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April 13, 2007United Way Debuts Free Information and Referral System in Massachusetts; Lt. Governor Murray Makes First Official Call
Framingham, Mass., — On Tuesday, April 3, at 1Lt. Governor Tim Murray will make the first official call on the Commonwealth’s new 211 information and referral line. Murray along with over 200 community leaders from across the state witnessed Massachusetts become the 17 th state-wide 211 system in the country. The Lt. Governor said that “he was pleased to have the honor of making the first call on this important free resource for the citizens of the Commonwealth” 211 was established by the Federal Communications Commission as the national number people can call for non-emergency information and referral. It was left up to each state to implement their own system under certain guidelines. Here in Massachusetts Mass211 is funded by fourteen local United Ways represented by the Council of Massachusetts United Ways. (see list below) In-kind support is also provided by the Executive Office of Health & Human Services (EOHHS) Every day, someone somewhere in Massachusetts needs to find essential community services, everything from finding an after school program, locating a food bank, or securing care for an aging parent. Many have faced these challenges, but don’t always know where to turn for help. The answer is Mass211. All anyone has to do to get connected to the help they need is to call this easy to remember 3 digit number. They will speak confidentially with an Information & Referral Specialist who will assess the callers’ needs and determine the service provider best equipped to handle their problems or crisis. It is currently available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Both the call and services are free to anyone calling within the Commonwealth by either landline or wireless phones. Mass211 is a statewide collaboration of local United Ways and the Massachusetts Association of Information and Referral Specialists (MAIRS) . “Whether it’s for everyday needs or during a time of a natural disaster or terrorism, the residents of Massachusetts can feel comfortable knowing that someone is there to help.” states Paul Mina, Executive Director of Mass211. “Mass211 will also be an official conduit for information in the event of a disaster or emergency” he stated. “Mass211 was established to provide that essential link between those who need help and those who provide it.” Mina thanked those who have helped make Mass211 a reality including: the Department of Telecommunications and Energy, both the landline and wireless carriers doing business in Massachusetts, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the members of our state legislature from across the Commonwealth as well as the individuals and companies that support the United Way System in Massachusetts. 2-1-1Changing the Way Americans Find Help
List of United Ways Funding Mass211 Acton Boxborough United Way Berkshire United Way Concord-Carlisle Community Chest North Shore United Way Northern Berkshire United Way United Way of Central Massachusetts United Way of Greater Attleboro/Taunton United Way of Greater Plymouth County United Way of Massachusetts Bay United Way of Merrimack Valley United Way of North Central Massachusetts United Way of Pioneer Valley United Way of Tri-County United Way of Webster and Dudley MAIRS |
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© United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley
Main: 617.624.8000 |