HERNANDO AWARDED EFSP

PUBLIX SERVES DAY

50TH ANNUAL SRC!

2024 VITA IMPACT

United Way of Hernando County is powered by partnerships. Although United Way's Business Blitz Challenge takes place annually in the month of June, our Preferred Partners who "accept" The Challenge are supported and featured year-round!



• How long has Polaris been in operation?

"We just had our 11th Anniversary!"

• What service is Polaris best known for?

"We provide Managed IT and Cybersecurity services to small and medium businesses. We help them manage and maintain their technology, keep their data safe, and guide them along the journey to embracing and utilizing technology in their businesses to increase operations efficiency."

• What is something the community might not know about Polaris?

"We don’t just setup computers and install antivirus. We continually improve and educate ourselves as this industry is one of the most rapid changing and touches every part of our lives everyday. We focus on aligning to the standards that are set forth by organizations like NIST and CIS which are highly recommended by federal organizations such as DHS and CISA. More than that we always look at ways your business could improve and augment your business processes through technology."

• Polaris supported United Way through their annual BUSINESS BLITZ CHALLENGE in 2023! What drives your practice to stay involved locally?

"Our community is the responsibility of each individual and business that is a part of it. We firmly believe being an active part of our local community and the organizations that support it are paramount to improving the lives of everyone." 

• Is there anything else you want to share with the community about Polaris?

"The IT industry is collaborative and community driven. In addition to being active in our local community we ensure we stay active in the IT industry communities as well. Being active in communities such as MSPGeek, CompTIA, ITNation, and others allows us to be informed immediately of emerging threats and educated on trending issues. In addition our activity (and the activity of many of the other partners such as immy.bot, CIPP, Huntress, ConnectWise and many others) allows for improving our industry as a whole, “A rising tide lifts all boats."

Get connected with Polaris by visiting their website

www.itpolaris.com

Just about everyone knows that when your neighbor's house catches on fire, you dial 9-1-1. But what if your neighbor is behind on rent? Or mentally ill? Or trying to care for a parent with Alzheimer's and doesn't know where to go? Who do you call then? Dial United Way's 2-1-1 Resource Center. Speak with trained representatives that will help point you in the right direction to local connections and assistance. Simply dial 2-1-1 from your land line or cell phone for FREE and follow the prompts for a quick guide to local resources.

What can I expect if I call 211?

• Your call will be answered by a trained information and referral specialist. That person will tap into 2-1-1's extensive database of area services, programs, and resources available as they guide you toward appropriate answers.

What types of services are listed on 211?

• Local services may include, but are not limited to: support for children, youth & families, support for military families & veterans, mental & behavioral health services, support for seniors and persons with disabilities, food pantries, shelters and clothing, crisis support and much more! This health & human service database is locally driven and self-maintained, partnering with local organizations to keep the database updated with the most accurate information for residents. All services are monitored.

*Services listed must meet National standards by recognizing individuals’ rights to an accurate, comprehensive and unbiased information, provided in a confidential and/or anonymous, nonjudgement manner; and is nonpartisan, non-ideological and impartial information sources for available nonprofit, government, and for profit services that meet the I&R service's inclusion/exclusion criteria.

When is 2-1-1 available?

• 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Information can be provided in over 150 different languages.

Is 2-1-1 accessible via cell phone?

• Yes. 2-1-1 is accessible via cell phone. If you experience any issues accessing 2-1-1 from your cell phone, you can dial 1-727-210-4211

What do I do if I've been waiting on hold for a long time?

• 2-1-1 provides a new option to have a representative call you back instead of waiting on the phone. Listen for this feature when you first dial 2-1-1.

I don't feel comfortable calling 2-1-1. What are my other options to get help?

• 2-1-1 provides a TEXT feature as well. Simply TEXT your zip code to 898211 option. The health & human service resource database can easily be accessed online by visiting www.UnitedWayHernando.org/211

What about for sensitive crisis calls?

• For Hernando, 211 Tampa Bay Cares not only answers 9-8-8’s National Suicide Lifeline Calls, but provides training on suicide prevention. Each call is confidentially handled with care by trained and certified response specialists.

I am a local non-profit organization and would like to add/update my services listed. Where do I go?

• 211 Tampa Bay Cares recently went through a system platform upgrade (as of April 2024). As the database continues to be updated, please inform the United Way Office that your organization would like to be contacted with more information and any upcoming 2-1-1 Hernando Workshops. Keep an eye on UWHC's website calendar  for more details on events and workshops that include information on how to use 2-1-1, uploading your services to the 2-1-1 database, the importance of keeping information updated, etc.