A compassionate listener. A comprehensive database of critical resources. The ability to break down complex situations and assist our neighbors when they need it the most.
Those are all hallmarks of what makes United Way 211 a vital source for information on food, housing, and utility assistance; health care; veteran’s programs; mental health services; childcare and other family-related services; and more.
Since November, the United Way 211 team has added a personal touch to their work thanks to being one of 15 community partners at the Cleveland Food Bank Community Resource Center. Designed as a one-stop hub for community services aligned around addressing the primary drivers of food insecurity – employment, housing, and healthcare, community members can food shop in the center’s healthy choice market and find help by speaking with onsite representatives from a partner agency.
That is where Christine Lattimore, Manager of 211 Navigation Services, Jennifer Jones, 211 Community Health Worker, and Alex Cohen, 211 Community Based Navigator/Help2Veterans, perform their best work. In the first two months of being on-site, the trio connected more than 125 people with services related to housing and shelter, clothing and household needs, and utilities.
According to Christine, the opportunity to develop in-person relationships with community members and build bridges to other organizations that can provide help and assistance results in a more efficient outcome.
“Knowing that we can provide services daily and change an individual or family’s life is wonderful,” Christine said. “Everything is here to help the community, and sitting down with someone to talk face-to-face talk is helpful. If they need additional assistance, we can quickly find them the help they need because we have built relationships with the other agencies in the building.
“For example, someone may come in for food assistance through the Food Bank and then walk out with information about literacy, education, jobs, and clothes. There are a lot of great things going on in this building, and it puts a smile on your face knowing that not only is their physical body being fed, but their spirit is being fed as well.”
"There are a lot of great things going on in this building, and it puts a smile on your face knowing that not only is their physical body being fed, but their spirit is being fed as well.”
Being able to engage with community members during each step of their journey is a rewarding experience, according to Jennifer.
“It is a powerful experience to be part of someone’s wellness journey and assist them in finding the help that they and their family may need,” Jennifer said. “It is always nice to know the outcomes when we assist someone, and being at the community resource center allows us to close the loop in a way that we may not always be able to do with a phone call.”
For Alex, the collaborative nature of working side-by-side with other agencies is one of the best parts of being at the center.
“The Food Bank is a very positive and vibrant atmosphere that encourages collaboration with partner agencies. That helps me offer a more personalized experience as I can easily review all the resources a community member needs,” Alex said. “When sitting and talking with someone, you can read their body language, create more of a dialogue, and use active listening to find the type of help they need.
“I love my work and being able to make a positive impact in their lives. Sometimes, it is as simple as being there, so they know someone is listening.”
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank Community Resource Center is located at 15500 South Waterloo Road in Cleveland. For more information, visit their website.
If you or someone you know needs help, call 2-1-1 to speak with a trained specialist who can assist in accessing local resources. For more information, visit 211oh.org.
