All around us, people are struggling in a number of different ways. 36% of American adults (76 million Americans) say that they are struggling financially. Many of those people end up not getting the help they need because they are either too ashamed to ask for help, or they do not know about assistance programs that are available for them.
I was recently given the opportunity to interview a person who has a big hand in helping the people of our county. Gayle Young, the Executive Director of United Way of Lawrence County, took time from her busy day and traveled to LCCTC to answer a few questions for me. She introduced me to the 2-1-1 program.
“2-1-1 is a non-emergent hotline.” said Gayle Young.
When I asked her when she meant by “non-emergent”, she told me that 2-1-1 is a number that you would call if you were not in an emergent situation, but you would call 9-1-1 if there were an emergency.
How can 211 help? According to their web site, they provide our community in the following ways:
I was quite surprised to see that there is a lot that 211 and the United Way can do to help our community. All we need to do is ask!
I would like to thank Gayle Young for taking the time to speak with me; she is a truly inspiring woman who has a heart to help, and she has inspired me to consider ways that I might help others.
Check out this site for more information if you need help OR to see how you might help others: http://www.pa211sw.org/
I was recently given the opportunity to interview a person who has a big hand in helping the people of our county. Gayle Young, the Executive Director of United Way of Lawrence County, took time from her busy day and traveled to LCCTC to answer a few questions for me. She introduced me to the 2-1-1 program.
“2-1-1 is a non-emergent hotline.” said Gayle Young.
When I asked her when she meant by “non-emergent”, she told me that 2-1-1 is a number that you would call if you were not in an emergent situation, but you would call 9-1-1 if there were an emergency.
How can 211 help? According to their web site, they provide our community in the following ways:
- Basic Human Needs Resources: food banks, shelters, rent and utility payment assistance
- Physical and Mental Health Resources: crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling
- Employment Support: financial assistance, job training, education programs
- Support for Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities: home-delivered meals, transportation, health care
- Youth and Child Care Programs: after school programs, summer camps, mentoring, protection services
- Regional Disaster Preparation
In the month of October, 211 helped 139 families in Lawrence County! The top request for assistance was for electric service payment assistance.
I would like to thank Gayle Young for taking the time to speak with me; she is a truly inspiring woman who has a heart to help, and she has inspired me to consider ways that I might help others.
Check out this site for more information if you need help OR to see how you might help others: http://www.pa211sw.org/
