When You Need Help. Get Connected. Get Answers
By Michael Ganci – Syntex NY
Each year on Feb. 11 (2/11), United Way launches a statewide initiative 2-1-1 to educate communities about the valuable free, online directory of health and human services’ agencies and programs available in Nassau and Suffolk counties. The Long Island Database is updated and managed daily and provides website visitors with detailed information on more than 10,000 community resources for help and assistance in a range of areas.
In addition to the full database, there are also special searches for specific populations including veterans services, services for those who are developmentally disabled and their caregivers and informational updates during weather emergencies. This information, as well as a community calendar of events, can be viewed through multimedia platforms including Facebook and Twitter.
United Way of Long Island coordinates the LI region and call center and the Middle Country Public Library maintains and updates the database that provides the information for the call center. Middle Country Public Library provides training to the public on using the database at the library or by special appointment for larger groups or organizations. Interested parties can contact Lori Abbatepaolo at abbatepaololori@middlecountrypubliclibrary.org or at 631-585-9393 x295.
For more information, visit www.211longisland.org or call 2-1-1 or 1-888-774-7633