United Way announces Milton J. Little, Jr., as new president, to start in July

The United Way Board of Directors announces the selection of Milton J. Little, Jr. as the new president of United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. Milton Little will succeed current president Mark O'Connell who will retire effective June 30, 2007, after 37 years of working in United Ways across the nation.

"Under Mark's 19-year leadership, United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta has built a well-deserved reputation for effectiveness and impact," says Jack Hardin, United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta board chair. "In Milton, I am confident we have found a leader who can build on the foundation of Mark's extraordinary legacy and leverage our community's spirit and resources in new and bold ways."

Click on the link below to read the complete news release

United Way 211 Celebrates 10 Years of "Answering The Call"

Since 1973, United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta has been providing comprehensive Information and Referral (I&R) service to the citizens of metro Atlanta. From 1973 to 1986, the service was known simply as I&R and was available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. By 1987, United Way I&R became know as First Call For Help and was still available only during normal business hours. In 1993, First Call For Help became available as a 24/7 service for metro Atlanta. Then in May 1997 with the support of community and civic leaders and technology donation from Williams Communications, the Public Service Commission assigned the three-digit telephone number, 2-1-1 to United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, creating United Way 211. It was designed as a simple, easy-to-remember number to call when Georgians want to find or give help in the 13-counties in metro Atlanta. During 2006, United Way 211 answered over 335,000 phone calls from individuals in need of and wanting to provide help.

During 2007, 2-1-1 will be serving approximately 196 million Americans – more than 65% of the U.S. population; 212 active 2-1-1 systems covering all or part of 41 states (including 19 states with 100 percent coverage) plus Washington, DC and Puerto Rico. Canada has an additional five locations (http://www.211.org/status.html)

Search the 211 database on line

Is your agency listed in the United Way 211 database? Enjoy the benefits!

United Way 211 is announcing two new special benefits to all of the nonprofit agencies listed in the 211 database.

Free Report: Each agency listed in the 211 database can request one free report a year; which includes any caller data that you may need. Whether you need to know how many callers where referred to your agency or what are the needs of the community in your area, we will provide that report for you. Before you can receive the free report, your agency information must be formally* updated in the 211 database.
To request your free report or to formally update your agency information contact Nhora Plehn at 404.614.6248 or by email

*Formally updated means that at least one time during the year all of the information in the 211 database about your agency is updated.

Agency Spotlight: Feature your agency in the next 211 eNewsletter! A new agency spotlight section will be available for agencies who wish to let other nonprofits in the metro Atlanta area know about them.
Whether your agency is sponsoring a special program or would like to let others know about services offered, the new agency spotlight is one way you can accomplish this. Contact Marioly Botero at 404.527.7332 or by email to submit your agency spotlight. The TechBridge and the Together RX Access articles are the first two spotlights submitted to the 211 eNewsletter.

Due to the limited space, only one to two agencies will be spotlighted per each 211 eNewsletter. Submissions are due by no later than the 10th working day of each month and they will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on the amount of agency spotlights submitted, a waiting list may be created.

The 211 database depends on everyone to be able to grow and offer more services to the community. If you know of an agency that is not listed in the database, contact Neese Blackshear-Cobb at 404.614.1018 or by email

United Way 211 offers services to other nonprofits

Did you know that United Way 211 not only offers information and referral services to the community but also offers different types of services to nonprofit agencies?

Community Outreach – This is a free service. Professional staff is available to speak and present information about United Way 211. If you want a 211 staff representative come out to your agency, or if you know of a fair where the community can benefit from finding out about the 211 services, contact Monica Hammond at 404.527.7451 or by email

Skills training – Customized training is available in many different fields of information and referral, customer service, service delivery, follow up procedures and quality assurance. There is a fee for this service. For more information contact Kimberly Perkins-Heywood at 404.527.5931 or by email

After Hours Call Handling – United Way 211 offers customized call answering for community organizations wanting their clients to have 24/7 access. Monthly statistical reports according to the organization’s specifications are included in the service fee. For more information contact Donna Burnham at 404.614.2906 or by email

Refer your clients to United Way 211

We welcome all the people your agency refers to United Way 211. We discovered that some agencies have placed an incorrect message on their voice mail. The message states “call 211 for emergency assistances”.

United Way 211 is a free confidential, bilingual (English and Spanish) 24 hours a day information and referral service. UW211 has metro Atlanta’s most complete human services database of more than 2500 metro area organizations.

We would greatly appreciate your agency communicating the correct message to the community, so when they dial
2-1-1 they will have clear expectations of our services. A sample voice message is below for your viewing.

“Our offices are closed for today, however, feel free to dial 2-1-1 for other human service resources, they are available 24-hours, 7-days a week.”

TechBridge helps nonprofits with their technology needs

TechBridge, a metro Atlanta nonprofit, provides professional, affordable technology services, innovative technology solutions and access to the financial, technical and human resources that nonprofits need to serve their constituents successfully. TechBridge believes that technology can dramatically transform the effectiveness of Georgia nonprofits. By providing access to highly competent IT professionals at an affordable, all inclusive price, TechBridge bridges the gap between the needs of the nonprofit community and technology resources. Regardless of the technology issue at hand, TechBridge has the solution. Their services include:
• TechBridge Infrastructure Services support the day-to-day functionality of your organization. Services include: Scheduled services, network design and implementation, hosting.
• The Strategic Technology Planning Services provide a technical plan of action as you grow. The services include: Technology assessment, business process assessment and technology planning.
• The Web and Email Services enhance the online capabilities of your organization and introduce collaborative tools to support your mission. Services include: Website design and development, web-in-a-box, content management, Exchange email, website and data base hosting, database design and development and portal development and hosting.
• IT Consulting Services meet your unique need by creating a custom solution. Services include: Software evaluation, selection and implementation, technology project management and special projects.
Contact TechBridge to see how they can assist your nonprofit with all of your technology needs,
404.879.5412 (phone)
404.581.5901 (fax)
Email

TechBridge

Help the Uninsured Get a Quick Start on Rx Savings

Every day, millions of Americans take prescription medicines to stay healthy and to treat many common conditions such as asthma, high cholesterol and diabetes. However, an estimated 47 million people across the United States do not have healthcare coverage, including 9 million children.
With the quick start savings card from Together Rx Access, individuals who lack prescription drug coverage and are not eligible for Medicare don’t have to wait to start saving on the medicines they need. Individuals and families who meet all of the requirements, are eligible for the card. To order quick start savings cards to share with the people you serve, call 1.800.842.0283 or by email
To find out more information about this program click on the link below

Together RX Access