Latest news with #211Day
Chicago Tribune
14-02-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Deadline extended for taking part in St. Patrick's Parade in St. Charles
The deadline to apply to take part in the St. Patrick's Parade in St. Charles has been extended to Friday, Feb. 21, event organizers said in a press release, The parade is set to begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15, along Main Street in St. Charles, beginning at Sixth Street and concluding at Fourth Avenue. Local businesses, community groups and non-profits are encouraged to participate in this year's parade, organizers said. To view the St. Patrick's Parade entry form, go to Entries that will have more than 20 walkers will need to reach out to the St. Charles Business Alliance at 630-443-3867 or at info@ for special permission and guidelines, according to the release. For more information on the parade, go to Senior Services offering free tax help from AARP AARP is hosting free income tax preparation services at Senior Services Associates at 2111 Plum St. in Aurora, officials said. Appointments will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through April 8. Those interested in the service can stop in at Senior Service to pick up a tax information packet and schedule an appointment during normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 630-897-4035. Kane sheriff's office to award college scholarship The Kane County Sheriff's Office will be awarding a $500 scholarship through the Illinois Sheriffs' Association to a student wanting to pursue higher education during the 2025-26 academic year. Scholarship money can be applied to tuition, books and fees only, according to a news release. Students must be enrolled full time at a certified institution of higher learning in Illinois. Applications are available at They need to be submitted by Friday, March 14, to the Kane County Sheriff's Office, Attention: Sheriff Ron Hain, 37W755 Route 38, Suite A, St. Charles, IL 60175. DuPage County proclamation recognizes 211 helpline The DuPage County Board proclaimed Feb. 11 as 211 Day at its meeting Tuesday to recognize the helpline that connects county residents with health and human services. DuPage County residents can dial 211 to receive around-the-clock information and referrals to mental health services, addiction support and rehabilitation, crisis counseling, supplemental food programs, shelter and affordable housing options, a news release on the board's action said. Additional services include information on employment, financial assistance, senior programs and transportation. To access the free, confidential service, call 211, text a ZIP code to TXT211 or 898211, or go online at In 2024, specialists connected about 8,650 people to services, according to the release. More than 4,100 residents sought assistance for utility payments, more than 2,100 requested rent assistance and about 650 received referrals to local food pantries, the release said. Genealogy in spotlight at library The St. Charles Public Library will host 'Too Good to Be True: Learn How to Spot and Stop Genealogy Fraud' with professional genealogist Candace Marx at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, in the Huntley Community Room at the library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. in St. Charles. The genealogy world has a long history of fraudsters and fabricated facts, library officials said. Good family historians want to create truthful trees and avoid being conned by information that looks 'too good to be true,' according to event organizers. In this lecture, Marx will discuss past and present genealogy scams and tips for avoiding them. For more information or to register, call 630-584-0076. Plano Food Pantry open Feb. 21 Those in need can pick up a box of canned goods, fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen meat, bread, milk, eggs and more at the Plano Food Pantry from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at First Lutheran Church, 200 N. Center St. in Plano. Participants should bring their food pantry card, if they have one. If they don't, they can bring identification and one will be issued in a couple of minutes, pantry officials said. Kane County launches Behavioral Health 360 initiative The Kane County Health Department has launched Behavioral Health 360, an online platform to help people facing mental health and substance abuse issues. A self-help tool, the site provides information, strategies and local resources to assist people in taking control of their well-being, according to a news release. It's free to use, confidential and designed for both teens and adults. Mental health providers also can use Behavioral Health 360 to share reliable information and resources with their clients, helping to supplement in-person care, the release said.
Chicago Tribune
12-02-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Naperville News Digest: Naperville Heritage Society receives $20,000 exhibit grant; Paws for a Cause offers discounts on spay, neuter surgeries
Naperville Heritage Society receives $20,000 exhibit grant Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley has awarded a $20,000 grant to the Naperville Heritage Society to create a 'Careers in Agriculture' exhibit at Naper Settlement. The display will be part of the larger 'Inventing Agriculture' exhibit at the settlement's Mary and Richard Benck Family Agriculture Center. It will be designed for students in kindergarten through high school with a focus on how they can contribute to the future of agriculture, a news release from Naper Settlement said. Agriculture careers can involve such skills as robotics, AI, remote farming, policy, inventions, marketing, food distribution and security, bioengineering and small-scale specialty farming, the release said. The exhibit also will recognize Naperville's contributions in agriculture and from farm families. Paws for a Cause offers discounts on spay, neuter surgeries Paws for a Cause Vet Care in Naperville is offering 25% off spay and neuter surgeries for dogs and cats through the end of February. February is National Spay and Neuter Month, officials with the nonprofit organization said. Spaying and neutering pets helps reduce overpopulation, prevent certain cancers and improve the pets' overall health and behavior, officials said. The offer includes a pre-surgery exam and pain injection, anesthesia, spay or neuter surgery, pain medication and post-operation monitoring. Paws for a Cause Vet Care, formerly Spay Illinois, is now located at a new, expanded facility at 1620 Bond St. For appointments, call 630-961-8000 or go to DuPage County proclamation recognizes 211 helpline The DuPage County Board proclaimed Feb. 11 as 211 Day at its meeting Tuesday to recognize the helpline that connects county residents with health and human services. Residents can dial 211 to receive around-the-clock information and referrals to mental health services, addiction support and rehabilitation, crisis counseling, supplemental food programs, shelter and affordable housing options, a news release on the board's action said. Additional services include information on employment, financial assistance, senior programs and transportation. To access the free, confidential service, call 211, text a ZIP code to TXT211 or 898211, or go online at In 2024, specialists connected about 8,650 people to services, according to the release. More than 4,100 residents sought assistance for utility payments, more than 2,100 requested rent assistance, and about 650 received referrals to local food pantries, the release said.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Celebrating 211 Day: A lifeline for millions in West Virginia
CLARKSBURG, (WBOY) — Every year, Feb. 11 is known as '211 Day' in West Virginia, which is dedicated to celebrating the 211 service and how it can connect millions of people with resources and services available in their community. For the United Way, this day represents a day to highlight the power of this simple three-digit number that provides access to critical community services. West Virginia Treasurer Pack seeks to establish term limits on some executive offices 211 is a confidential, free service that helps individuals connect with resources and services available in their community. It's a lifeline for those seeking assistance who aren't sure where to turn, offering support ranging from housing and food to healthcare and mental health services. '211 Day is very important because it is like a national resource, and it's kind of like a simple number people can call if they are needing help and just don't know where to turn. I think that's really resourceful for people,' Jacqueline Brown, a Community Resource Specialist at WV 211, said. The United Way said that in 2023, 211 fielded 15.4 million requests for help in the U.S. United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties Executive Director Martin Howe highlights=ed the reliability and accessibility of 211, explaining how it operates '24/7, 365 days a year and is free.' He added that the service is confidential so that those who are embarrassed or don't want their information shared with the public are able to keep it private. You can learn more about 211, by visiting its website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
United Ways across Pennsylvania celebrate PA 211 Day
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — February 11 is recognized as 211 Day in Pennsylvania. It's an initiative from the United Ways in the state to remind Pennsylvanians that they don't have to navigate challenges alone. If you dial 211 in Pennsylvania you'll be connected with someone who can refer you to housing, food, or utility assistance. The resource is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Last year 6,761 people in Blair, Cambria, and Somerset Counties reached out to the United Way of the Southern Alleghenies for help with housing & shelters, food security, utility assistance, and caring for an aging relative. 'We're seeing a lot of increasing needs around housing and utility assistance in particular. A lot of people are feeling the pinch of the economy and need a little bit of extra support these days,' Karen Struble Myers, President & CEO of United Way of the Southern Alleghenies said. Centre County gives nursing home $900,000 in funding, more potentially on the way In 2024, Blair County also had the most referrals, which means the county had the most need. 'We bring a lot of local programming here through 34 different partner agencies, all devoted to helping the health, education, well-being and economic stability of residents across Blair, Cambria and Somerset counties. So there's really a lot of great work that gets done by our community-based nonprofit, as well as a direct service work we do here at the United Way through resource, referral, our diaper bank program, as well as our snap at the market program to enhance food security,' Myers said. There are several ways to connect with a United Way in your area. You can dial or chat with 211. You can also text your zip code to 898-211. The website was recently updated to make it easier to find local resources. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
211 Metro Chicago Celebrates 211 Day and Second Anniversary, More Than 320,000 Connections to Basic Needs Assistance
In its second year of service, 211 Metro Chicago has exceeded expectations, surpassing contact projections and operational goals. CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 211 Metro Chicago celebrates National 211 Day and its immensely successful second year of operation, having made more than 320,000 connections across its helplines to essential community needs and social service support for Chicago and suburban Cook County residents. Operated by United Way of Metro Chicago in partnership with the City of Chicago and Cook County, the free, 24/7 helpline has experienced significant growth and exceeded expectations in its first two years of operation. "We are incredibly proud to recognize 211 Day by celebrating the growth and positive impact on hundreds of thousands of lives that 211 Metro Chicago has achieved in its first two years," said Sean Garrett, president and CEO of United Way of Metro Chicago. "The success of the helpline is possible thanks to our partnership with the City of Chicago and Cook County as we work together to address people's needs such as access to food and safe housing. We are committed to reaching even more of our neighbors in the city and across suburban Cook County in the year ahead." As of January 27, 2025, 211 Metro Chicago's social service and homelessness support helplines had fielded more than 320,000 contacts via phone, text message, website search and chat from residents in multiple languages, including Spanish and Arabic, and across varied communities in Cook County. The top three Chicago neighborhoods served were Auburn Gresham, Chatham and South Shore. The top three suburban Cook County community areas served were Chicago Heights/Ford Heights, Calumet City and the Phoenix/Harvey area. Additionally, 211 Metro Chicago has found: The four most common needs for area residents were housing and shelter, utility assistance, access to food and employment and income assistance. Needs varied across the region with higher incidences of housing needs (44%) in suburban Cook County compared to the city of Chicago (40%). 62% of physical contacts self-identified as female. 15% of physical contacts reported having a disability. 14% of physical contacts were seniors, ages 65+. 12% of physical contacts were veterans or families with veterans in the household. The largest age group of physical contacts was ages 25-34 (23%), followed by ages 35-44 (19%). National 211 Day honors the incredible impact of 2-1-1 services across the U.S. and Canada. From connecting people to shelter, food and water during disasters to providing housing support, health care and more, 2-1-1 offers hope when it's needed most. "Over the past two years, residents have benefited from easy access to thousands of essential resources through the 2-1-1 helpline, leading to more than 320,000 referrals for individuals in need," said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. "The partnership that makes 211 Metro Chicago possible underscores the power of community collaboration and government support to assist those who need it most. We encourage all residents to continue utilizing 2-1-1 via text, phone or web chat to connect with vital social services in the year ahead." Since launching January 27, 2023, 211 Metro Chicago has significantly expanded its services, assuming operations of several homelessness services helplines for the City of Chicago and suburban Cook County, including the City's Homelessness Prevention Hotline, the Suburban Cook County Homelessness/Diversion Prevention hotline and the Chicago Continuum of Care's Coordinated Entry System Hotline. "211 Metro Chicago has experienced significant growth in its first two years of operation, helping even more people get connected to essential services such as housing and shelter through the City's Homelessness Prevention Hotline and Coordinated Entry System Hotline," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "2-1-1 is a vital resource offering a streamlined, compassionate experience for all Chicagoans. I am proud to join our partners in celebrating two years of progress and encourage our residents to use this wonderful resource." 2-1-1 is operated by United Way of Metro Chicago and supported by the City of Chicago, Cook County, philanthropic partners and the 211 Metro Chicago Advisory and Executive Boards comprising business, civic, charitable and social service organizations. 2-1-1's generous philanthropic partners include the Builders Initiative Foundation, The Chicago Community Trust, The Comer Family Foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies, Ford Philanthropy, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, The John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Joyce Foundation, The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Michael Reese Health Trust, Northern Trust Foundation, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Otho S.A. Sprague Memorial Institute (NKA Sprague Foundation), Polk Bros. Foundation, Pritzker Foundation, The Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation, Robert R. McCormick Foundation, The Steans Family Foundation and an anonymous foundation. 211 Metro Chicago Resource Navigators are available 24/7 through a variety of channels: Dial 2-1-1 to speak with a local Resource Navigator on the phone Text your ZIP code to 898-211 Visit to connect with resources via web search and chat To connect directly with a homelessness service helpline, operated by 211 Metro Chicago: City of Chicago Homelessness Prevention Hotline: dial 3-1-1 Open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays For individuals seeking to apply for Homelessness Prevention Funds (Rent/Mortgage Assistance Funds) to avoid being evicted or foreclosed from their residence Chicago Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry Line: (312) 971-4178 Open 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and 4 – 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, excluding holidays For individuals and families seeking supportive or transitional shelter in Chicago Suburban Cook Homelessness Prevention/Diversion Hotline: (312) 967-2658 or (877) 426-6515 Open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays For individuals and families in suburban Cook County seeking homelessness prevention funds or for individuals seeking supportive or transitional housing About 211 Metro Chicago 211 Metro Chicago is a 24/7/365 helpline connecting Cook County residents to health and social service resources. 211 Metro Chicago is operated by United Way of Metro Chicago and launched with support from the City of Chicago, Cook County, philanthropic partners and the 211 Metro Chicago Advisory and Executive Boards composed of business, civic, charitable and social service organizations. United Way of Metro Chicago mobilizes private, philanthropic and public sector support to help individuals meet their basic needs and works to support equitable transformation in neighborhoods across the Chicago region. Visit to connect with these resources. About United Way of Metro Chicago United Way of Metro Chicago brings together business, government, philanthropic, individual, and community leaders to deliver funding and resources while amplifying the expertise of nonprofit organizations across greater Chicago. We help individuals meet their basic needs and work alongside neighborhood partners to address local priorities and create communities where all people can thrive. United, we are building a stronger, more equitable Chicago region. Visit to learn more. Contact: Emily MacMillanem@ 755-3547 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE United Way of Metro Chicago Sign in to access your portfolio
