Top 20 Requested Services from our 2-1-1 Call Center

In 2009 our 2-1-1 call center provided information for thousands of people in need in Summit County, Ohio. Here are the top 20 services requested by callers:

1. Electric Bill Payment Assistance
2. Emergency Food Clearinghouses
3. Gas Bill Payment Assistance
4. Rent Payment Assistance
5. Water Bill Payment Assistance
6. General Furniture Provision
7. Directory Assistance
8. Comprehensive Information and Referral
9. Community Clinics
10. Holiday Gifts/Toys
11. General Clothing Provision
12. Dental Care
13. Homeless Shelter
14. Food Pantries
15. Utility Bill Payment Assistance
16. Prescription Expense Assistance
17. Tax Preparation Assistance
18. Food Stamps
19. Low Income/Subsidized Private Rental Housing
20. Discounted Utility Services

Free information about all of these services is available 24 hours a day by dialing 2-1-1 or 330-376-6660. You can also search our online database at www.211summit.org

Tomorrow we'll take a look at the Top 20 Agencies we referred to last year! 

Info Line's new 2-1-1 Teen Link program

Info Line's new Teen Link program provides information about health and human services for youth ages 13 to 18 in Summit County.  The service is free and anonymous.

 
Phone: 330-376-6660 or 2-1-1

Text: Send SMS to 330-576-4021

Live Chat: Click the button below. Available weekdays 8:00am to 3:00pm

 

Here are links to a few of the services for teens in our 2-1-1 community resource database. To search all services and agencies please visit www.211summit.org.

• Adolescent/Youth Counseling
• Central Intake for Psychiatric Services
• Community Clinics for Youth
• Dental Care for Youth
• Driver Licenses
• Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender Support Groups
• Higher Education Awareness Programs
• Public Libraries
• Runaway/Youth Shelters
• School To Work Programs
• Reproductive Health Education
• Smoking Cessation
• Social Security Numbers
• Student Financial Aid
• Substance Abuse Education/Prevention
• Summer Youth Employment
• Thrift Shops
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Youth Enrichment programs
• and many more at www.211Summit.org

Info Line's Project Connect

Empowering nonprofits to serve more people through technology and connectivity ...

Project Connect helps nonprofit organizations to better serve their mission through technology and connectivity.

Our focus is on upgrading technology capabilities and utilizing resources more effectively, resulting in stronger organizations which can serve more people with more services.

We provide easy, affordable access to equipment and software, training, technical assistance, and website management.

Visit the Project Connect web site at www.pclivehelp.org for more information

Are you looking for Child Care Options?

Info Line's Child Care Connection program can help you find a solution to your child care needs. The program's extensive database can help you find: 

• 
  
  Family Child Care Providers
• 
  
  Child Care Centers
• 
  
  School-age Programs
• 
  
  Preschool Programs
• 
  
  Head Start Programs
• 
  
  Summer Camps
• 
  
  Agencies providing Nannies and in-home care

This referral service is provided to you at no cost. Call Child Care Connection at 800-407-5437 or 330-376-7706 for more information.

Community Voice Mail Summit

CVMS provides free, 24 hour access to voice mail for people in transition and crisis directly linking them to jobs, housing, information and hope. It is a free service for people who have a case manager.

CVMS is part of the national network of CVM sites, empowering people living in poverty, transition and homelessness to rebuild their lives by connecting them to jobs, housing, case management, health care services and much more. We do this by customizing and distributing communications technology via a network of community-based services.

Users receive a personal phone number (with a 330 area code) and create their own personal greeting. They have the ability to retrieve/receive messages 24 hours a day from any phone. Only the user will be able to hear messages. The system sounds like a regular phone with voice mail capacity, thus removing barriers upfront. Info Line, Inc. trains case managers on how to instruct clients to use CVMS.

If interested in learning more about CVMS please call 330-315-1349 or email Mike Gibbs at mgibbs@infolineinc.org .

Help someone in need purchase lifesaving medication

Info Line's MedAssist program accepts donations to help purchase lifesaving medications. Here are a few example scenarios of people MedAssist may be able to help with your donation:

Linda of Akron needs $16.62 to buy her asthma inhaler. When her hours were cut at work, she lost her health insurance and half of her income. Please consider a donation of $16.62 to help someone like Linda breathe easier this month.

Bob of Cuyahoga Falls needs $20 to pay for his blood pressure diabetes medication. He lost his job because of his health problems and has been unable to return to work. Please consider a donation of $20 to help someone like Bob this month.

Marcus of Fairlawn needs $30.44 to pay for his asthma, heart and diabetes medication. He was laid off this summer and has been unable to find work. Please consider a donation for someone like Marcus.

Donate now to help someone in our community purchase lifesaving medication:

                

$

Health Care Reform and You

Confused about the health care reform bill? We are too! Here is an excellent tool from the NY Times that guides you through the major ways the overhaul will affect those who currently have health insurance and those who do not.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/03/21/us/health-care-reform.html

The federal government also offers some useful information here:

What is the difference between 2-1-1, 3-1-1 and 4-1-1?

An N11 code or N11 number is a special abbreviated dialing telephone number within the North American Numbering Plan, which allows access to special services. Usage is generally assigned as follows:2-1-1: Community services
3-1-1: Municipal government services, non-emergency
4-1-1: Directory assistance
5-1-1: Traffic information or police non-emergency services
6-1-1: Telephone company (telco) customer service and repair
7-1-1: TDD relay for the deaf
8-1-1: Underground public utility location
9-1-1: Emergency services

Generally, only 4-1-1 calls incur a toll. 9-1-1 access is mandated by law.

2-1-1 is the nationwide abbreviated dialing code for free access to health and human service agencies’ information. 3-1-1 is the nationwide abbreviated dialing code for non-emergency police and government agencies.

Calls to 2-1-1 are free and are routed by the local telephone company to a local or regional calling center approved by the Ohio Council of Information and Referral Providers (OCIRP). The 2-1-1 center's referral specialists question callers, access databases of resources available from private and public health and human service agencies, match the callers' needs to available resources and link or refer them directly to an agency or organization that can help. Calls to 3-1-1 work the same way, except calls are answered by the local municipality or governmental agency.

An excellent fact sheet can be found on the PUCO web site.

Meal Sites in Summit County

Did you know that Info Line maintains a daily calendar of free meal sites in Summit County? This calendar features all of the details you need to locate a meal any day of the week!

2-1-1 Featured on the CBS Evening News

United Way 2-1-1 in Indiana was featured on last night's CBS Evening News.  Congratulations to our colleagues in the Hoosier State!


Watch CBS News Videos Online

The Taxonomy of Health and Human Services

Ever wonder how Info Line's 2-1-1 service organizes and manages information about more than 5,000 local social services? We use the AIRS/2-1-1 LA County Taxonomy of Health and Human Services!

A taxonomy is thorough classification system that distinguishes concepts, names those concepts, and puts those concepts into a hierarchical order.

Examples of taxonomies include:

• The Linnaean taxonomy for living organisms (Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species) 
• The Dewey Decimal System for libraries

In a human service context, a taxonomy is a classification system that allows you to index and access community resources based on the services they provide and the target populations they serve. It provides a structure for the information and it tells people what is in your information system and how to find it.

Some of the benefits of the taxonomy include:

- Comprehensive in scope

- Logical

- Uses terminology which is accepted in the human service field

- Allows data to be shared and compiled

- Flexible to permit change and growth

- Developed specifically for for a computerized environment

- It is required for national accreditation as a 211 service provider!

You can learn more about the 2-1-1 Taxonomy here: http://211taxonomy.org/

Where To Turn directory

A new edition of Info Line's “Where To Turn” Directory is now available.  The directory is $20/copy and contains information about more than 750 organizations serving residents of Summit County.  To order a directory, please contact Info Line's Resource Department at 330-315-1402 or thite@infolineinc.org.

You can also view the complete directory by clicking the link below. if you like what you see, please consider supporting our non-profit agency by purchasing a printed copy.

http://www.scribd.com/full/28409027?access_key=key-97ynzhalkl06qjajynx

Ohio Appliance Rebates Start March 26, 2010

Ohio residents can reserve and redeem their rebates for the purchase of the following eligible ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances.

ENERGY STAR® Products Eligible for Rebates	Rebate Level	Rebate Quantity	Budget
Refrigerator	$100	26,172	$2,617,200
Clothes Washer	$150	24,428	$3,664,200
Dishwasher	$100	20,938	$2,093,800
High-Efficiency Gas Storage Water Heater	$100	15,703	$1,570,300
Electric Heat Pump Water Heater	$250	2,094	$523,500
Total Rebates		89,335	$10,469,000

How do I get my rebate?

1. Ohio residents can start the process at 8:00 am on March 26, 2010 when the program officially begins.
   
   
2. Go online to www.OhioApplianceRebate.com to reserve your rebate reservation.
   
3. Purchase your eligible ENERGY STAR® qualified appliance from an Ohio retailer, vendor or contractor - be sure to keep your original sales receipt.
   
   
4. Recycle your old appliance - participating retailers have agreed to assist the Ohio residents with recycling old appliances.
   
   
5. Within 3 days after your reservation date, go online to www.OhioApplianceRebate.com to redeem your rebate - Print out your redemption form.
   
6. Mail your redemption form, original receipt, and proof of recycling to the address provided on the redemption form. You have 30 days to mail in this paperwork as instructed.
   
   
7. Track the status of your rebate at www.OhioApplianceRebate.com.
   
8. Get your rebate in the mail.

211Summit.org: Info Line's free community resource database

Info Line's 2-1-1 service offers a free online database of health and human services for residents of Summit County.  The database includes information about more than 1,100 agencies providing programs in the areas of:

• Basic Needs
• Consumer Services
• Criminal Justice and Legal Services
• Education
• Environmental Quality
• Health Care
• Income Support and Employment
• Individual and Family Life
• Mental Health Care and Counseling
• Organizational/Community/International Services

Visit www.211Summit.org to find services for you and those you love.

Pass the Calling for 2-1-1 Act

WHY IS THE CALLING FOR 2-1-1 ACT NEEDED?

Although the 2-1-1 system has developed over the past decade through United Way and state government funding, the 2-1-1 system lacks stable long-term financing. Because of the expanding reach and increasing visibility of 2-1-1, many 2-1-1 call centers lack the resources needed to build an adequate telecommunications infrastructure, provide appropriate staff levels and training, establish or maintain 24-hour-a-day service, ensure complete and accurate informational databases, and reach rural populations. The Calling for 2-1-1 Act would provide the funding needed to meet these needs.

Here’s the complete list of where folks stand in the House and Senate:

http://sites.google.com/a/211us.org/pass211/campaign-tracking/full-list-of-congressional-members-both-branches

Info Line on Twitter and Facebook

Info Line uses Twitter, Facebook and other social media to share news, events, links and announcements.  Here are a few of the ways you can connect with us: 

Info Line on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/InfoLine
 
Info Line on Twitter: http://twitter.com/infolineinc
 
Child Care Connection on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/childcareconnection 

Child Care Connection on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ccconnection
 
Community Voice Mail on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CVMSUMMIT
 
Community Voice Mail on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CVMSummit

2-1-1 is a critical service during the current economic downturn

2‐1‐1 is to personal economic emergencies what 911 is to police and fire emergencies. During the current economic crisis 2-1-1 has played an important role in assisting the newly unemployed and others in need. Here is a great summary provided by our friends at 2-1-1 Indiana:

What does 2-1-1 data show about the impact of the economy?

The newly unemployed, underemployed and anxious are creating a surge in calls to 2‐1‐1 around the country. Last year, 2‐1‐1 Centers across the nation answered more than 16 million calls and the majority of these individuals needed help with basic needs like food, utility, housing and healthcare.  2‐1‐1s are reporting that calls from these newly unemployed or newly underemployed are more complex, take more time and require additional explanation to navigate the complicated maze of services. In fact, in a January survey1, 86% of 2‐1‐1s across the country reported receiving more calls from callers who have never used 2‐1‐1 before. Furthermore, approximately 90% report received more calls from callers who have never before accessed any form of basic needs services (food pantries, rent assistance, utility assistance, public assistance benefits). For each of the possible referrals, the 2‐1‐1 Center maintains detailed information about the program location, hours, eligibility, intake process, and more. In the January study, 65% of 2‐1‐1 Centers reported that many human service programs are limiting eligibility, reducing hours, reducing services provided or otherwise making changes that overall reduce the availability of services in the community. In essence, needs have increased while resources are forced to cut back.

2-1-1 on CBS Evening News this Friday

United Way 2-1-1 in South Bend, IN to be featured on CBS Evening News this Friday at 6:30pm ET.   The CBS crew filmed for almost 2 hours in their call center, and all of their staff were interviewed.  Jerry Quatman from Elkhart United Way and Lucinda Nord were on hand to discuss specifics of 2-1-1 and the economic conditions in Elkhart and the surrounding area.

The news story will focus on 2-1-1, increased call volume, the “economic crisis” people dialing 2-1-1 are in, and how 2-1-1 can assist those in need, many of whom are asking for social services for the first time.

From the 2-1-1 call center, CBS then traveled to Elkhart to complete a series of interviews with former employees of a restaurant, The Dakota,( now out of business), to document their life experiences with unemployment.

Back in October 2-1-1 was featured on a Today Show segment on NBC:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Info Line and the 2010 Census

Info Line has been asked to serve as a 2010 Census Questionnaire Assistance Center and we've accepted the challenge!  From Friday March 19th to Monday April 19th the Census is setting up these assistance sites all over the country so people who have questions about filling out their Census forms can come in and talk to a real person so they are sure to be counted.


If you have questions about the questionnaire, call the national Telephone Questionnaire Assistance center at 1-866-872-6868.  (If you prefer a Spanish-speaking operator, then dial 1-866-928-2010.)  The lines will be open seven days a week from February 25, 2010 through July 30, 2010.  For the hearing-impaired, dial 1-866-783-2010. 

The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States, and is required by the Constitution to take place every 10 years. The 2010 Census will help communities receive more than $400 billion in federal funds each year for things like:

• Hospitals
• Job training centers
• Schools
• Senior centers
• Bridges, tunnels and other-public works projects
• Emergency services

The data collected by the census also help determine the number of seats your state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In March of 2010, census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. When you receive yours, just answer the 10 short questions and then mail the form back in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you don't mail the form back, you may receive a visit from a census taker, who will ask you the questions from the form. The best way to ensure your privacy is to fill out the questionnaire and mail it back.

The majority of the country will receive English-only materials. Households in areas with high concentrations of Spanish-speaking residents may receive a bilingual (English/Spanish) form.

Any personal data you provide is protected under federal law.

Read more about the Decennial Census on the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2010 Census Web site:
http://2010.census.gov