October 2021 211 Newsletter |
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In This Month's Newsletter |
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Grant Opportunity: Ride United Last Mile Delivery!
- Stay Healthy This Flu Season!
- UWW Welcome's New President & CEO: Angela F. Williams
- World Mental Health Day
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Advance Child Tax Credit Resource: GetCTC.org
- ACA Open Enrollment
- ICYMI: Afghan Repatriation Support, Governor Murphy Expands NJ211 Support & More!
- What We Are Reading & Watching
- Upcoming Virtual Events & Past Recordings
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Grant Opportunity: Ride United: Last Mile Delivery!
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In 2022, together with DoorDash, UWW is offering free deliveries to United Ways and 211s to help fill local gaps and to support food security, childhood development, health access, and economic mobility work! Some examples of ways you can use these free deliveries include delivering weekly food boxes to food pantry clients, baby/ infant supplies through Born Learning, school supplies or books to students through reading programs, meals to those supported by aging initiatives, pet food bags for veterans’ service animals through Mission United, and much more! Apply today to receive a 2022 Ride United: Last Mile Delivery grant (which includes free DoorDash deliveries & funds to offset operational expenses)! Since 2020, more than 35 United Ways and 211s have implemented this program, and they have collectively completed 550,000+ deliveries across 310+ cities! Join us in this innovative initiative to help reduce transportation barriers in your work and community!
Apply:
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Apply to participate in Last Mile Delivery in 2022 here!
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We are accepting applications on a rolling basis, but applications for priority funding should be received by October 27, 2021.
- All United Ways and 211s are welcome to apply.
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Stay Healthy This Flu Season!
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We are in the peak season of strep, flu, allergies, AND the common cold. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against influenza (flu) is to get a flu vaccine every flu season. You can get a flu vaccine at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine. 211 plays an important role in helping more people get vaccinated against the flu, through sharing information to local resources and supporting public health initiatives.
Here are a few resources available:
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SingleCare/Walgreens Free Flu Shot Vouchers - Last month SingleCare offered 5,000 free flu shot vouchers to our 211 network to share with callers, bear in mind this is a limited resource. For more information, here is the link to the webinar hosted on August 24th.
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Flu Voucher Webinar PDF
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Flu Voucher Request Form: Access the link to the voucher request form here.
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VaccineFinder.org - Click here to access this resource from the CDC that helps anyone find a free flu shot near them.
There is more ‘yuck’ going around than just COVID-19. Let’s do our part to ensure that our communities are informed and staying healthy. For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/flu.
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United Way Worldwide Welcome's New CEO:
Angela F. Williams
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United Way Worldwide welcomes Angela F. Williams as president and CEO of the organization. Named to Forbes’ 2021 List of Women 50 Over 50 Creating Social Change at Scale, Williams brings more than 30 years of management experience to this role, including significant executive leadership experience in major non-profit organizations.
To read the official press release click here.
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World Mental Health Day
Blog Post: Mei Cobb, Senior Director, Volunteer & Employee Engagement
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Feeling stressed? You're not the only one. Eighteen months of a global pandemic is taking its toll. Call specialists for 211, the 24-7 resource that United Way supports across the US. and Canada, fielded 900,000 calls about mental health last year, and connected callers to local resources. If you need help, connect with 211 now.
The pandemic has disproportionately impacted the physical and mental health of people color, many who already suffer mental health trauma due to racism. Anyone who is a parent and cares for or teaches kids has seen the impact of COVID-19 on kids. But 64 percent of parents believe the pandemic will have a lasting effect on their child’s development. Elderly people, even more isolated during the pandemic, have suffered from the lack of interaction, as one of the biggest predictors of mental health and well-being is social connectedness. Even before COVID-19, young people’s mental health suffered from too much connectedness, as excessive use of social media can fuel anxiety and depression.
There’s hope. There are self-care and coping strategies that are helpful no matter our age or race. World Mental Health Day was observed on Sunday, October 10, here are 5 ways you can help protect and improve your mental health:
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Put yourself first. Treat yourself as kindly as you would treat others. Make time for the things you love to do.
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Take care of your body. Good nutrition and physical activity can go a long way to protecting and improving mental health.
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Keep good company. A strong familial or social network predicts good mental health. Make plans with others – even if you need to wear a mask and keep a physical distance – and make new friends through activities you enjoy.
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Set some goals. Make them modest and manageable and enjoy the mental boost as you accomplish them.
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Mix it up. Routines are good for efficiency and feeling secure, but trying a new bike path, hobby or project is good for our brains.
But you can do all these things at once! How? Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else. Research suggests that volunteers aren’t just helping the communities they serve. People who volunteer experience a boost in their mental health. You'll feel good – mentally and physically – and odds are you will enjoy your fellow volunteers, who have chosen to serve for the same reasons. Your local United Way can help you find the right volunteer opportunity for you.
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Advance Child Tax Credit Resource: GetCTC.org
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GetCTC.org is the first third-party portal designed specifically to make it easy for families with low or no incomes to get the flexible cash they deserve—both the Advanced Child Tax Credit and any of the three rounds of stimulus payments they may have missed out on. Eligible families can fill out a simple form at GetCTC.org, and their information will be e-filed directly with the IRS. Upon completion families can receive payments within days.
Earlier this month United Way Worldwide received a grant in support of the final push for families to receive their Advance Child Tax Credit. We invited 211s who serve communities that are disproportionately more at risk of missing out on the Advanced CTC to apply for this grant opportunity. Of those who raised their hands to participate, 5 communities were selected, 211 Humboldt (CA), 211LA (CA), 211 Hudson Valley (NY), Massachusetts 211, and 211 of Central and Southern Utah. Although targeted communications and advertisement will roll out in these communities to drive call volume to these centers specifically, we wanted to ensure that we made everyone aware in case you receive an unexpected request for assistance. GetCTC.org and its resources are available to anyone who is eligible for the Advanced Child Tax Credit so feel free to send clients to this website to complete a simplified form.
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ACA Open Enrollment begins November 1, 2021 and runs through January 15, 2022, for healthcare coverage for calendar year, 2022. With millions of Americans impacted by COVID-19 finding affordable, comprehensive coverage is more important than ever.
Here are the top 5 Things to Know about Open Enrollment:
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When: November 1, 2021 - January 15, 2022 (some states may extend their deadlines, beyond January 15). If you are currently enrolled in an ACA plan for 2021, you will be auto enrolled for 2022. You have the opportunity during Open Enrollment to review your plan and make changes.
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Where: HealthCare.gov Always start with HealthCare.gov. If your state uses their own website, HealthCare.gov will guide you there. HealthCare.gov or your state-based marketplace can only sell ACA plans, so you can rest easy knowing you’re getting a comprehensive plan that will be there for you when you need it.
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What: Comprehensive coverage at an affordable price. HealthCare.gov plans must include key benefits like mental health care, maternity care, prescription drug coverage, and hospitalization services. In addition to good coverage, most marketplace shoppers will qualify for a discount based on their income. Premium tax credits have been expanded to make health plans even more affordable. In 2021, more than 8 in 10 shoppers qualified for financial assistance to help cover all out-of-pocket costs.
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Why: Peace of mind. Financial security. Access to comprehensive care. There are so many reasons to sign up for affordable, comprehensive coverage, join the millions who have gained health insurance thanks to the ACA!
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How: Enroll online, over the phone, or in-person. Log on to the official ACA marketplace at HealthCare.gov, or CuidadodeSalud.gov, call the marketplace call center at 1-800-318-2596, or make an appointment for virtual or in-person assistance through the Get Covered Connector.
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ICYMI: Afghan Repatriation Support, NJ211 Expanded Partnership & More! |
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Afghan Repatriation Support
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Is your 211 (or United Way) supporting Afghan evacuees in your community? Please let us know by completing this quick survey. We are convening a group to see how we can best support your efforts.
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Governor Murphy Announces Additional Partnership with NJ 211
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Governor Phil Murphy announced $300,000 in additional funding towards a continued partnership with rideshare companies Uber and Lyft in conjunction with United Way Worldwide and NJ 211 to provide access to free and discounted rideshare services to New Jersey residents who lost a personal vehicle as a result of Tropical Storm Ida and who are unable to obtain another vehicle due to the impacts of COVID-19. Click here to view the press release regarding this exciting news!
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Spot the 211 PSA!
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While we cannot pinpoint the exact times nor stations the PSA will air, we would like to track where you spot the new 211 PSA. Please use this form to let us know if you see the PSA air on television, spot a billboard, or catch any other form of advertising.
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NDP Webinar/Q&A Open Hours
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Are you interested in joining the 211 National Data Platform? Join us for our monthly NDP Open Status Update/QA Sessions on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 2pm ET. During these meetings we will provide an update on the work of the National Data Platform and troubleshoot/answer any questions you may have. We will also share use cases, how to navigate style-guide concerns, national listings, and bi-directional updates. Feel free to join us using this link.
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What We Are Reading & Watching
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Upcoming Virtual Events & Past Recordings |
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Understanding Human Trafficking: The Intersections & Complexities
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United Way of Westchester and Putnam is co-hosting this hour-long Live Learning Session with United Way Worldwide’s Center to Combat Human Trafficking on October 28 at noon. The event will be co-facilitated by a team of survivor leaders who are experts in the anti-human trafficking movement. The session will provide an overview of the issue of human trafficking and information on how we can strategically and collectively combat it in our community. We invite you to join us in the fight against human trafficking by registering for this community event. Register here to join the conversation!
Recording: Unite Us & 211 Town Hall
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Access the recording here. Passcode: dv3$TCLy
Recording: AIRS Webinar - SDOH Interoperable and Scalable Technology Solutions
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Access the recording here. Simply register and click "View".
Recording: 211 National Steering Committee - 211 As a Critical Piece of the Public Health Puzzle
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Access the recording here. Simply register and click "View".
Recording: AIRS Webinar - Helping All Eligible Families Get the Child Tax Credit
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Access the recording here. Simply register and click "View".
Recording: 211 National Steering Committee - Accreditation - Why Make the Journey?"
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Access the recording here. Simply register and click "View".
- For 211 Leaders and was hosted on June 21, 2021
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Access the recording here. Passcode: V$zO&1&d
Recording: National 211 PSA Assets Webinar
- For 211 Leaders and was hosted on July 9, 2021
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Access the recording here. Passcode: 1u?U*s$B
Recording: National Data Platform Informational Webinar
- For 211 Leaders and was hosted on June 24, 2021
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Access the recording here. Passcode: Ulkb+i.6
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September 2021 - 211 Partner Highlight: Handyman Connection, Join the 211 Steering Committee, National Preparedness Month & More!
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August 2021 - 211 Impact Survey Summary, RULMD: Pets Eating Too Pilot, National SDoH Survey Results & More!
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July 2021 - 2020 Data Impact Survey Results, 211 National PSA Launch & More!
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June 2021 - National 211 PSA, Pride Month, Funding Opportunities
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May 2021 - Ride United Last Mile Delivery, Mental Health Awareness & More!
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April 2021 - HELP Act Policy Briefing, COVID-19 Report, DEI, & more!
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March 2021 - Vaccine Access Campaign & President Biden Shout-out
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