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Marylouise Gamache and
Cristina Amedeo of 2-1-1
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Since its launch in June 2007, United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island, commonly known as 2-1-1, has handled more than 385,000 calls from Rhode Islanders seeking help.
In fact, for 2010, 2-1-1 received 152,000 calls. The service is free, confidential and available 24/7/365 in more than 175 languages. Rhode Islanders, confused about where to turn for assistance, can call 2-1-1 to learn about a whole array of human services-all within their local area.
2-1-1 is funded largely through United Way of Rhode Island's Community Impact Fund and Hasbro Children's Fund.
The economic recession has certainly impacted 2-1-1 and its staff. "We are hearing from people we have never heard from before," said Cristina Amedeo, director, United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island. "We are talking with people who are facing some very difficult challenges, many for the first time in their lives. Yet, we also know that we can help them. All they have to do is call us."
United Way of Rhode Island recognizes that there are times in every life where help will be needed to keep people stable. Whatever the reason, these kinds of issues require an integrated approach to the various sources of help. One call to 2-1-1 or a visit to www.211ri.org is the best place to start for people in need.
Thanks to your support, we are helping our fellow Rhode Islanders when they need it most.
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