While United Way is sponsoring this effort, the information will not be limited to United Way agencies. This program is already in effect in over 40 states and parts of

2-1-1 Fact Sheet

2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember number that connects individuals with resources in their community.

·         Missouri has about 30,000 nonprofit organizations & scores of government agencies, making finding help confusing and intimidating.

·         2-1-1 call centers are staffed by trained specialists who quickly assess the callers’ needs and refer them to the help they seek.

·         2-1-1 is available 24/7, with multilingual capabilities.

2-1-1 enables people to get help or give help. 

·         Information is available on a broad range of services, including rent assistance, food banks, affordable housing, health resources, child care, after-school programs, elderly care, financial literacy, and job training programs.

·         Volunteers and donors also can use 2-1-1 to find out where their service or donations are most needed and appropriate.

2-1-1 benefits the nation.

·         A national 2-1-1 system produces cost savings for taxpayers, employers and government, an estimated $130 million in the first year (according to a 2004 University of Texas at Austin analysis).  A conservative estimate puts the savings at $1.1 billion over ten years.

·         As of Feb. 1, 2007, 2-1-1 is available to more than 196 million Americans – more than 65% of the U.S. population.

·         There are 209 active 2-1-1 systems operating in 41 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Supporting 2-1-1 benefits a community.

·         Instead of Missouri residents struggling through a maze of phone numbers and agencies, 2-1-1 becomes the umber to call for resources in their community.

·         Businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government officials support 2-1-1 as a way to improve the lives of the residents in their communities.

2-1-1 enhances public safety and crisis recovery efforts.

·         2-1-1 gives 9-1-1 operators a place to direct non-emergency calls so they can focus on life-and-death situations.

2-1-1 is a private-public partnership. 

·         United Way 2-1-1 in Missouri is funded through a $4.75 million grant by Missouri Foundation for Health for start-up and operational costs, and a $3.75 million investment from United Way of Greater St. Louis for operational costs.

·         Other Missouri United Ways working together on this project including the United Way of Southwest Missouri and the Carthage Area United Way.  

The VIOCES (Vocation, Occupation, Identity, Choices, Experience, Success) program encourages school completion or enrollment in high school equivalency programs.  The program assists eligible youth, ages 16 through 21, who meet income guidelines, to obtain employment through work experience and help them to improve their academic skills to successfully move from school to work.

Services include:

• Tutoring, study skills, training and instruction leading to secondary school completion;
• Summer employment opportunities directly linked to academic and occupational training;
• Paid and unpaid work experiences, including internships and job shadowing;
• Leadership development opportunities;
• Job interview clothing;
• Childcare assistance;
• Work uniforms;
• and more.

VOICES also sponsors monthly workshops geared toward the interests of participants.  Topics for past workshops include:

• Basic car care;
• Interview skills;
• Resume writing;
• Business etiquette;
• Emergency preparedness; and
• Basic childcare.

If you would like to learn more, call a youth career manager at 417-629-3000.