May 16, 2016
Written by John Hyatt, IMPACT President & CEO
Over 6,000 Waukesha County residents turned to IMPACT for access to family, health and social services in 2015. When Marie dialed 2-1-1 last October, she explained that it was the first time she had ever needed to ask for help. Her daughter Rachel’s behavior had begun to concern her. For a while, Marie brushed it off as typical teenage mood swings. Then she got a call at work that really scared her. Rachel’s school was reporting an excessive number of unexcused absences and a pattern of inappropriate comments about death and dying. Marie knew she needed expert advice to navigate her next steps. A coworker suggested dialing 2-1-1.
IMPACT 2-1-1 maintains a comprehensive community resource database of services throughout Southeastern Wisconsin that provides assistance with basic needs, health care, employment, housing, counseling, financial and legal issues, and much more. Our goal is to provide the right resource, the first time. We are extremely grateful to United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County for providing the support necessary to make this service available to you.
Although IMPACT has been providing 2-1-1 services in Waukesha County since 2014, many people are still unaware the 24-hour access line to all family, health and social service resources is literally at their fingertips. Simply dial 2-1-1, text your ZIP Code to 898-211 or search the online resource directory at impactinc.org. United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County has organized 2-1-1 Awareness Day as a way to spread the word to Waukesha County residents about this vital community service. On Friday, May 20 volunteers will deliver 2-1-1 materials to businesses and organizations – with an appeal to spread the message that 2-1-1 is a trusted and reliable source for quality information and referrals.