Got A Crisis? Call 2-1-1!

By Jan Howard

When a story touches people’s hearts, such as the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, they want to reach out to offer whatever help they can. If they are unsure of where to turn, they can dial 2-1-1 for Infoline, a partnership of Connecticut United Ways and the State of Connecticut.

Licensed, certified caseworkers answer the phone and can help callers find a way to help others. They can help find answers to life’s toughest questions through locating hundreds of services on various issues.

“Infoline is a referral hotline funded by United Way,” Jennifer L. Toussaint, director of resource development for United Way of Northern Fairfield County in Danbury, said recently. “The Federal Communication Commission set the number aside for five years. The ultimate goal is to have it become as universal as 9-1-1.

“We’re very proud of this. 2-1-1 is really remarkable,” she said. “It is a free, confidential service that is available 24 hours a day and you don’t have to identify yourself.”

When dialing 2-1-1, callers will be helped to find information, discover options, or deal with a crisis. Its caseworkers are trained in crisis intervention. Infoline 2-1-1 is certified by the American Association of Suicidology. Bilingual caseworkers are available.

 Whether a person wants to give help or to find help, Infoline 2-1-1 contains records of numerous support groups and community services; volunteer opportunities; places to donate food, clothing, toys, furniture, books and more; and mentoring opportunities.

Among services 2-1-1 can help callers locate are counseling, domestic violence programs, emergency shelter, substance abuse, elder care, health care, home care, basic needs, crisis intervention, family counseling, parenting education programs, disability services, energy assistance, and legal assistance. Also, Alzheimer’s resources, HIV/AIDS testing, veterans services, senior services, suicide prevention, transportation, voting information, and child care/child health, including the HUSKY program that provides health care for uninsured children.

It also contains a database of childcare providers.

Mrs Toussaint said corporations hand out Infoline 2-1-1 information to their employees. In spite of that, she added, “It’s the best kept secret.”

Infoline can also be located online at www.infoline.org.