United Way’s 2-1-1 has earned national re-accreditation by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) for the 3rd time. Accreditation was awarded the 1st time to United Way’s 2-1-1 in 2009, and again in 2017. With this successful completion of the AIRS re-accreditation, United Way’s 2-1-1 joins just 124 organizations and programs in the U.S. and Canada that have demonstrated their competence in meeting the Standards for Professional Information and Referral.
AIRS re-accreditation is used primarily as a quality assurance standard by using objective evidence to gauge achievement in service quality and effectiveness, community involvement and organizational stability.
“Re-accreditation is a very lengthy and involved process,” said Amy Fluno, Program Director. "AIRS looks at every aspect of our program, from call handling and database maintenance, to policies and procedures. There was also a virtual site visit at the end. We are very proud to have earned re-accreditation for the 3rd time at our very small call center. “
Participation in the re- accreditation process and successful completion is testament of commitment to delivering quality service. This distinguished re-accreditation award also demonstrates excellence as United Way’s 2-1-1 stands apart from its non-certified, non-accredited counterparts in the I&R and human service industry.
United Way’s 2-1-1 is a program of United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties and Marshfield Area United Way, which serves Adams, Clark, Juneau and Wood Counties - as well as 9 additional counties in northwest Wisconsin. 2-1-1 provides community information and referral for inquiries such as food, shelter, counseling, and more via a three digit telephone number (2-1-1).
2-1-1 is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Calls are answered by information specialists trained in navigating the maze of human service agencies and programs to help individuals, families and professionals connect with the services they need.
About United Way’s 2-1-1
United Way’s 2-1-1 is a FREE and confidential three digit number you can dial to receive information and referral to local community resources. It is available 24/7. Commonly asked questions range from “I cannot pay my utility bill – who can help?” to “I need help caring for my loved one with dementia.”
United Way’s 2-1-1 is a non-profit organization based in south Wood County and is governed collaboratively between United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties and Marshfield Area United Way. The 2-1-1 call center serves Wood, Adams, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Clark, Iron, Juneau, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor and Washburn Counties.