• Volunteer
• Give
• Advocate

Trident United Way's 2-1-1 Hotline

National 2-1-1 Timeline

• 1997, Georgia Public Service Commission assigns 211 to United Way in Atlanta as pilot site
• 1999, 211 activates throughout the state of Connecticut
• July 21, 2000, FCC grants dialing code 211 for community information and referral nationwide
• 2001, Columbia, SC implements 211
• 2002, Aiken, SC implements 211
• 2002, Homeland Security legislation proposes 211 has a vital role in disaster response

Our Local 2-1-1 History:

Hotline Years
Hotline began providing the community with information and a listening ear in 1970. Though the service was created to address drug and pregnancy concerns, it quickly grew into a general 24-hour confidential telephone "counseling", information and crisis intervention service. Through volunteers, Hotline provides help anytime, for anyone, about any concern or issue, with a philosophy of "helping people help themselves."

In response to calls from abused women, in 1980, Hotline helped to create "My Sister's House," a shelter for battered women and children. Several years later, it spun off into an independent non-profit organization.

In 1989, Hotline became aware of a growing population of people who were "left behind" by loved ones who chose suicide as a way to end their pain. "Survivors" often felt confused, alone, sad, angry, and frightened. With the help of two survivors, Hotline created a Survivors of Suicide Support Group, which still meets twice a month.

In 1990, Hotline extended its service to young people with the creation of TeenLine. Trained high school volunteers are available for teens who would rather talk to someone their own age. Supportive listening and information is provided through a separate phone line by these trained teens with adult back-up.

Information and Referral Too
In collaboration with Community Health Partners, Hotline expanded its information and referral role in 1998 with the implementation of the area's first on-line searchable database of over 1000 helping resources serving the tri-county area. The web site, now at http://www.sc211.org, allows anyone access to clear and accurate information about community resources 24 hours a day. Hard copies of the Resource Directory can also be purchased.

In 2002, Hotline became certified by the American Association of Suicidology and joined the Hopeline Network and the Lifeline Network. Through these networks, Hotline receives calls from anyone in crisis in South Carolina who dials 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800- 273 TALK in search of help. In November of that same year, Hotline became the phone contact for "Darkness to Light", a powerful child abuse prevention campaign. Ads run a toll free number (1-866-FOR-LIGHT) that encourages people to call for help - and that number rings on our lines and is answered by our phone counselors.

Becoming 2-1-1
In February of 2003, Hotline legally merged with Trident United Way and became 2-1-1 Hotline, the place to call to give or get help. This national initiative allows tri-county residents to reach us simply by dialing "2-1-1" from any home phone. This easy to remember number, and commitment to promoting volunteering in the community, has expanded our services even further. Many initiatives are being created to increase volunteerism, with "Day of Caring" being the largest, where corporations give back by allowing thousands of their employees to work on service projects for that one day all over the community.

As the hub of information and a successful training ground for volunteers, 2-1-1 Hotline has evolved into a community wide training and convening role. Our Network News is a monthly newsletter with the latest information in the local human service/non profit arena. We regularly teach critical communication and life skills through our Community Education and Outreach programs to interested groups. We actively participate in planning for many local initiatives, and hold leadership roles on several area task forces. We know that by working together we can do more!

Everything Changes But The Mission
As you can see, growth has brought change to the mechanics and availability of the Hotline service, but not to the philosophy or mission. 2-1-1 Hotline continues its commitment to "helping people help themselves." Non-directive, non-judgmental listening is offered to facilitate the caller's exploration, and acceptance of responsibility for the feelings and stress experienced. Individual needs, feelings, and resources are respected, and free expression is invited. We operate on the belief that talking and "being heard" can help. Information and referral to community resources compatible with the caller's needs is provided as well.

2-1-1 Hotline is funded as a program of Trident United Way. However, it could never exist without the countless hours and remarkable dedication given by volunteers. For callers, 2-1-1 Hotline is a general counseling and crisis intervention resource. For those of us who are involved with 2-1-1 Hotline, it is commitment to personal growth and support of others in the same endeavor. It is a belief in each individual's right and responsibility to choose direction and definition. It is acceptance of and respect for differences, and affirmation of others as significant, valuable beings.

 

Return to Main 211 page