253,000 New Jobs in 2026. Requiring a Stable Workforce.

211 Can Help be the Bottom Line

The Ohio 211 network is a vital partner in building a strong, resilient workforce. By connecting individuals to essential services and employment resources, 211 helps remove barriers to work, supports job readiness, and provides data that drives effective workforce policy.

Connects Ohioans to Job and Training Resources

211 links callers to:

• Job training programs
• Resume and interview preparation
• Career counseling and placement services
• This ensures job seekers can access the tools they need to find and keep employment

Removes Barriers to Employment

Many Ohioans face challenges that prevent workforce participation, such as:

• Lack of transportation
• Child care gaps
• Housing instability
• Mental health and addiction recovery need

211 connects individuals to community services that address

these issues—helping more residents become work-ready.

Supports Underserved and Reentry Populations

211 assists individuals facing unique employment barriers:

• Formerly incarcerated individuals
• Youth aging out of foster care
• Veterans and individuals with disabilities
• By guiding these populations to tailored support, 2-1-1 increases equity in workforce access

Rapid Response During Economic Shifts

During crises like mass layoffs or needs for large numbers of employees, 211 rapidly mobilizes:

• Sharing real-time updates on job openings
• Directing residents to unemployment assistance
• Connecting residents to both training and retraining programs

211 Provides Real-Time Data for Smarter Policy

With over 7400 workforce-related calls annually, 211 collects valuable data on unmet needs across Ohio. This data helps:

• Identify resource gaps by region
• Inform state and local workforce policy
• Improve alignment between services and job seekers

211 IS THE BOTTOM LINE

• We are an essential toll in Ohio's workforce development strategy
• We help reduce unemployment barriers
• We improve access to services
• We ensure that the state can respond quickly and effectively to workforce needs.

An investment in 211 is an investment in Ohio’s families...

and in your ability to lead them.

SHARE THE TAKEAWAY NEWSLETTER WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES

You can share the link with other legislative offices to make sure they have access to our newsletter. The link is: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/C9bMew2/Ohio211

Ohio 211 Providers

• Area Agency on Aging 3

• Ashtabula County Community Action Agency

• Fairfield County 211

• Mansfield/Richland County Public Library / First Call 211

• Lutheran Social Services 211 Central Ohio

• Help Network of Northeast Ohio

• Helpline of Delaware & Morrow County

• Lifeline, Inc.

• Pathways of Central Ohio

• United Way of Greater Cincinnati

• United Way of Greater Cleveland

• United Way of the Greater Dayton Area

• United Way of Summit & Medina

• United Way of Greater Toledo

In 2001, following the Federal Communications Commission authorization of 211 for the provision of information and referral, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) gave Ohio AIRS (DBA Ohio 211) responsibility for overseeing the development and management of 211 in Ohio.

Ohio 211 Website

Call 211

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