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Harvey County Man Finds Resources...Again and Again
 When
a hard-working man could no longer keep his job because of a disease, he
called 2-1-1 for possible resources and found help time and time again.
When Mike was an employee for a large Wichita company, he
actively participated in the annual United Way campaign and spent some
of his free time volunteering for various organizations. Mike was
pleased to help out the community, never thinking it was him who would
one day need the help.
Mike was
diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1992, and by 2001 he was unable to
continue his employment. He soon found himself alone and in need of a
variety of help. While watching television, Mike saw a United Way 2-1-1
commercial and hoped it would be the help he needed.
Connected with
the Resources
Calling at 11
p.m., Mike was surprised to talk live to a person instead of a machine.
He needed rural transportation to take him to run his daily errands, and
the United Way 2-1-1 call specialist referred him to the appropriate
organizations. Later, when Mike needed low-cost dental services, he knew
where to find his help.
“I was so
impressed with their services the first time, I called 2-1-1 back
again,” said Mike.
Once again,
2-1-1 led Mike to the assistance he needed for his dental work, as well
as optometry services and even weatherization for his home.
“United Way was
wonderful at finding the resources I needed without making me do a great
amount of leg-work,” said Mike.
The 2-1-1
service is provided by United Way to connect people in need with
available resources around their area. The call center is available 24
hours per day, 7 days per week.
“Everyone that
I’ve spoken with at United Way has been fabulous,” said Mike. “It’s
great talking to a person rather than a machine.”
Connecting
Others
Mike encourages
others in need to try calling 2-1-1.
“It was so nice
and I’d recommend it to anybody that needed help,” said Mike. “They give
me the resources and I make the phone calls.”
Mike never
thought he would need to seek outside assistance, but United Way’s 2-1-1
service showed him that the process of getting the help he needs can be
respectful and dignified.
“Don’t be too
proud to ask for help. If you need help call 2-1-1,” said Mike. “They
treat you with respect. You don’t lose your dignity asking for help from
them.”
Article by Stacy Gramza
See column at right to find out
more about how your support of United Way of the
Plains is helping our community. More Stories:
click here. |
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 About United Way’s 2-1-1
United Way’s 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember toll-free telephone number
that connects people with important community services and volunteer
opportunities.
Call specialists have information on more than 2,000 programs from all
over Kansas—including after-school programs, senior care, counseling,
food pantries, job training and much more.
The service is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and all
information is kept confidential.
United Way impacts issues that matter:
For more information:
See other programs funded in the above impact areas by clicking above. |
