Heard of 211? Here is what you need to know

We here, at Counseling on Demand, offer most counseling types suited for your needs. However, as counselors, we too have our limits as to how far we can help a client and if that client is struggling in other areas of their lives. For example, if a client is suicidal then as a professional, it is my duty to report it to 911 or help my client connect with a crisis counselor. Sometimes, people don’t know where to go for help. Therefore, I’m here to address 211. When connecting to 211, you are referred to agencies and organizations that meet your needs. They even offer services to non-English speakers and those who are illiterate. The 211 specialists take callers requests, access database that links to private or public agencies to match the callers’ needs and directly link them to agencies or organizations that can help. 

Some resources available include:

Basic Human Needs. This includes food, clothing banks, shelters, and rent assistance.

Physical and Mental Health Needs. Their health insurance programs include medical, dental, mental or in-home health care. They offer information on wellness programs, prescription assistance services, and medical transportation options. They may even offer free and confidential help with drug and alcohol assistance. More so, you can get information on crisis intervention services, support groups, and counseling. 

Employment Help. Their database connects job seekers to employers which include financial assistance, job training, and educational programs. You’re also connected to career counselors that can help you understand unemployment benefits. More so, 211 has a huge support system for education including preparation for GED testing, finding grants and tuition loans that suit you, and even information regarding ESL learning for adults and children. Hence, they even provide after school programs from kindergarten to high school students.

Suicide Prevention. Along with being linked to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, they also assist with services that deal with physical abuse, bullying, and sexual assault.

In brief, 211 is another way of saying that you are not alone and that there is help catered to your needs.No issue big or small resists them from helping you. If you are in a crisis or in need of assistance, please give 211 a try and see it for yourself. You don’t have to do it alone!

In the words of author Kierra Cass, “ Accepting help is its own kind of strength.”