New 2-1-1 service launched in Seneca County

TIFFIN ---- Tiffin-Seneca United Way has announced a new collaboration to enhance, expand and facilitate First Call for Help services. In partnership with the United Way of Greater Toledo, TSUW Monday launched 2-1-1, a three-digit phone number that connects individuals in need with community resources and services. Chris Lewis, interim director of TSUW, said 2-1-1 brings First Call for Help "back to its origin" by providing a single contact point for those seeking assistance. The number works in collaboration with 188 programs and organizations in the community, Lewis said, and ultimately "expands what we can do." Dialing 2-1-1 allows for a seamless process, Lewis said, from initial contact to provision of needed assistance, for those seeking any type of human services. "This is live and it is working, and it's going to have an amazing impact on our community," Lewis said Monday during a kickoff event at North Central Ohio Education Service Center. "It's been a long time coming, a lot of work, a lot of hours." He said the launch of 2-1-1 corresponds with a second collaboration between TSUW and Salvation Army, through which 2-1-1/First Call for Help services now are being handled by the Salvation Army. "First Call for Help is an absolutely wonderful program that Pat DeMonte championed," he said. "It's almost too successful in some ways." He said the large numbers of calls received by the office demonstrates the need. "They (Salvation Army) are managing all face-to-face work with clients," Lewis said. Phone and online applications for assistance now are available, with no appointments needed for clients. The partnership also allows United Way to provide additional financial support to the Salvation Army, he said, in the form of an $18,000 grant. The Salvation Army's work with clients, Lewis said, will give United Way additional time to commit to "creating more collaboration" within the community. Residents, community organizations and local businesses are encouraged to spread the word about 2-1-1, and he said several community organizations assisted in starting it locally. Lewis also provided an update on Tiffin-Seneca United Way's annual campaign, which kicked off in September. This year's goal, he said, is $450,000, and TSUW has reached more than 27% of that amount through cash and pledges. The campaign process, like the new 2-1-1 option, also has become more streamlined. There is now an electronic giving platform, he said, which not only saves paper but allows for a "three-minute pledge online." Workplace visits to encourage participation will continue, he said, and businesses are encouraged to reach out to set up a visit. Lewis said one notable new associate agency for TSUW this year is Sisters in Shelter. Recently, he said Sisters in Shelter reopened its safe house, and is focusing solely on human trafficking. "We're pretty excited for them," Lewis said. With the annual campaign underway, Lewis said plans are underway for fundraising events in upcoming months. The Storybook Festival will take place in March, he said, and will be organized by Tiffin-Seneca Public Library and a number of regional libraries. The festival will be at Sentinel this year. The annual Corn Hole Tournament, which was refreshed with a new time and place in 2023, will likely again take place in August 2024 at Wall Street Pub. One substantial change, Lewis said, is the introduction of a Celebrity Bartender event, which will replace the Masquerade Ball. The event is 5-7:30 p.m. Friday at The Chandelier, 151 S. Washington St., and 17 local "celebrity" bartenders will be serving drinks. Tips and proceeds will go to TSUW. The event will feature hors-d'oeuvres and music, in addition to a raffle and 50/50. Lewis said the Celebrity Bartender event was a "much more inclusive" option than the Masquerade Ball, and TSUW hopes for an increase in community participation. The search for a new executive director continues, Lewis said, and a decision "is close."