Springfield, MA - February 11th Springfield, MA Mayor Domenic Sarno will be holding a News Conference at the United Way of Pioneer Valley headquarters located at 1441 Main Street in Springfield to declare February 11, 2019 as 2-1-1 Day in Massachusetts. Beginning at 1:00pm the Mayor will read a proclamation by Governor Charlie Baker.
“Mayor Sarno is committed to raising awareness of Mass 2-1-1, which receives more than 130,000 calls annually and responds to over 250,000 web inquiries from people in the Commonwealth seeking resources. Over 41% of all inquiries to Mass2-1-1 come from the Pioneer Valley area” stated Paul Mina Executive Director of Mass2-1-1. Callers to Mass2-1-1 can also access United Ways state wide mental health / suicide prevention hotline known as Call2Talk if they are feeling depressed, isolated or having thoughts of suicide.
February 11 marks national 2-1-1 Day in recognition of the free, user-friendly phone and online system that serves 90% of America's population, and connects some 16 million people a year to critical resources, information and services.
People call or search 2-1-1 when they need resources to meet basic needs, such as food security, shelter, utility assistance. They also call for important non-emergency needs such as child care, tax preparation assistance, and job training.
2-1-1 was launched by United Way almost 20 years ago as a free way to connect people to essential resources. Today, 2-1-1 is available in all 50 states, plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico. In Massachusetts, 2-1-1 service is available in all 14 counties, serving 100% of the state’s population.
“Mass 2-1-1 is an essential tool empowering individuals to access social services across the Commonwealth,” said Eileen Davis, Vice President of Mass 2-1-1.
When you dial 2-1-1, the call is routed to a trained information and referral specialist, who will emphatically identify relevant services and programs from a comprehensive database.
For example, in the case of a worker who has recently been laid off or whose hours have been reduced, the 2-1-1 specialist may share information about unemployment benefits, job search options, food stamps, food pantries, mortgage or rent help, utility assistance, counseling, and other available resources. The mission of Mass 2-1-1 is to ensure that Massachusetts residents get correct and helpful information when they call.
The United Way of Tri-County is a community building organization dedicated to bringing people together to care for one another. The United Way provides programs and services, connects volunteers, strengthens agencies, teaches social responsibility, and meets the critical needs of the community with the help of people like you. The United Way of Tri-County, under contract with Mass2-1-1 provides 2-1-1 services for the citizens of the Commonwealth 24/7 365 day per year.
The United Way of Pioneer Valley is a member of the United Ways of Massachusetts and is one of the primary funders of Mass2-1-1.
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