What is 211?
There may be a time that you or someone you know needs help, but don’t know exactly what kind of assistance is available – let alone how to access it. 211 can assist by help clarify your personal situation and then utilize an extensive up-to-date database to determine the best resource(s) for you. 211 is where you go when you don’t know where to turn for help, acting as a single point of contact to thousands of social service programs.
211 is a free, comprehensive information and referral system linking Iowa and Nebraska residents to health and human service programs, community services, disaster services, and governmental programs. 211 is a one-stop source of information for people looking for services.
For example, 211 can offer referrals to these types of services:
- Basic Human Needs Resources: food pantries, clothing closets, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance
- Physical and Mental Health Resources: health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health care, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, substance abuse and intervention rehabilitation
- Employment Supports: financial assistance, job training, educational programs
- Support For Older Americans And Persons With Disabilities: adult day care, aging and disability resource centers, congregate meals, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services
- Support for Children, Youth and Families: child care, Head Start, family resource centers, holiday assistance, parenting, summer camps and recreation programs, summer meal programs, mentoring, protective services
- Volunteer Opportunities and Donation Services
This is a small portion of services that are available in the 211 database. Utilizing a comprehensive computerized database of more than 13,000 nonprofit and public programs and services, trained Information and Referral Specialists give personalized attention to each caller. Specialists can refer callers to a variety of service that best meets their needs. 211 is the number to call when you aren’t sure who to call.
Go to the website for more information! http://211iowa.org/
The 211 App: Find Help in a Tap!
The power of the 211 database is now available in the palm of your hand with the free 211 Iowa smartphone app. Simply download the app for free by following these simple steps:
- Click the link below to find the app on the App Store or Google Play, or search for 211 Iowa.
- Install the App on your phone
- Begin using by tapping Current Location, entering your zip code, or your city.
That’s all there is to it! No registration or account to set up… the 211 service is 100% free and confidential.
TEXT YOUR ZIP CODE TO 898211 AS AN ADDITIONAL OPTION TO REACH 211
All children in South Central Nebraska, regardless of their family income, should have quality books of their own.
This belief spurred the United Way of South Central Nebraska to create a committee of community leaders dedicated to making this program a reality in our four counties of Adams, Clay, Nuckolls, and Webster. The United Way and committee members are diligently seeking enough support to establish Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in South Central Nebraska. The cost of the program is approximately $30 per child per year. The early literacy program operates on a simple premise: get bright, age-appropriate books into the hands of every enrolled child. The goal is to help develop childhood literacy skills before a child sets foot in a classroom.
What is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is all about inspiration and imagination. In 1995, Dolly developed the program so that every preschool child in her hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee would have their own library of books that would encourage in them a love of reading and learning. The program was so successful and generated such interest from across the country that, after much thought, Dolly decided to offer her Imagination Library for replication in any community that will support it.
How Does It Work?
Each month, from the day the child is born until his/her 5th birthday, a carefully selected book arrives in the mail. Each book is selected by a committee composed of parents, teachers, child development specialists, librarians, publishers, and others specializing in early childhood literacy. Special attention is given to age appropriateness and the development of such positive themes as promotion of self-esteem and confidence, regard for diversity, and appreciation of art.
How Can I Help?
The Imagination Library in South Central Nebraska is a program that requires ongoing funding to continue to serve children in the future. Please consider donating today. For more information call (402) 461-8412 or donate online!
How Do I Register My Child?
In order to serve as many children as possible, United Way asks that only one child per family be registered. If you choose to register multiple children, you have the option to sponsor each additional child for $30 per year. You can begin the registration process below:
Change of Address:
If your child’s address changes while they are enrolled in the Imagination Library, you must contact United Way of South Central Nebraska in order to continue receiving a book each month. Please note that the books cannot be forwarded by the U.S. Postal Service. If a child has books that are undeliverable for two months, their registration will be automatically deleted. If you registered with your email address on the Imagination Library website, you may log in and update your child’s current mailing address. If you need to change your child’s address in Adams, Clay, Nuckolls, or Webster County in Nebraska, please call or email us at 402-461-8412 cassie@unitedwayscne.org
Click on the links below to register!
If your child does not live in this coverage area, please contact your local affiliate. Contact information for your affiliate can be found by clicking the appropriate link below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Wheels for Work Program
The United Way and Hastings Ford Lincoln are accepting donated vehicles into our Wheels for work program. After a safety inspection and repairs, the vehicle is given to a family in need. Giving a family a car makes childcare, school, work, groceries, and medical appointments easily accessible—things that are so easily taken for granted by those who have never had to be without a vehicle. Help Fuel someone’s life, donate a car today.
Toys for Tots
United Way of South Central Nebraska works in partnership with the United States Marine Corps through the Toys For Tots program, and Salvation Army of Hastings, to ensure children in Adams, Clay, Nuckolls, and Webster Counties will receive a gift. Locally, the Toys for Tots program provides holiday gift assistance for children up to age 12 whose families are not financially able to provide gifts for them during the holidays. Donations of new, unwrapped toys, and gently-used books, or stuffed animals are collected starting in November at several sites in our area.
All toys donated in and around Hastings are distributed locally. To sign your business up as a toy collection point or to volunteer, contact the United Way of South Central Nebraska office at (402) 461-8412.
Want to Donate? Our 2022 drop off locations are:
All CPI Locations
Coach’s Corner
Edwards Jones – Judy Nabower
GTA-Hastings
Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce
Hastings Ford Lincoln
Hastings Vision Clinic
Home Federal Bank
Menards
PTSR
Small Town Famous
United Way Offices
Stuff The Bus
United Way of South Central Nebraska hosts a school supply drive every year to help support our local schools. Our staff collaborates with local businesses and community members to collect supplies, and then distributes them to schools in Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster counties.
This year’s Wish List is: Backpacks, Pencils, Crayons, Scissors, Notebooks, Clorox Wipes, Kleenex, Markers
Our donation sites for 2022 are:
United Way offices – 301 S Burlington
Wal Mart in Hastings
To sign your business up as a donation site or if you want to help, contact the United Way of South Central Nebraska office at (402) 461-8412.
