What
is Information & Referral?
Information and referral services (I&R)
are the link between people seeking health
and human services assistance and the appropriate
providers of such services. The Community
Resource Specialists answering calls assess
the inquirer's needs and determine the service
provider best equipped to handle their problems
or crises. Additionally, Community Resource
Specialists are trained to determine whether
a caller may be eligible for other programs.
I&R providers maintain comprehensive databases
of resources, including federal, state, and
local government agencies, community-based
organizations, and private non-profits. First Call For Help 2-1-1 provides I&R services to people living in Northern New Jersey 24/7 and on evenings and weekends to the rest of the state.
What
kinds of help do people call about?
- Basic
Human Needs Resources: food banks, clothing
closets, shelters, rent assistance, utility
assistance.
- Physical
and Mental Health Resources: health insurance
programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal
health, children's health Insurance Program,
medical information lines, crisis intervention
services, support groups, counseling,
drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation.
- Employment
Supports: financial assistance, job training,
transportation assistance, education programs.
- Support
for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities:
adult day care, congregate meals, Meals
on Wheels, respite care, home health care,
transportation, and homemaker services.
- Support
for Children, Youth and Families: childcare,
after school programs, Head Start, family
resource centers, summer camps and recreation
programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective
services.
- Volunteer
Opportunities and Donations.
And much, much more.
What
is 2-1-1?
2-1-1 is the easy-to-remember telephone
number that connects people with important
community services and volunteer opportunities.
People calling 2-1-1 from Morris, Passaic,
Bergen, Union, Essex and Hudson counties
will reach First Call For Help.
Are
calls to 2-1-1 free?
Yes. Calls placed to 2-1-1 are toll-free.
Calls placed from pay phones may require
a coin deposit depending on the company
that owns the phone.
Can
I remain anonymous when I call?
When you call 2-1-1 you do not need to reveal
your identify. However, if you do reveal
your identity, you can be assured that our
services are completely confidential. We
will never reveal your name or any other
identifying information without your expressed
permission.
Will
I get to speak to a "real" person?
Yes. You will first hear an automated response
that will prompt you to press zero to speak
with a Community Resource Specialist. This
technology makes it easier for us to serve
more people with our small staff. Once you
press zero, you will be automatically transferred
to an available staff person. If everyone
is on the phone at the time you call, you
will have the option to wait until someone
is available or leave a message so that
we may call you back. Either way, you will
speak directly with our specially trained
and caring staff.
Can I use the Internet to contact FCFH?
By clicking on http://www.nj211.org/helpme.cfm, you can use the Internet to have a Live Chat with a Community Resource Specialist.
Where else is 2-1-1 available?
As of April 2009, 2-1-1 serves over 240 million Americans (more than 80% of the entire population) covering all or part of 46 states (including 33 states with 90%+ coverage) plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico. The remaining states are all in various stages of planning and implementation. Every few weeks, these coverage numbers increase.
To find a current list of where 2-1-1 is implemented, go to:
http://211us.org/status.htm
For information about 2-1-1 in NJ, visit:
http://www.nj211.htm
When did 2-1-1 service begin in New Jersey?
On October 3, 2002, the NJ 2-1-1 Partnership received the approval of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to implement and oversee New Jersey's 2-1-1 system. Hunterdon Helpline started the first 2-1-1 service in NJ on October 7, 2002. 2-1-1 became available in Morris, Passaic, and Camden counties on January 27, 2003. In February 2005, 2-1-1 was available statewide.
How is United Way involved?
United Ways have a long-standing commitment to funding information and referral (I&R) services in their communities. The NJ 2-1-1 Partnership is a subsidiary of The United Ways of New Jersey. The NJ 2-1-1 Partnership is responsible for the use of 2-1-1 throughout NJ.
How is First Call 2-1-1 funded?
The NJ 2-1-1 Partnership in conjunction with the State of New Jersey provide the majority of funding for 2-1-1. Additional funding is from foundation and corporate grants. First Call also accepts donations from individuals and conducts some fund raising events.
How can I help?
- Use 2-1-1 and use it often! When you have a question about community services, call us first!
- Make a donation or volunteer.
- Call the Governor and state elected officials to tell them how important the 2-1-1 service is.
- Call federal officials and ask them to support the Calling for 2-1-1 Act. If you need to know who your elected representatives are, call 2-1-1 to find out or go to:
What
is the Calling for 2-1-1 Act?
The Calling for 2-1-1 Act, introduced by
the bi-partisan team of Clinton and Dole,
will authorize $200 million in federal funding
for 2-1-1. While the NJ 2-1-1 Partnership
has put together diverse sources of initial
investment including funding from the United
Ways of New Jersey, state government, corporations
and foundations, a dedicated federal funding
stream will help us to build and sustain
2-1-1, insuring its availability to 100%
of our state's residents.
Where
can I find more information about First
Call 2-1-1?
For more information about 2-1-1, please
contact us.
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