FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/20/15
United Way of Central Awarded 2-1-1 Information and Referral Grant
Temple, Texas- October 20, 2015- The United Way of Central Texas is pleased to announce it was awarded a grant on September 01, 2015 from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to take over administrative and fiscal oversight for the local 2-1-1 information and referral system. This is part of a planned, collaborative transition with Central Texas Workforce Solutions, who has been the past administrator of the program.
"We are thrilled to receive the 2-1-1 grant," said United Way of Central Texas Chief Executive Officer James Thurston. "United Way supports 2-1-1 as the first number to call to connect with health and human service opportunities. It has the potential to be the most efficient way to connect callers with local agencies and programs that can assist their needs and we look forward to helping is become more responsive to our community needs."
Every day hundreds of people across Central Texas turn to 2-1-1 for information and support-whether financial, domestic, health or disaster-related. 2-1-1 is a free, confidential referral and information helpline and website that connects people from throughout our community and of all ages to the essential health and human services they need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Resources are extensive and include information about low-income tax preparation, counseling, financial assistance, access to health care, senior services, and more. 2-1-1 also serves as a primary point of contact during times of disaster.
United Way of Central Texas is partnering with the Central Texas Council of Governments and Bell County to administer the program. With this grant award, the United Way of Central Texas joins ten other United Ways from throughout Texas - including Houston, Austin, and San Antonio - to take the lead role in helping to connect more local people to local resources
through 2-1-1.
"We are excited to join the 2-1-1 statewide network and its mission to contribute vital information that benefits individuals and families in need." Thurston said. "Our goal is to connect Central Texans with the resources they need to better their lives in the fastest way possible. 2-1-1 will help with that."
For more information, please call the United Way of Central Texas office at (254) 778-8616.
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