It's 211 Day!
Day and night, the team members at 211 talk to people who are scared, frustrated, and confused. And since the start of the pandemic last year, they have served as essential workers, answering calls around the clock and helping more people than ever before.

Last year, 211 team members fielded more than 20 million calls across the country, connecting struggling people with essential resources to solve their health care, housing, and food problems. From the first hello, 211 team members offered comfort and hope.

Here at home, your commitment and donation to United Way Blackhawk Region provides this 24/7 service for our neighbors. Click the button below to see the 2020 Report for Rock County calls to 211.

211 is one of our most effective strategies to reach people in need. No matter the situation, the specialists at 211 listen, identify underlying problems, and connect people in need with resources and services in their community that improve their lives.

Calls are answered by real people, able to support someone in crisis from that first hello to the help they need. In fact, 211 specialists are trained to identify and address root causes of a client’s problem – and connect them with a wide range of available resources that meet all the underlying needs, not just the one that prompted the call, text or email.

211 is a vital part of United Way’s efforts to build stronger communities and fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. By supporting this work, you’re helping transforming lives for the better.
7 Reasons Blackhawk Region Neighbors Should Use 211
In honor of "211 Day" - we invite you to check out our new LIVE UNITED Blog. Learn 7 reasons why you should use this vital service - and let others know about it, too.
Amazing Community Response!
Thank you to the 120+ community members who have signed up to take the 21-Week Equity Challenge.

We are excited to have the Blackhawk Region embark on this journey with us, alongside 8,000 other Wisconsinites. The past year has been pivotal in the fight for justice and equity, but there is a lot more work to be done. A powerful step in fighting racial disparities is to understand them—this is an opportunity to learn together, grow together, and move forward united.

It is not too late to join! Sign up to receive future Equity Challenge emails in your inbox. 
Upcoming Retirements at UWBR
2021 will see staff transition at United Way Blackhawk Region with two, well-deserved retirements planned. Resource Development Director Rick West will retire at the end of March and Finance Director Jan Compton will retire in late May. Thanks to Rick and Jan for their meaningful contributions to United Way's mission and dedicated service of 10+ years combined! As their respective retirements near, we will share more info to celebrate these terrific team members.

Currently, we are searching for our next community-minded Finance Director and need your help getting the word out. Please help share this exciting opportunity by forwarding or posting this link to your social media accounts: LiveUnitedBR.org/careers

Photos: Megan O'Leary Photography & Design
LIVE UNITED Celebration
In lieu of the annual LIVE UNITED Celebration in March, United Way Blackhawk Region will find creative ways to announce our 2020 campaign projections and other important news.

Stay tuned ... we will soon publish the 2020 Annual Report, which provides a snapshot of our collective impact, community investments, campaign and other award recipients, and recognizes our esteemed Leadership Circle donors.

As the COVID-19 situation improves, we are optimistic about hosting a hybrid celebration for award winners, Day of Caring, and the Community Campaign Kick-off in the fall. Thank you for your understanding. United, we look forward to a safe return to special events, hugs and high-fives.