United Way of Connecticut
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2-1-1 Connecticut Launches New Website at 211ct.org
New features include a more powerful search engine and a
design that adapts to any sized screen

ROCKY HILL, CT - 2-1-1 Connecticut is pleased to announce the launch of its new website, which is designed to work on any device, and is built around a powerful new search engine that makes it easier than ever for users to find what they need.

The 2-1-1 Connecticut search engine now works with common language search terms, makes proactive search suggestions, and includes links to related topics and relevant 2-1-1 eLibrary articles on the results page. The new site is also location-aware, and uses location information from a user's device (if enabled) to show search results for agencies and programs serving that area.

Search results are displayed in a list form with basic agency and program information. With a single click in any search result, users can call an agency, visit their website, get directions, or see more details. Results are also plotted on an interactive map, allowing users to quickly identify the nearest programs and filter the results by geographic radius.

Details from any search result can be shared by email or text message*, and agencies can submit updated information about their programs and services through the "Report Update" button on their listing.

Users can access the new 2-1-1 website at www.211ct.org, and will have full use of all its features whether visiting from a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
In FY2015, 2-1-1 Connecticut handled 331,479 calls from Connecticut residents, and received more than 900,000 visits to 211ct.org--a substantial increase over FY2014, in which 211ct.org received 526,000 visits.

"We have seen our website visits increase substantially, and more of those web visits are coming from mobile devices," says Tanya Barrett, Senior Vice President of 2-1-1 at United Way of Connecticut. "The new 2-1-1 website helps us reach more people, and empowers people to find the resources they need."

The new 2-1-1 Connecticut website was made possible by a grant from the State of Connecticut, awarded to United Way of Connecticut through the Nonprofit Grant Program in 2014. 2-1-1 Connecticut worked closely with its information and referral software provider iCarol and with MojoTech to develop a new website that is easy for anyone to use from any device.

"One of the most innovative new features of the 2-1-1 Connecticut site are the need statements, which are targeted searches based on the most common requests for help through 2-1-1," says Leo Pellerin, Chief Information Officer at United Way of Connecticut. "Site visitors simply select their need from the list and are connected to all of the relevant programs and services in our database."

In 2016, 2-1-1 Connecticut will celebrate 40 years of service. 2-1-1 Connecticut began as Infoline in 1976, originally a public/private partnership between Connecticut United Ways and the State of Connecticut. In 1999, Connecticut became the first state to use 2-1-1 for toll-free, statewide information and referral to health and human services.
Available for comment:

Tanya Barrett, Sr Vice President, 2-1-1 Health and Human Services, United Way of Connecticut
   Email: tanya.barrett@ctunitedway.org Phone: (860) 571-6062

Leo Pellerin, Chief Information Officer, United Way of Connecticut
   Email: leo.pellerin@ctunitedway.org Phone: (860) 372-4245

More information:
*2-1-1 does not charge a fee for this feature, but standard rates for text messages on the recipient's cellular plan apply.

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About United Way of Connecticut
The mission of United Way of Connecticut is to help meet the needs of Connecticut and its residents by providing information, education, and connection to services. United Way of Connecticut furthers its mission by providing 24/7 toll-free information and referral through 2-1-1 Connecticut; specialized services in child care, child development and disabilities; and by collaborating with local United Ways and Connecticut state agencies and elected officials.

United Way of Connecticut provides services with support from the State of Connecticut and local United Ways.
About 2-1-1 Connecticut
2-1-1 Connecticut is a free health and human service information and referral service, with a continuously updated database of more than 4,000 agencies and 47,000 programs and services. Free, confidential assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year online at 211ct.org and over the phone by dialing 2-1-1. 2-1-1 Connecticut has organizational accreditations from the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS), and the contact center is certified by the American Association of Suicidology for crisis intervention.
 
2-1-1 Connecticut provides services with support from the State of Connecticut and local United Ways.
United Way of Connecticut
1344 Silas Deane Highway
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Phone: (860) 571-7500 Fax: (860) 571-7525
Media Contact
Beau Anderson
(860) 571-7215