Critical conditions.

Critical connections.

Critical change.

What would our community do without IMPACT 211?

For more than two decades, Southeastern Wisconsin has relied on IMPACT 211 as the trusted, centralized access point for people in need.

According to the 2024 Annual Summary, IMPACT 211 responded to over 238,000 contacts last year. It is the place to call, text or engage in an online chat when you don’t know where to turn. Every hour of every day, our Community Resource Specialists connect people to thousands of programs with compassion, efficiency, and results. Behind every referral is the most comprehensive, curated resource database in Wisconsin, updated year-round by our expert team.

IMPACT 211 operates on the InContact phone system and VisionLink data platform. Features include the ability to route outside lines into the system; prioritize queues; direct specialized calls to qualified agents; log-in remotely; warm transfer; record calls; conduct satisfaction surveys and seamlessly engage Language Line translators.  

But we don’t just connect people to services—we inform the systems that support them.

• Our robust data collection empowers partners, policymakers, and community organizations to understand needs, identify emerging trends and fill critical gaps in service.
• We play a pivotal role in improving processes, increasing capacity through enhanced efficiency and fostering system change in multiple sectors.
• Human service systems, emergency government and community coalitions turn to IMPACT 211 because of our ability to disseminate information quickly, and to ramp up capacity by taking advantage of an expanding state and national network.

As a cornerstone of Southeastern Wisconsin’s health and human services landscape, IMPACT 211 ensures that individuals and families facing personal crisis or community disaster receive rapid, respectful, and expert assistance when they need it most. With more contacts about unemployment, food, income support, and mental health than before the pandemic—this critical safety net service needs the community's continued commitment.

Read the IMPACT 211 Year-End Report.

Payne honored as a 2025 Women of Influence recipient

Congratulations to Dr. Kimberly Payne, IMPACT board chairwoman, for being recognized as a Milwaukee Business Journal 2025 Woman of Influence.

Kimberly is the founder and co-owner of Payne Consulting which specializes in engaging community members to enhance awareness, amplify community voices, and develop community-informed strategies. She joined IMPACT's board in 2019 and became chairwoman in 2024.

The Women of Influence class of 2025 includes 25 women who have grown their businesses, created products, inspired future generations and made Southeast Wisconsin a better place to live and work.

Winners were honored at an awards event on June 18 at the Baird Center. Pictured from left to right are Carolyn Parkinson, IMPACT COO, and IMPACT board members Stuart Thomas, PNC Bank; Tim Busalacchi, Morgan Stanley; Kimberly Payne, honoree; Katherine Lehnherr on behalf of Randall Harlan, Panther Workforce Solutions; Patricia Puccinelli, ManpowerGroup (retired); and Chris Schmidt, Clarios LLC

IMPACT welcomes new board members

Since 1960, IMPACT has helped people take the first step toward changing their life, for good. We assess and guide those experiencing personal crisis toward resources to achieve stability; and collaborate with community partners to foster system improvement throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.