Making a Difference, One Call at a Time

Where do I start? New to United Way, I am amazed and frankly overwhelmed by all that they do for our community. These tough economic times are taking an enormous financial and even emotional toll on many Central Florida families, and United Way has certainly had its hands full.

With so many impactful programs and events going on, one that really stands out to me in particular is the United Way 2-1-1 & Elder Helpline. With the new year recently underway, thousands of Central Floridians are asking the question of where to start when it comes to improving their lives in 2010. The search for new and improved beginnings can be tough, but for those who have recently lost their jobs, their homes or can’t afford to feed their kids, finding a solid starting point may seem impossible.

That’s why I found 2-1-1 to be so amazing! It’s actually a one-stop spot for these people to find the answers they need, 24-hours a day. Last year, 2-1-1 operators helped nearly 120,000 callers connect with more than 2,000 programs offered by 800-plus local health and human service agencies.

As the need of the Central Florida community continues to grow, 2-1-1 helps callers find assistance with food, housing, clothing, child care issues, physical and mental health services, elder services and more. 2-1-1 has also recently expanded to include a crisis and suicide counseling hotline for those in our community who are unable to cope with tough situations.

Stay tuned as I learn more about the United Way 2-1-1 & Elder Helpline, as well as other ways United Way is making a difference in our community. Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts and remember that if you or someone you know needs help, simply dial 2-1-1 today!

Sarah Veal is a UCF student and intern for United Way