On February 11 United Way of Greater Cleveland celebrated United Way 211 Day, emphasizing the importance of the entire organization to the success of this vital community helpline.
United Way 211 is the call that Greater Clevelanders make when there is nowhere else to turn for help. It serves as the “front door” to the entire social safety net and all that our community has to offer to prevent life’s unexpected moments from spiraling out of control.
In 2024 alone, United Way 211 Navigators responded to more than 226,000 calls, providing solutions and comfort to community members in times of crisis. The service’s reach extends across a wide spectrum of needs, from connecting veterans with resources to helping families navigate complex systems and offering critical support in the wake of natural disasters.
Staff are recognized for their work with United Way 211
The people who make the United Way 211 helpline possible were highlighted in several ways:
- United Way 211 and navigator Catherine McDonald were recognized at halftime of a Cleveland Cavaliers game as the “Jif Diff Maker of the Game.”
- Premiered the video We Are All 211 featuring staff members and a young professional from the Emerging Leaders sharing how they each play a key role in supporting the United Way 211 team.
- A presentation featuring senior leadership, board members, and 211 staff discussed the impact that 211 has on the community.
“We all need help sometimes and I’m proud we are here to do that. The right help at the right time can be the difference between keeping a job, keeping a home, or keeping a child in school,” said Sharon Sobol Jordan, President and CEO.
The ability for callers to speak to a real person makes United Way 211 an important asset to the community, according to Board member Enid Rosenberg.
“I honestly believe (United Way 211 is) the voice of United Way. You are the connection, and you are the answer,” Rosenberg said to United Way 211 staff during the celebration. “Do you realize what you do for people just being able to talk to them? It is more than just a connection, it is you, and for that, I can’t thank you enough for everything you do.”
Staff and volunteers kick off the "Starts with 211" campaign
The day’s events included the launch of our United Way 211 awareness campaign. The “Starts With 2-1-1” campaign highlights the variety of resources available to residents, encouraging them to reach out for help and share 211 within their communities.
Staff members, senior leadership, Chomps (mascot of the Cleveland Browns), and members of the Emerging Leaders distributed more than 350 posters across 23 cities in Cuyahoga County, with additional posters distributed throughout Geauga County. Posters were placed in community spaces like libraries, senior centers, police stations, government offices, and food pantries to ensure the public knows that United Way 211 is there when they need help.
211 Day advocacy at the Ohio Capital
In honor of the day, 211 programs from across the state hosted an Ohio 211 Legislative Lunch and Learn. Maryam Kiefer, Director of Public Policy, joined staff from several other United Ways and 211 administrators at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus.
In attendance were legislators and staff from Cuyahoga and Geauga counties, including House Representatives Sean Brennan and Daniel Troy, and staff members from Senators Kent Smith and Casey Weinstein. In addition to a presentation on the importance of 211, attendees spoke with 211 staff members to learn more about how the service can assist legislators and legislative staff with calls from constituents.
With 211, help is always a call away
United Way 211 remains committed to delivering timely, compassionate, and accurate resources anytime, anywhere.
For assistance, visit 211oh.org or call 2-1-1.
