This isn’t specifically a family law topic, but it is definitely a resource that could be helpful to many families in crisis.  Thus, I thought I would share some information that I learned this week.  I had no idea that this resource existed, so please forgive me if you are more clued-in than I.  We’ve all heard of dialing 311, 411, and of course 911.  Did you know that dialing 211 in Catawba County and counties across the state will connect you to a multitude of resources in the community?  The United Way of North Carolina is the state sponsor of the service, and the organization and its local partners provide callers with access to a vast network of NC community health and human service resources.

As you can see from the brochure snapshot above, the service helps connect callers (and visitors to the website) to organizations that can help provide basic needs like food pantries, counseling, senior services, smoking cessation resources, and even volunteer opportunities.  As the website states, “the first step in finding help is knowing who to call.”  The phone line is free, confidential, always open, and available in other languages.  We are fortunate to have this resource available here in Catawba County, as well as the surrounding counties — Burke, Caldwell, Alexander, Iredell, and Lincoln counties are all covered as well.

This holiday season, if you find yourself (or someone you know) in need of resources from heating assistance to transportation to child care, calling 211 or visiting nc211.org is a good way to start looking for help.  Also, if you’re looking for a way to get involved in the community and volunteer during the Christmas season and beyond, you can find local organizations looking for assistance at 211 as well.  Please help spread the word that this valuable resource is available to North Carolinians!