Gathered in the State Room of the Rhode Island State House and surrounded by elected officials and community leaders, United Way of Rhode Island (UWRI) recognized National 2-1-1 Day on Feb. 11 by celebrating the statewide impact of United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island in connecting people from all walks of life with a wide-range of human services through a single resource.

The annual event, which brings attention to the free and confidential phone number and service that helps Rhode Islanders find assistance on everything from childcare needs and mental health issues to food and rental assistance, elder care services, and gambling problems also featured the release of the first 2-1-1 data report, “Help Starts Here RI,” and an awards presentation.

“2-1-1 has successfully changed the way Rhode Islanders in need access help,” said Anthony Maione, president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island. “More importantly, insights gained from 2-1-1 help United Way anticipate the changing needs of our neighbors, helping us to better serve our community.”

Launched locally in 2007, 2-1-1 is an information and referral call center available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year in a variety of different languages. In 2014, 2-1-1 received nearly 200,000 calls for help, and has handled more than 1.4 million requests since inception. Each call is answered by a trained call specialist who assesses a caller’s situation, often uncovering multiple needs, and connects them with community resources to avert crisis. 2-1-1 has also grown to become Rhode Islanders’ first call during a natural disaster or severe storm.

Through the 2-1-1 data release, “Help Starts Here Rhode Island,” United Way brought attention to how the national model tracks the needs of callers, which have changed dramatically since the recession and in recent years as economic recovery has stalled for thousands of families.

As many Rhode Islanders continue to struggle to meet their basic needs, requests for financial assistance have grown from 71,040 in 2008 to more than 181,000 in 2014. Similarly, calls for shelter have increased from 43,060 in 2008 to 110,240 this past year, with requests for food assistance going from just over 20,000 to 96,373 during the same period.

Even more telling of the circumstances many Rhode Islanders currently face, 2-1-1 went from receiving an average of 50 calls per month for foreclosures prevention information in 2008, to handling an average of 713 of these calls in 2014.

“This data release is an opportunity for United Way to highlight the fact that while the state’s economy has improved, too many of our neighbors have been unable to regain their financial security and are seeking help for the first time,” added Maione. “Along with these need-related statistics, 2-1-1 has become a crucial resource for the unemployed – we handled more than 18,000 calls last year from people anxious to get back to work and looking to connect with job-training programs and unemployment supports while continuing to look for a job.”

Another area in which United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island has played a growing role is within the state’s changing healthcare landscape. Whether assisting Rhode Islanders navigate an increasingly complex system, or helping people complete enrollments in HealthSourceRI, Medicare Part D and Medicaid, calls for health information have skyrocketed. In 2008, 2-1-1 handled 14,154 health-related calls, a number that grew by 400 percent to 70,677 in 2014.

While the majority of requests for assistance come to 2-1-1 by phone, the service has expanded to provide additional ways for Rhode Islanders to connect with help. What began with three simple numbers has evolved to include private and confidential walk-in consultations at United Way’s Valley Street headquarters in Providence, an interactive website featuring a search function and real-time chat capabilities, and on-location services through the 2-1-1 Community Outreach RV.

Following the release of “Help Starts Here Rhode Island,” Joanne McGunagle, executive director of Comprehensive Community Action Program and chair of the 2-1-1 Advisory Committee, presented four awards to honor the contributions of local 2-1-1 partners.

2-1-1 Community Partner Award: Presented to Paul Salera, president and CEO of Westbay Community Action, for his leadership in improving relationships within the 2-1-1 service network with a focus on local community action programs. Paul, who is also a member of the 2-1-1 Advisory Committee, is a consistent voice on behalf of those in need.

2-1-1 Volunteer Award: Given in recognition of an exemplary volunteer who consistently gives of their time to help others, the award was presented to Amanda O’Bannon. Amanda is a professional storyteller who became a 2-1-1 volunteer in 2014, where she donates her time as a call specialist and provides data support.

2-1-1 Innovation Award: Presented to Kathy McKeon, supervisor, office of community services and Catholic charities for the Providence Diocese, for her efforts in helping 2-1-1 meet a recent, pressing need in the community. Kathy was honored for identifying the need for an after-hours crisis line for seniors and her work to help launch of the new service.

2-1-1 Steadfast Support Award: In recognition of his long-term service to 2-1-1, this award was presented to Larry Grimaldi, who is retiring from his role as chief of information and public relations for the Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs. Since the launch of 2-1-1 in Rhode Island, Larry has been instrumental in further developing United Way’s relationship with DEA and expanding the program’s service to the state’s senior population.

At the conclusion of the event, which also featured comments by Lt. Gov. Daniel McKee and General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, United Way’s Anthony Maione announced the launch of the 2-1-1 Connects Tour. Beginning in mid-February and continuing through March, 2-1-1 will embark on an advocacy tour, hosting community events across the state in partnership with State Senators and Representatives to bring 2-1-1 directly to the public.

The first event is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 22 at the West Warwick Senior Center from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The center is located at 145 Washington St. in West Warwick.

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