United Way's First Call 2-1-1

Nearly everyone knows that to access emergency police, fire and rescue services, you need only to dial 911. It’s a simple, easy-to-use, three-digit number that even school children can remember. Beginning November 1st hundreds of individuals and families in Wood, Clark and Adams counties can search daily for non-emergency assistance by dialing the three-digit number 2-1-1.

The dissemination of information was ranked in the top five priorities in all three Vision Councils of United Way of South Wood County and a priority need in the Vision Councils of Marshfield Area United Way. United Way’s First Call 2-1-1 concept is to create a community resource center where callers can get or give help.

The United Ways previously operated as First Call for Information. 2-1-1 is a natural progression of First Call. Marshfield Area United Way and United Way of South Wood County are providing this service in Wood, Clark, and Adams Counties . The rollout of the new number is a gradual process within the state. Marathon and Portage counties are phasing in their 2-1-1 program in January.

While 2-1-1 is a larger, nation-wide program, our local call center and database will continue to be located within your United Way and operated by local United Way staff. It is important for callers to know that when they have questions regarding Marshfield , Auburndale, Pittsville, Neillsville, Thorp, or other communities in the Marshfield area, 2-1-1 has the answers.

United Way’s First Call 2-1-1 call center creates a single gateway into the health and human-service system and volunteer opportunities. Professional, trained or certified information specialists, who assess each caller’s need and provide community-based information and/or referral, answer calls. Callers will receive the assistance they need to locate food, housing, utility assistance or childcare as easily as they get emergency help by dialing 911.

Who will use 2-1-1?

Seniors looking for resources.
New arrivals in the community wanting to get involved.
Teenagers seeking a support group for substance abuse.
Agencies or individuals in need of clothing or furniture.
Newly widowed fathers in need of childcare.
Victims of local disaster seeking responses and recover.
Working families going through a dislocation.
The possibilities are endless …

History of First Call for Information/United Way ’s First Call 2-1-1

1981 Marshfield Area United Way (MAUW) created a card catalog system of area human service agencies, and First Call is created.

1983    MAUW hired Horgan Sales &
    Service, Stevens Point to
    answer First Call.

     1995        Marshfield Public Library
                  (MPL) and MAUW sign
                  Memorandum of
                  Understanding to have MPL
                  answer First Call and
                  collaborate on updating
                  database.

      Local telephone number
                  and toll-free telephone
                  numbers are established.

Clark County is included in First Call’s service area and the database is updated to reflect the additional service area.

2001 United Way South Wood County joins the partnership with an I&R staff person and marketing expands to South Wood County.

National Coalition was created, comprised of 15 national organizations from private and public sectors, to promote awareness, provide education and assist in the development efforts of 2-1-1 nationwide.

Sept. 11 demonstrated the importance for a community preparedness plan, and a single gateway to connect residents to essential community services.

       2003   Call center moved from MPL
          to UWSWC and telephone
          numbers are forwarded.
          MPL still serves on the First
          Call Committee.

           Senators Clinton and
            Dole announces legislation
            “Calling for 2-1-1 Act of
            2003” which proposes $200
           million dollars to launch 2-1-1
           call centers nationwide.

2-1-1 serves 65 million Americans- 23% of US population

With 82 active 2-1-1 systems in 23 states.

    2004      November: First Call for
          Information transitions
          to United Way’s First Call
          2-1-1

                 January: Call Center
         becomes accessible 24 hours
         a day, seven days a week

Benefits of 2-1-1

One call gives you access to resources across your community. 2-1-1 is efficient, fast and easy to use.
No more wrong numbers; no more wasted time trying to find the right resource(s).
2-1-1 is a confidential call; most often the name of the caller is not even taken.
2-1-1 maintains the integrity of the 9-1-1 system; saving that vital community resource for life and death emergencies.
24-hour/7 day week availability; 2-1-1 is always there for you.
2-1-1 is an easy way to find or give help in your community.