2-1-1 | Live United

2-1-1 Finds A Way Out for Domestic Abuse Victim

May 6, 2010 By Maria Stokes Leave a Comment

Domestic violence is on the rise due to lasting unemployment and increased financial strains on families caused by the recession. Economic stresses often lead to more frequent abuse and can make it harder for victims to leave abusive relationships because they lack financial resources.

Yuri, a call center specialist for United Way’s 2-1-1, shared a story from one of his callers who was ready to find a way out of her abusive relationship:

Brenda (not her real name) finally “had enough” from her abusive husband and called 2-1-1. The Dixon Family Services Center, a United Way grantee, suggested she call 2-1-1 when they could not find a local shelter for her.

Brenda had neither a car nor money. Additionally, her husband had set her cell phone so she could not receive calls and make only toll-free outgoing calls. Realizing that he could not simply give her a list of phone-number referrals, Yuri stayed on the line with Brenda and helped her make the calls to shelters that help domestic abuse victims.

He started the search for shelters in Sacramento, which is close to Dixon, but all three that he reached were full. Yuri then extended the search to Vallejo, more than 30 miles away. To both of their relief, SafeQuest not only had space for Brenda, but also said that they would be able pick her up.

Yuri encouraged Brenda to call 2-1-1 again if she needed more help.

Brenda is one of thousands of callers who reach out to 2-1-1 every month to help them connect with community services. Learn more at www.211bayarea.org.

Photo courtesy of Emma Thuressen via Creative Commons license.

Filed Under: Road to Recovery Tagged With: 2-1-1, domestic violence, Help for Hard Times, partner, Solano, success story

United Way Goes to the Capitol

April 29, 2010 By Maria Stokes Leave a Comment

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United Ways of California are now organizing our fourth annual Capitol Day, which will take place in Sacramento on May 5.

Last year, more than 50 United Way staff and volunteers from across the state met with legislators to promote our public policy agenda. This year’s event will continue strengthen United Way’s relationships with California’s key decision makers.

The United Way of the Bay Area team, which includes both staff and volunteers, will meet with Assembly and Senate representatives from the seven counties that we serve. We will provide updates on United Way’s work in their districts, and garner support for United Way’s top legislative priorities, including universal children’s health coverage and funding for 2-1-1.

We have already set up meetings with Assembly ProTem Fiona Ma, Assembly Member Nancy Skinner and Senator Loni Hancock, and are scheduling appointments with Senator Mark Leno and Assembly Member Noreen Evans.

Please Note: If you are a member of United Way’s Emerging Leaders, there is a special gathering, which includes training, breakfast and lunch. There are a limited number of spots exclusively for current Emerging Leaders interested in public policy. RSVP to Shelley Hardeman at shardeman@uwba.org by April 30.

We look forward to reporting on our success after Capitol Day!

Photo courtesy of ProComKelly via Creative Commons license.

Filed Under: Road to Recovery Tagged With: 2-1-1, advocate, children, Health

2-1-1 Connects Callers with Local Food Programs

April 22, 2010 By Maria Stokes Leave a Comment

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Last year, 2-1-1 helped 15,791 Bay Area residents connect with food assistance programs. That represents an 88% jump in requests for food assistance from the previous year. Here is one caller’s story:

Ms. Williams, a 72 year old senior living on Social Security and a widow’s pension called 2-1-1 needing assistance with food. The limited income she receives barely covers her monthly expenses.

2-1-1 specialist Daphne explained to Ms. Williams how to get on the waiting list for the senior supplemental food program. She also provided a phone number for a neighborhood food pantry and information about SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps).

A few days later, Daphne followed up with Ms. Williams, who said she was so happy with all of the wonderful food she had gotten. She listed everything she had, as she took each item out of her bag: 3 onions, 4 potatoes, 4 bananas, 1 orange, brown rice, black beans, 3 artichokes, raspberries, lettuce for salad, carrots, purple cabbage, and chicken breast.

Ms. Williams said she had never expected to get fresh food and was so grateful for what she had received. She also asked if she could go back to the pantry again, and Daphne assured her that she could be helped weekly, as needed.

If you or someone you know is hungry, 2-1-1 can direct you to one of the many food assistance programs that serve the Bay Area. Call specialists are available 24 hours a day, and can also help callers access other programs that offer low-income families discounts on automobile insurance, utility bills, phone service and public transportation.

Photo courtesy of D. Sharon Pruitt via Creative Commons license.

Filed Under: Income Tagged With: 2-1-1, basic needs, food, help starts here, success story