By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-951732.mp3
Albany, NY – The New York State Legislature and Senate have formally recognized February 2011 as United Way 2-1-1 Month in the state of New York, and, as we hear in this report from Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas, more and more people are taking advantage of the services the program offers...
Since April 2009, United Way 2-1-1 has provided free, direct, personal and professional referrals for human services to residents in 12 counties. Kathy Pelham, CEO of United Way of the Greater Capital Region, notes that callers are given assistance on a variety issues including child care, crisis counseling, substance abuse, employment, financial and legal issues, physical and mental health needs, volunteer opportunities and more. Keith Pickett, Executive Director of Family and Children's Service of the Capital Region and Operator of United Way 2-1-1 Northeast Region Call Center, Pickett expects call center contacts to double in 2011.
The Albany Public Library system is a key partner in the United Way 2-1-1 system. During tax season, hundreds of low- and moderate-income upstate New York residents call United Way 2-1-1 to schedule appointments for free tax preparation at many library locations through the United Way/CA$H Coalition's VITA tax preparation program. United Way's Tom Morely says tax prep is free for any individual or family whose net income is under $50,000.
2-1-1 needs volunteers for its call center - if you'd like to give them a helping hand, call 2-1-1.