Today we discuss 2-1-1 of Southeastern Oklahoma

Okay, this one I really know about because Ada Regional United Way wrote the RFP (grant) that made this program (now an agency) happen.

The wonderful idea was first discussed summer of 2003 or maybe 04 soooo long ago.  The State of Oklahoma decided that one simple phone number linking anyone with a need would be beneficial.  The service became live in February, 2006 in our area.  The program grew so fast to cover such a large area, that ARUW soon began to discuss 2-1-1 becoming its own non-profit to allow better funding from all the coverage area.

Well, now 2-1-1 of Southeastern Oklahoma is a separate 501 c 3 non-profit organization as of last June.

If you have any need whatsoever (health and human service related), you simply pick up your phone and dial 2-1-1.  An auto attendance gives you options, but you can simply enter 1 and be connected to a real person to help you.  This person understands the local communities and will have quick answers for you needs, that is of course if the agency supplying the need has given 2-1-1 their information.  You see 2-1-1 is actually a real time data base.

When a call comes in it is anonymous, but your zip code is required to locate the best up to date information.  If specific identification, verification of residency, etc is required, 2-1-1 has the details.  If help can only be given on a specific date, time, etc. 2-1-1 has the details.

I hope you see how this works.

If you know of someone needing assistance, please have them call 2-1-1.

The overall intent was to keep an individual from making up to 8 phone calls before locating what they need.  The individual might locate what was needed by the end of this time, but may have forgotten to find out specifics.  All that is now taken care of.

Friendly, caring call specialists are ready to help you 24/7, 365 days a year.

If you have any questions about 2-1-1, please make a comment.  I'll check from time to time. 

See you tomorrow with info regarding the next agency.  You'll have to wait until tomorrow to see who I picked next.

Let's begin learning more about Ada Regional United Way, shall we?

In 2010, ARUW will be funding 15 local agencies along with a literacy project.

Dolly Parton Imagination Library is the literacy project -

This project allows any child one day old - 5th birthday to receive an age appropriate book once a month

The program is great because, the book belongs to the child and is mailed in the child's name.

I love stories from parents stating that their child seems to know when the book should be arriving and begin to ask to check the mail daily until they receive the book.

This project brings families together to read books.  Such a great memory when you have grown children as I do.  Think back to those simple times reading books with kids in my lap or listening to my husband as the girls crawled all over him as he read.

This is such an easy project to sign up with. The only requirements:  live in Pontotoc or Garvin County and be of appropriate age (above).  Just complete an application and within 8 - 10 weeks, your child will be receiving a great age appropriate book of their own, delivered in their name.

Please continue to read blogs a each day I will give my thoughts on each of our agencies.

Annual Meeting scheduled for 01.26.10

The entire community is invited to join Ada Regional United Way celebrate 2009 during the Annual Meeting.  The event is scheduled for Tuesday, January 26th.  PEC (NE corner of Lonnie Abbott and Country Club) will be allowing us to use their meeting room.  The event will begin at 5:30 p.m.  Food will be served, but details are not yet know as to what food.  If you are planning to attend, please contact me at Latricia.Bryant@adaunitedway.org or give me a call at (580) 332-2313 X 223.

I love the annual meeting because it allows us to revisit the past year's successes.  Even though the year as a whole included quite a slow economy, our local community member rallied together to raise over $270,000!  Some past contributors simply could not give as they had in the previous years, but they did contribute what they could.  Some who had not ever given before, gave this year to help those in need.

Please remember no matter how large or how small, your donations make a huge impact on our community.

I hope that you will make plans to attend the ARUW annual meeting!

Soccer with the Boys and Girls Club of Ada

Even though it’s cold outside, Spring will soon be upon us.
Soccer registration with the Boys and Girls Club of Ada is taking place now!
You can register your children online at www.bgcada.com and download the registration forms for your friends!
Or give the great staff a phone call 580-332-3717. 

www.bgcada.com

Met and surpassed 2010 Campaign Goal

Our annual United Way campaign to raise funds for our community has concluded with almost 10% over goal.  99% of your contribution stays right here in our local community!    I cannot tell you how excited I and the Board of Directors of ARUW are to announce this amount raised. 

This past year was a challenge with the national economic crisis, but once again, we pulled together to make a huge impact on our community. No matter how large or how small your donation, it truly makes a difference!

It's time to begin a new year and a new outlook.  If we could exceed our goal during such a difficult economic time, there is nothing we can't do together.

Get involved in our community - volunteer.  If you don't know how or where, just ask me - we are constantly adding new volunteer opportunities to a volunteer website.  More to come so keep a look out.

The 2010 Campaign has ended, but life goes on and we are off to a new 2011 Campaign.  Applications for funding will be available in early February. If you or a 501 c 3 organization you know is interested.