United Way 2-1-1 Hosts Night at the Albany River Rats
Albany, NY – United Way of the Greater Capital Region and the Albany River Rats teamed up for a night of American Hockey League action and support for United Way 2-1-1 Northeast Region, the 12-county information and referral service that connects callers with local health and human services.
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins defeated the Albany River Rats 3-1 in front of 5,141 spectators at the November 13 game at the Times Union Center. United Way staff and their guests enjoyed the contest while they promoted United Way 2-1-1 and helped educate River Rat fans about the value 2-1-1 provides to the community. Proceeds from program sales and the Chuck-a-Puck contest went to support United Way 2-1-1.
2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that functions as a powerful service to communities by connecting people with information on issues ranging from food, housing, child care and employment, to health care, senior care, substance abuse treatment, legal issues, volunteer opportunities and more. By dialing 2-1-1, people looking for help with non-emergency issues are connected to community resources. It's free. It's confidential. And 2-1-1 helps callers navigate the complex network of service agencies and programs.
United Way of the Greater Capital Region partnered with regional United Ways, Family and Children's Service of the Capital Region and multiple service providers to make 2-1-1 a reality. Since its public launch in April 2009, United Way 2-1-1 Northeast Region has handled more than 3,000 phone calls. The most frequent topics of concern have been income-related issues such as food pantry locations, help with utility bill payment, questions about filing for unemployment and questions related to other income assistance.
United Way 2-1-1 is part of United Way of the Greater Capital Region's commitment to connect people with the resources they need for a healthy life. Expanding access to health and human services is one of United Way's strategies to advance the common good and create opportunities for all.
United Way of the Greater Capital Region is dedicated to bringing people and resources together to achieve measurable and sustainable improvements in the quality of life for our community.