February 11th Brings Awareness to United Way's 2-1-1

February 11th is the day that United Way’s all across the country recognize and bring awareness to United Way’s 2-1-1 program. Mayor Chris Meyer has assisted Marshfield Area United Way with bringing awareness to the community by officially proclaiming February 11, 2014, as “United Way’s 2-1-1 Day” in Marshfield.

2-1-1 is a free, confidential, easy to remember phone number that connects people to essential community resources. In addition to connecting callers to local resources, United Way’s 2-1-1 also tracks caller needs and uses that information to analyze trends, such as identifying gaps in services. 

In 2013, United Way’s 2-1-1 received over 5000 calls for information and referrals. Referral specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help with information and resources, such as:

•             Housing matters              

•             Food

•             Child care services

•             Family services

•             Health care

•             Substance abuse treatment

•             Veteran’s services

•             Suicide prevention

•             Energy assistance

•             Suicide prevention

•             Job training

•             Senior services

•             Literacy classes

•             And more

For more information, contact United Way’s 2-1-1 by dialing the three digit number 2-1-1 or by calling 715-384-5565. If you are unable to reach 2-1-1 due to your telephone or cell phone carrier, a toll-free number is also available, simply dial 1-877-384-5565. Individuals can also find resources online at United Way’s 2-1-1 Get Connected. Get Answers. website at www.getconnected211.org.

Free informational posters and rack cards are available at the Marshfield Area United Way office. Please contact United Way at 715-384-9992 if you would like a supply of posters and/or rack cards for your business, office, church, school, etc.

Food For Thought...Things Like This Happen To Our Friends, Family, Neighbors, Co-Workers

I spent years after college determined to define myself through my career. I was on the fast track of a new, growing company and I was sure my future was destined for great success. Only a few years later, that company went “belly-up” and I found myself applying for unemployment in the midst of the economic crisis. That was a life-changing event for me. All I had worked so hard for, all the blood, sweat, tears, time and personal sacrifices I made…and here I was back at square one. 

I tell you this not for sympathy but rather to exemplify that things like this can happen to people, everywhere, all the time and through no fault of their own. Recently, I had a young woman stop in to use the job center services provided in our office. (Last January, the Marshfield Job Center moved into our office to avoid closing and to keep our residents from having to travel to Wisconsin Rapids for services.) I chatted with her briefly and she began to cry. Her position was eliminated with her employer in town and she was not sure where to turn for help. My heart broke for her. I could relate to what she was going through. 

Thankfully, in my situation, my family was able to help me financially through that difficult time. Not everyone, though, is as fortunate as I was in that situation. Life-altering events happen every single day to our friends, family members and neighbors. And unfortunately, most times people are left wondering how they’re going to pick up the pieces and move on. People are faced with difficult questions like: How am I going to keep food on the table for my family? How am I going to pay my rent? My utility bill? How and where do I start searching for employment opportunities? 

Your annual donation to Marshfield Area United Way supports programs and services that help people in crisis meet their basic needs. Additionally, other United Way programs and services are helping area youth achieve their full potential, and are also working to keep our most vulnerable of populations living independently in their home. Together, we are making a difference in creating long-lasting change in our community. Please contribute to the 2013 Marshfield Area United Way campaign. Visit marshfieldareaunitedway.org or call 715-384-9992 to make your donation today.

Utilize United Way's 2-1-1 To Connect With Community Resources

Sometimes things happen to us in life unexpectedly, and sometimes, these unexpected surprises can bring joy and happiness into our lives. Unfortunately though, this certainly isn’t always the case.  It seems that more often than not, surprises can cause more harm than good, quickly adding to the stress and worry in our lives.

Events like these may include unexpected car trouble or medical bills that leave you struggling to make ends meet.  Or, maybe an elderly parent falls ill and is no longer able to care for him or herself, leaving you to figure out how to care for your parent, while maintaining full-time employment. These are just a few examples of how one isolated incident can exacerbate our already busy, stressful lives. Don’t face these problems on your own. There are services available to help people in many, various ways and United Way’s 2-1-1 connects people to these resources.  

United Way’s 2-1-1 online information database is full of community resources available right at your fingertips. Simply log-on to www.getconnected.org and click on ‘Information Database.’ From there, you are able to search for resources by category, keyword, or agency. The database also allows you to enter your zip code to search for resources nearest to your home.

For those without internet access, 2-1-1 is also a phone number you can dial to get information on community resources. Referral specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help with information and resources, such as:  housing matters, food, child care services, counseling, literacy classes, health care, substance abuse treatment, family services, Veteran’s services, suicide prevention, energy assistance, job training, senior services, volunteer opportunities, and much more.

United Way’s 2-1-1 is also as much about giving help as it is getting help. If you or your organization provides services in your community, please visit getconnected.org to verify your organization is listed with 2-1-1. If not, please call 2-1-1 with your information. Callers not able to reach 2-1-1 due to your telephone or cell phone carrier can use the toll-free number (877-384-5565) to connect to community resources.

Free Tax Preparation Assistance Available

Filing your income taxes at the beginning of each year can be exciting, that is, if you are lucky enough to give your bank account a little boost by receiving a refund from the federal and/or state government. Tax time can also give you a headache. And with the recent political issues, such as, the fiscal cliff, attempting to save yourself some extra money by filing your own taxes, can become quite confusing. This Spring will mark fifth year volunteers will be offering their services and time to help individuals prepare their personal income taxes free of charge.

Almost every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from February 11, 2013, to April 10, 2013, trained volunteers will assist senior citizens with filing their homestead credit and also help individuals with an annual gross income less than $58,000 a year file their state and federal income taxes. Volunteers are able to assist with personal income taxes only. They are unable to prepare farm or rental income, health savings account deduction, etc.

If you are interested in receiving help with your taxes or have any questions about the services offered, please call Marshfield Area United Way at 715-384-9992 to schedule an appointment. No walk-ins will be accepted. At the time of your appointment, please bring the following items with you:

•           A picture ID and social security card.

•           Copy of your 2011 Homestead Credit or Federal & State Tax Return

•           Medical/Dental Insurance Premium

•           Pension statements

•           Any W-2’s related to employment

•           Any 1099’s related to interest and/or dividends

•           SSA-1099 Social Security Benefit statement

•           Property tax bill or rent certificate

These services are offered by: AARP, the City of Marshfield Parks & Recreation Department, Cellcom, and Marshfield Area United Way.