Massachusetts

2 What is Mass 2-1-1? is an easy to remember phone number that links people who need help to people who can give help connects you to important community services - from food, clothing, and shelter assistance to counseling, legal and financial services. The mission of is to build Massachusetts capacity to strengthen the way people access help for every day needs and in times of crisis.

3 How did happen? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) assigned on July 21, 2000, stating: Mass211 began July 1, 2006 and was contracted to an existing call center that could provide statewide I&R services. On July 1, 2009, the United Way of Tri-County was contracted to provide fiscal and operational oversight by the Mass211 Board of Directors. At that time, Mass211 became a program service of your local United Way. "We find that the Information & Referral Petitioners have demonstrated sufficient public benefits to justify use of a scarce public resource and we therefore assign to be used for access to community information and referral services.“

4 How is Mass Funded? Mass is currently funded by: 18 local United Ways Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Department of Public Health (contractual basis) Department of Early Education and Care (statewide child care I&R and subsidy waitlist management)

5 The Cost Savings of 2-1-1: “... the national effort is ripe for enhanced public-private sector collaboration. ” A national cost/benefit analysis conducted by the University of Texas estimates a net value to society of a national system approaching $130 million in the first year alone and a conservative estimate of $1.1 billion over ten years. There is greater opportunity to maximize resources as the call centers — and the public and nonprofit agencies to which they make referrals — recognize the complementary features of their service delivery systems.

6 Benefits for Your Organization: Help for providers: a great resource for your staff, with % of human service professionals calling to access information to help their clients. It is a free and time saving tool for those trying to help people. Information at your fingertips: search the database online to find information about all of our community services in MA by visiting Extend your reach: each month the call center receives over 6,500 calls from local residents who need help. Help us direct prospective clients to your organization by updating your agency’s record in the database. Visit mass211help.org and log in or create a new account in the Provider Portal. Current, accurate information: Dedicated staff maintain the database as a comprehensive, continuously updated resource. We work with you to update each non-profit record at least once a year to ensure referrals are accurate.

7 Benefits for Your Clients: Easy access to thousands of services: helps residents navigate the health and human services including basic human needs, childcare, physical and mental health resources, employment, support for seniors assistance for utilities, and more. Confidential: provides confidential and anonymous help for any situation. Help in many languages: helps non-English speaking people get comprehensive health and human service information. A sense of hope: In addition to providing referrals gives callers a sense of confidence by educating them about their options.

8 Community benefits: Official Emergency Information: Mass211 is designated by MEMA as the official number for receiving vital information in time of emergency, disaster, or crisis. All residents of the Commonwealth can call 211 for critical up-to-date emergency information. Official H1N1 and Haitian Earthquake Information: DPH contracted Mass211 to provide official information and referrals for both of these community issues. Official MA flooding and Water crisis Information: MEMA contracted Mass211 to provide official information and referrals for the cities and towns affected. EEC contracts Mass211 to provide statewide I&R for early education and care resources. Relief for 9-1-1: 211 reduces non-emergency calls to 911, saving that vital community resource for life and death emergencies. Please remember: to save a life, stop a crime, or report a fire, dial

9 Mass Call Center: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week FREE call Confidential call Multilingual/TTY services available Online at

10 Partnering with 18 United Ways across the state Increasing engagement of these United Ways through their campaigns, material distribution, and community impact Continuing 211 educational presentations with local community groups, coalitions and business forums Outreaching to local human service providers, emergency management directors, and local and state officials Building capacity of Mass211 by:  Increasing the number of providers in the database  Updating information of those already in the database  Partnering with local groups to exchange and share information with their regional databases Community Outreach

Public Website that allows you to search by: Keyword Agency name Topic Location Other Features: Personalized resource lists (sign in options) Online agency updating and statistics (Provider Portal)

12 Call Volume and recent activity  The greatest number of calls come from the Boston and Springfield areas.  More women call than men (3:1)  The greatest number of calls are from year olds  Call volume for FY2009 was 40,000  Call volume not including disaster through June FY2010 was over 62,000 and over 80,000 in FY 2011  During the water crisis in May more than 14,000 calls were received in 3 days.  Call volume July 2009 – June 2010, including disaster related calls totaled more than 102,000 calls 211 continues to work with FEMA and MA VOAD in long term recovery for the floods that occurred in MA during March, 2010 and June 2011 tornadoes

13 Child Care I&R

14 Mission Statement Provide information, support and connection to programs that support children in their development as lifelong learners and supports families in their essential work as parents and caregivers.

15 We help with:  Types of child care that are available  Tips on choosing child care providers  Questions to ask of a child care provider  Questions concerning the voucher program  Help with getting on the waitlist for subsidy assistance  Referrals to child care providers in your area  Information on the child care system

16 Mass211 Contacts VP, Mass211: Gary Lever Mass211 Director of Child Care/ Special Projects, Lynne Pizette

We look forward to working with you.