The Athens-Clarke County Police Department and United Way of Northeast Georgia are partnering to ensure resources are available to all community members in need. Both law enforcement and local community nonprofits have seen the needs of the Athens residents from different perspectives and are working together to fill the gaps.
To do so, ACCPD JAS joined in supporting United Way of Northeast Georgia’s 211 program, a health and human services referral and information line, by distributing cards and sharing information publicly and with their teams about the program.
“We are proud to work alongside the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and provide resources to our officers to help them when they are working with community members,” said Kay Keller, President and CEO of United Way of Northeast Georgia.
“We hope that by working alongside our law enforcement officers we can make sure community members who may be in the most need are able to access resources anonymously and while maintaining their dignity. From time to time everyone needs help and this partnership means more people have a way to get it,” she said.
“We are proud to partner with United Way to provide our citizens in need with this vital link to services and resources,” Police Chief Cleveland Spruillsaid. “Together with the United Way and other stakeholders, and through the use of innovative programs such as “211” we are striving to make a real difference in the lives of all who live, work and do business in ACC.”
211 offers connections to local organizations and resources, based on a caller’s zip code and need. For 211 users, help is available three ways: via phone, connecting to a live person who can answer in Spanish and English and direct callers to resources; via text message, where a person can text their zip code to 898-211 to receive a list of organizations and resources fitting their needs; and via the website navigateresources.net/uwng where visitors can enter their zip code and specific needs and be directed to resources of all kinds locally. Resources are provided for needs ranging from uninsured medical or dental assistance to food needs to crisis management and support groups.
Since 1954, United Way of Northeast Georgia has been helping families and individuals in need. The nonprofit agency motivates and mobilizes resources to meet the highest priority needs of families and individuals in the region. By working with leaders and community members across our region, we can focus on improving conditions for all of the region. With a Community Impact model, United Way of Northeast Georgia strategically funds programs that move the needle in three focus areas: basic needs, early childhood success, and workforce development.