News | Press Release
Connect your employees with services they need!
Program your company phones to access 2-1-1
San Bernardino County, CA (November 9, 2007) – 2-1-1 is
an important tool for employees, offering a single point of
contact for obtaining information. It provides a central point
to access health and social services for people in need,
assisting Human Resources personnel in dealing with employee
issues outside normal business routines. Poor performance and
absenteeism due to personal problems cost local businesses
millions of dollars annually. 2-1-1 reduces barriers to people
asking for and getting help. Providing information for issues
such as domestic violence, childcare and healthcare issues,
2-1-1 helps to resolve many of the personal issues that take
employees away from doing their job.
"One of the biggest challenges during a time of need is finding
answers," said Janelle Anwar, Inland Empire United Way’s HR
Generalist. "2-1-1 helps find answers by quickly providing
information for services that allow employees to resolve their
issues. Healthy people that have the resources they need make
the most productive, motivated employees."
Unfortunately, many workplaces phone systems block “N11” calls
like 411 because they charge callers, but 2-1-1 is free. If your
company has an internal phone system, it may need to be
programmed to recognize 2-1-1 as a valid number. The IT support
person or phone system vendor will need to reprogram your
company’s phones.
Anyone who dials 2-1-1 and is not connected can dial (888)
435-7565. If you have questions about programming your company
phone system, contact Inland Empire United Way’s Cheryl Genung,
Director of Information Technology, at (909) 980-2857 ext. 253
or cgenung@ieuw.org.
2-1-1 in times of disaster: Even for businesses that have
developed disaster plans, accessing information during a crisis
or disaster can be difficult. In the recent disaster of the
fires, 2-1-1 was the easiest number to call to find out the
latest information about road closures, evacuation areas and
more. The 2-1-1 call center received more than 8,000 calls
during the fires. In disaster recovery, people are encouraged to
call 2-1-1 for information on government and nonprofit resources
such as pet assistance, rent/mortgage assistance, clothing
assistance, food vouchers, transportation, infant items, school
supplies and more.
What is 2-1-1? 2-1-1 is a toll-free phone number that
provides information and referrals for health and social
services in San Bernardino County. 2-1-1 is free and
confidential, and live, bilingual call specialists assist
callers 24 hours a day. Services are available by simply dialing
2-1-1 (or 888-435-7565).
2-1-1 San Bernardino County - part of the national Network:
More than 52,000 calls have been received by 2-1-1 San
Bernardino County since the launch of providing service 24/7 in
September 2006. Nationally, 2-1-1 reaches approximately 196
million people (more than 65% of the U.S. population) in 41
states and the District of Columbia. 2-1-1 offers information
and referrals for non-emergency help, and it also improves
public safety, acting as a hub for information and volunteerism
during a disaster situation. 2-1-1 San Bernardino County is
funded in part by San Bernardino County and First 5 San
Bernardino.
Inland Empire United Way
IEUW engages a caring community to respond to human need by
helping disadvantaged kids succeed in school, providing easy
access to health and social services, developing opportunities
for volunteers to create positive change, and strengthening
financial stability opportunities for low-income families and
individuals.
View the Program Your Company Phones flyer.
Contact: Cheryl Genung, Inland Empire United Way
(909) 980-2857 ext. 253 or
cgenung@ieuw.org
www.ieuw.org
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