211, United Way’s national helpline, is a one-stop connection to transportation, food, healthcare, legal services, and more.

Nationwide, 211 responded to 15.4 million calls, texts, and chats last year – including a call from Debra.

Debra contacted 211 looking for help finding a job to support herself. She explained that she had just left a long, abusive relationship and had never had a job before. Debra relayed that she also had a variety of health issues and didn’t drive, so needed to be able to work from home.

Helen, the 211 specialist who answered Debra’s call, provided referrals to several area community centers and nonprofits that worked with people with disabilities, helping with resumes, job searches, interviews, and basic job training. Helen also recommended several government programs that could provide additional benefits.

After calling 211, Debra shared feedback that Helen had treated her respectfully and with compassion. She said she had initially been afraid to call, but the entire experience was calming and great. And just a week after taking her call, 211 learned that Debra had contacted several referrals and was on her way to having a job for the first time in her life.

This is just one of the powerful connections waiting to be made every day in your community. With your support, a real person in the Fox Cities is ready to answer calls like this every single day. Visit 211wi.org to learn more.