Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham joins 211 Virginia as ambassador

Did you know that Virginia has a comprehensive, accessible resource to connect citizens with area community services, no matter where you live?

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham has joined 211 Virginia as an ambassador, promoting the program among its networks and on digital platforms.

211 Virginia is a free, confidential, and multilingual service that connects people with health and human services throughout the state.  This state-mandated and nationally accredited information resource is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Trained employees provide pre-screenings and referrals to programs the individual is eligible for.

211 Virginia recently launched a new user-friendly database and search function and is actively expanding its listings of nonprofit service organizations with the goal of building a strong, coordinated system of care and community services.

“Following the lead of our local United Way of the Central Shenandoah Valley, we are joining in efforts to connect our residents and local nonprofit partners,” said Lauren Jefferson, the foundation’s director of programs and marketing. “Our phone often rings with questions about how to locate and access resources. 211 Virginia can connect citizens to services they need, many of which are offered by nonprofits we work with and support.”

Growing Efficiencies and Resource Development

Funneling inquiries for resources to one place helps to “reduce the burden on service providers and cuts costs associated with managing information and referrals,” said Mary Monaco, the directory’s northwest region representative.

The gathered data also circulates back into the local community through partners like the local United Way, one of 150 organizations invited to 211 Virginia’s Anchor Agency Collaborative.

“The AAC brings together key partners to examine data on inquiries received, identify gaps in service, find opportunities for advocacy, and increase overall community awareness and utilization of local, regional, and statewide resources,” said Jim Sacco, United Way of the Central Shenandoah Valley’s director of development.

Across the state, local United Way organizations provide similar support and collaboration; funding for the service is provided by the Virginia Department of Social Services.

Check The Listing

Service providers are encouraged to search the 211 Virginia website first to see if an organization is already listed and then review inclusion criteria before applying. Among the criteria, the agency must serve Virginia residents and have been in existence for more than six months, with priority given to those offering scarce, free, or low-cost resources.

Visit the 211 Virginia website to learn about standards for for-profit agencies that provide a health and human service free of charge or on a sliding base, as well as childcare/preschool providers.

The 2-11 directory includes more than 5,000 government, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations and agencies that help with the following and more:

• Basic human needs: Food banks, shelters, rent or utility assistance
• Physical and mental health resources
• Work initiatives: Job training, English classes, GED preparation, financial and transportation assistance
• Support for seniors and those with disabilities: Adult day care, meals at home, respite care, home healthcare
• Support for children, youth and families: After-school programs, tutoring, mentorship programs, counseling, child care.

To access resources, call 2-1-1 or search at 221virginia.org. For the hearing impaired, dial 7-1-1 and then 1-800-230-6977. You can also text CONNECT to 247211. If you have a question but live outside of Virginia, call 1-800-230-6977.

Nonprofit agencies looking for more information can also contact Mary Monaco, Community Engagement Team Lead, at marym@councilofcommunityservices.org or 540-597-8903.