United Way in the News

United Way 2-1-1 service links area resources

Article published February 14, 2008
By DIANE CHUN 
The Gainesville Sun

Dolores Rodriguez was thrilled when she got the call last February saying a donor kidney was waiting for her at Shands at the University of Florida. 

The 29-year-old's elation at getting a kidney transplant after 13 years on the organ donation waiting list was soon tempered by fear.    
    
After her surgery, where would she go? Being from Miami, she knew no one in Gainesville. She had no place to stay while she underwent follow-up care. 
    
Rodriguez found her answer by dialing United Way's 2-1-1. One call linked her to the resources of community-based organizations and service groups who were there to help. 
    
Recently, Rodriguez met the 2-1-1 information specialist who had helped her find housing, furnishings, even a church that has given her a new circle of friends. 
    
Terry Valazquez is an information and referral specialist with 2-1-1. She and Rodriguez laugh about the telephone link that has tied the two women together for a year without a single face-to-face meeting. 
    
"I think I talk to Terry more often than I call my own mother," Rodriguez admitted. 
    
United Way wants to spread the word about the 2-1-1 service. The goal is to get people the right help they need the first time. 
    
This year, 2-1-1 can even help residents get their income tax returns prepared for free at four Gainesville sites through the Dollars & $ense campaign.     
    
The goal, according to Nona Jones of the Dollars & $ense program, is to reach those eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit who might not be filing for a refund. But others also are eligible. The first step: Call 2-1-1. 
    
The 2-1-1 program serves residents in Alachua, Bradford, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy and Union counties.