Media Releases

December 13, 2007

United Way gives special honor for support of 2-1-1

Assemblymember Susan John recognized for her support of our 2-1-1 Call Center and for advocating for critical community issues

Rochester, NY – Members of United Way of Greater Rochester’s Board of Directors delivered a special resolution today honoring Assemblywoman Susan John for her continued support of local not-for-profit agencies.

The honor stems from efforts put forth by Assemblywoman John in leading the way to secure funding for the Finger Lakes 2-1-1 Call Center, which has served more than 44,000 residents of our community over the past two years. Assemblywoman John’s efforts resulted in over $13 million in funding for 2-1-1 statewide -- $1.8 million of which directly supports services in the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region. 2-1-1 is a non-emergency phone number people can call 24/7 for human service needs. Trained call center operators there answer questions on a multitude of issues.

“Assemblywoman John truly embodies the meaning of a community champion,” said Amy Tait, Chair of the United Way of Greater Rochester Board of Directors. “Not only has she generated incredible support for 2-1-1, but she also continues to advocate for other critical community issues…. like the prevention of childhood lead poisoning… and quality, affordable early child care for working families and providers - all of which are public policy focuses of our United Way.

“I applaud United Way of Greater Rochester and their community partners for working with the legislature, ensuring that this successful program is now offered to all New Yorkers,” said Assemblymember John. “A simple call to 2-1-1 has helped many seniors stay in their homes, has assisted young people with the support they need when facing peer pressures, and has lent a hand to new mothers seeking information to help her family when times are tough.”

To learn more about the work United Way does in our community, every day of the year, please visit www.uwrochester.org. To visit the 2-1-1 web site, please log onto www. 211fingerlakes.org.

# # #

United Way’s mission is to magnify and focus the power of community resources to address our most pressing social needs.