What issue is IMPACT 2-1-1 designed to address?
Many households in Racine County regularly face challenges with getting their needs met, face situations that are difficult to solve or experience an event where they are uncertain what to do next. IMPACT 2-1-1's free and confidential helpline is available 24/7/365 to help residents get connected to resources to meet their needs.
IMPACT 2-1-1 enables barrier-free points of access for its clients. While most people contacting IMPACT 2-1-1 call, contact is also available via text messaging and their online database. IMPACT, Inc., the organization behind IMPACT 2-1-1, is the only organization that maintains accurate and up-to-date information on service providers to Racine County residents on a full-time basis. They work hard to make sure that their services are inclusive. IMPACT 2-1-1’s resources are available to non-English speaking individuals and those with hearing or speech impairments through the provision of bilingual specialists, a reliable translation service and the usage of 711 telecommunications relay service. IMPACT 2-1-1 also offers its services to caregivers seeking assistance.
What does IMPACT 2-1-1 do (overarchingly and on a daily basis)?
IMPACT 2-1-1 Community Resource Specialists (CRS) receive ongoing trainings on emerging needs and trends. Their knowledge allows them to work effectively with individuals who have sensitive and unique needs. As new services are made available in the community, CRS are trained in effectively assessing and referring to those new services. When someone contacts IMPACT 2-1-1, they will speak with a caring, patient and supportive CRS who will work hard to find the best next step to take at the end of that contact.
IMPACT 2-1-1's approach is to continually be aware of and respond to the needs of individuals, families and households that are facing serious consequences if their needs remain unmet. They work to ensure that they are continually up to date on current community needs and responsive to the many types of situations their community members face. They also take care to respond in a way that is respectful and inclusive to the wide range of unique characteristics that make up our community.
What is the impact of IMPACT 2-1-1?
IMPACT 2-1-1 has continued to have an incredible impact on their community. From January to October 2022 they have received 5,844 phone calls, text messages and online chat sessions from Racine County. These points of contact covered topics like food, health, mental health, substance use, housing and shelter.
Below is one account of how IMPACT 2-1-1 provided assistance.
De’relle had lost his grandmother and the only stable housing he and his dog, Kane, had known. De’relle and Kane were now staying at a hotel but beginning to struggle. He called 2-1-1 and was connected to Alana, an IMPACT 2-1-1 Community Resource Specialist. She was able to complete a comprehensive assessment to determine and understand De’relle’s needs.
Alana provided recommendations and resources. She and De’relle both began to research housing options and eligibility for non-cash benefits. Since De’relle was employed, he did not qualify for many of the services offered within the community, but he also didn’t make enough to continue to pay for a hotel while saving up for an apartment.
The decision to remain employed and potentially under resourced or become unemployed to qualify for services may seem like a ridiculous contradiction in logic. It is an unfortunate reality for so many who often become trapped in a never-ending cycle of dependence. De’relle had long-term goals: to marry, to buy a house and to start a family. Alana was determined to give her client the best possible chance of sustained success.
Their hard work and persistence paid off. De’relle enrolled in FoodShare and was told he would qualify for energy assistance once he found a place to live. Also, he was given a raise that enabled him to save some money to put towards a security deposit and a portion of the first month’s rent. Within a few weeks, De’relle and Kane were moving into an apartment. De’relle is now a proud first-time renter and on the road towards being self-supporting and self-reliant.
He says, “I could not have done this without Alana. She is terrific. I have never known someone to care so much for another person’s success. She never gave up on me, even when I wanted to give up. I am very confident that I’ll be able to remain housed.”
What does the future look like for IMPACT 2-1-1?
Technology
IMPACT 2-1-1 has always been on the forefront of providing barrier-free access to their service. They were one of the first 2-1-1 service providers in the United States to provide service via text messaging and online chat. Currently, they are in the planning stages of creating a mobile app that can be used instead of making a phone call. IMPACT 2-1-1 will continue to make optimal use of technology that is available to them, while still being just a phone call away.
DEI
In 2021, a committee was formed by IMPACT, Inc.’s leadership to formalize their commitment to addressing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The committee decided to engage the assistance of Uplifting Impact, who will began working with them in 2023. They will intentionally and systematically work to create a culture where everyone will have the same opportunities, feel respected, valued, and safe in being who they are. The diversity of their agency is a critical component of what makes them great and helps them provide quality services to their communities.
IMPACT Connect
IMPACT, Inc.’s newest program, IMPACT Connect, is a collaborative partnership of agencies combining efforts to make social services accessible and navigable to the people who need them. Using a robust electronic resource network, IMPACT Connect members can efficiently collaborate with other providers across all sectors to offer comprehensive, HIPAA-compliant, whole-person care.
John Hyatt is the President and CEO and Bob Waite is the Senior Account Manager for IMPACT, Inc.
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