Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/164142
Youth Board 2-1-1 3 simple numbers. 1 helping voice. What is United Way 2-1-1? Front to back: Carli Johnson, Brandon Li, Brendan Cohen, Nathaniel Thomas UNITED WAY FOX CITIES YOUTH BOARD The Youth Board has been organized to educate and increase youth awareness and understanding of United Way, community issues, community resources and volunteer opportunities. Membership consists of students from area high schools in the Fox Cities. Meetings occur during the school year and are conducted twice a month on Monday evenings. Through listening to guest speakers, involvement in projects and general discussion, Youth Board members explore issues affecting today's youth in our community. The Youth Board conducts its own grants program, reviewing and evaluating grant requests focusing on youth issues. United Way Fox Cities Youth Board members achieve a greater understanding of United Way, the funding process, community issues and the spirit of community service. 22 2 013 u n i t e d w ay f o x c i t i e s United Way 2-1-1 provides easy, free and confidential access 24/7 to health and human services, gives callers an opportunity to give or get help, and serves as a hub for community information in times of disaster. By dialing 2-1-1 (or 1-800-924-5514), callers are connected to a Certified Information & Referral Specialist that will assess their need and identify appropriate communitybased services. Those looking for community services can also search the 2-1-1 database online. New United Way 2-1-1 website has launched! On June 17, United Way 2-1-1 launched a redesigned website along with a new Facebook page. The website features an enhanced search engine that makes it easier for residents in Calumet, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Manitowoc, Marquette, Outagamie, Sheboygan, Waushara, Waupaca and Winnebago Counties to find the community resources they need. Susan Richards, United Way Fox Cities 2-1-1 manager, says, "The new website is easier for clients to use – with quicker access to service provider tools and more user-friendly search terms." In less than one week, over 1,017 residents from all 10 counties had already utilized the new search tools. 2-1-1's website also includes improved options on the "Contact Us" form, information for service providers who are interested in joining the 2-1-1 network, a disaster services module, a listing of 2-1-1 PLUS Site locations and much more. Make sure to check out the new website at www.211now.org and like us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/211UnitedWay! 2-1-1 PLUS Sites help those in greatest need In August 2012, United Way 2-1-1 became the second Call Center in the United States to provide additional access to those in need through their 2-1-1 PLUS Sites. PLUS Sites are locations throughout the community that offer access to United Way 2-1-1 services by phone, internet or both. Clients who use the PLUS Sites are often in the greatest need of connecting to community service providers. Susan Richards, United Way 2-1-1 Manager explains, "Service providers may turn away clients if they cannot offer them any more help. The 2-1-1 PLUS Sites allow those providers to refer clients, even those without access to internet or phone at home, to 2-1-1. We can often find community resources that can provide further assistance." Currently, in the United Way 2-1-1 service area, there are PLUS Sites located in Oshkosh, Menasha and Appleton at American Red Cross East Central Wisconsin (Oshkosh), LEAVEN (Menasha), St. Vincent de Paul (Appleton) and United Way Fox Cities (Menasha), Oshkosh Area United Way (Oshkosh).