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In the Spotlight
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2-1-1 Reports on Community Needs
Call them the concierges of the community. Since its start in 2001, the men and women who answer calls for United Way 2-1-1 Texas have been providing a friendly ear and helpful referrals to hundreds of social service and nonprofit agencies throughout the Austin area. The 1 millionth call was just one of 267,335 received in 2009.
To support planning for needed services in the Austin area, United Way Capital Area issues an annual report on community needs and trends (Click here to download a copy). Among the statistics included in the 2009 report are:
- Top referral requests for all ages were for basic needs, such as housing and food; or health concerns, such as requests for flu shots or referrals to community or dental clinics.
- Three counties saw large percentage increases including Bastrop, 75%; Hays, 53%; and Williamson County, 50%. Travis County calls increased by 49%.
- Many callers are reaching out to 2-1-1 Texas to seek help for someone younger than age 59; and 60% of callers who request or need help are between the ages of 25 and 55.
2-1-1 Texas Information and Referral specialists can access information on more than 4,000 health and human services. For those who prefer to use the web, a searchable database also is available at Get Help — 2-1-1 Texas. The 24-hour, multilingual information line supports United Way Capital Area’s (UWCA) mission to change community conditions by helping all Central Texans in need. 2-1-1 Texas is a public-private partnership of UWCA and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
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Getting Connected
UWCA Spring Day of Caring—Friday, April 23
Presented by Freescale Semiconductor
It’s almost here! Lend your hand and make a difference in your community.
Register to volunteer at www.handsoncentraltexas.org, call 2-1-1 Texas or register in person at the kick-off celebration on Friday, April 23 from 8:30-9 a.m. at the Dove Springs Recreation Center, 5801 Ainez Dr., Austin. Volunteer projects begin at 10 a.m
United Way Day of Caring is a community-wide event that addresses critical social issues through meaningful volunteer action.
For more information or to sign your company up to volunteer, contact Nikki Krueger at 512-382-8611, nikki.krueger@unitedwaycapitalarea.org.
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Your Local United Way in Action
A new $150,000 grant will help UWCA in helping working individuals and families become better educated about their finances through a new initiative, Bank on Central Texas. In a competitive process, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation and United Way Worldwide announced UWCA was one of 12 recipients of the $1.5 million in grants.
The Bank on Central Texas program, which will launch next month, is a community partnership to bring more people into the financial mainstream.
UWCA will utilize the grant money to guide employers on how to implement workplace financial stability strategies, including financial education, direct deposit, automatic savings through payroll deductions, a default requirement to opt-out of deferred savings plans and EITC outreach. Foundation Communities, a local United Way Capital Area nonprofit partner, will offer employers the ability to provide free one-on-one financial coaching for employees.
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Friends and Partners
Join UWCA, the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Austin Area Research Organization (AARO) and other sponsors for a moderated, televised candidate forum:
AISD Trustee Candidate Forum
April 22, 6pm — 8pm
Austin ISD Carruth Building, Board Room
1111 W. 6th Street — Austin, TX 78703
The forum will focus on all contested seats and will be broadcast on AISD channel 22. Due to the large number of candidates vying for the District 9 seat, one hour will be devoted to this at-large race. Candidates for the other contested seats, Districts 6 and 7, will follow.
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Living United
“As a United Way Capital Area partner, we have seen United Way’s commitment to helping others in a very challenging time. Our community, economy and society are undergoing dramatic, deep-reaching and structural changes. It demands much courage and leadership for the United Way to help all of us search for the fundamental transformations needed. Your commitment is important, recognized and appreciated. Our partnership on workforce development has helped 65 low-earning adults earn a community college degree and start high-paying careers. Together, we are lifting these working families out of poverty and helping them achieve financial stability.”
Steve Jackobs, Executive Director, Capital IDEA
Click here to LIVE UNITED.
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Your Impact
Help United Way Capital Area reach its goal!
Until June 30, United Way Capital Area
has the unique ability to match your
first time gift of $1000 or more to
Success By 6 dollar for dollar, doubling
your impact on the community.
Go to: sb6centraltexas.org to learn more.
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Ask Debbie
Why should I give to United Way if I never use agency services and don't know anyone who does?
“You never know when you or someone you know may need a United Way service. Job loss, loss of a loved one, illness, accidents, disabilities, family problems, natural disasters, mental disorders and the problems of growing up and growing old can affect anyone, regardless of ethnicity or income level. Last year, United Way programs touched the lives of adults and children from all walks of life. United Way is focused on making the community a better place for all, now and in the future.”
- Debbie Bresette, President,
United Way Capital Area
Let me know what's on your mind.
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