MONROE -- Local organizations are celebrating an important public service on Monday, for National 2-1-1 Day.
Since 2000, the 2-1-1 phone number provides 24/7, easy access to services of any kind for the elderly, disabled, those who do not speak English, anyone having a personal crisis, those who have limited reading skills, or those who are new to their communities. For those who call, the service gives referrals and information about health and human services, organizations and agencies.
United Way of Northeast Louisiana provides the service locally, and spent Monday thanking agencies across the ArkLaMiss who help make 2-1-1 happen.
"There are so many services out there that people are not aware of and it can be very difficult to try and find the services, navigating through the maze of services," said Jan Wawrzyniak, United Way 2-1-1 director. "We can help direct people the first time to the right agencies that would be appropriate for their situation."
Available in all 50 states, the service also connects people with volunteer opportunities.
"If they need help and don't know where to go for help, we show them what services are out there for them. Or if they want to give help and volunteer, we can set them up as a volunteer as well," said Wawrzyniak.
If you need assistance of any kind, or simply want to give to others, just pick up your phone and dial 2-1-1 or visit www.unitedwaynela.org.
Since 2000, the 2-1-1 phone number provides 24/7, easy access to services of any kind for the elderly, disabled, those who do not speak English, anyone having a personal crisis, those who have limited reading skills, or those who are new to their communities. For those who call, the service gives referrals and information about health and human services, organizations and agencies.
United Way of Northeast Louisiana provides the service locally, and spent Monday thanking agencies across the ArkLaMiss who help make 2-1-1 happen.
"There are so many services out there that people are not aware of and it can be very difficult to try and find the services, navigating through the maze of services," said Jan Wawrzyniak, United Way 2-1-1 director. "We can help direct people the first time to the right agencies that would be appropriate for their situation."
Available in all 50 states, the service also connects people with volunteer opportunities.
"If they need help and don't know where to go for help, we show them what services are out there for them. Or if they want to give help and volunteer, we can set them up as a volunteer as well," said Wawrzyniak.
If you need assistance of any kind, or simply want to give to others, just pick up your phone and dial 2-1-1 or visit www.unitedwaynela.org.
