In our 47-year history of service to Southwest Colorado, we have found that when people join together for the common good things change for the better.
Independently operated
501(c)3 non-profit organization
serving La Plata, San Juan, Montezuma, Dolores & Archuleta Counties
SPOTLIGHT
Do You Care About Equity?
You’ll Want to Read This
Knowing all the letters in the alphabet. Recognizing numbers 1 to 20. The ability to actively listen to a book read aloud. Kindergarten readiness means many things.
Above all, kindergarten readiness means kids have the cognitive, social-emotional and physical abilities and skills that prepare them to be in a formal school setting.
The problem is, not all kids come to school with the same level of skills. And when a student is too far behind, they may never catch up. READ MORE
INSPIRATION
Our Team UP AmeriCorp Prevention Educator, Emily, is serving with the Child Maltreatment Prevention Action Team. See poster above for info about a new contest they've just opened up!
I love maps. I have one book with specialty maps of Colorado – they show where the old gold mines are located, where average daily temperatures are warmer or cooler, where the tallest peaks are located, and so much more. I also carry a traditional atlas in my vehicle when traveling in case my phone battery dies (but mostly because I enjoy looking at it!). But, I must admit, I am also a fan of the automatic navigation that my cell phone provides when I need directions. It gets me to where I need to be, and I like having a guide.
Navigating roads has been simplified, but navigating life is still pretty challenging. We are overloaded with information coming at us from a multitude of sources and we are expected to sift through it all to figure out what is relevant, important, useful, and safe.
Thankfully some systems work reasonably well when we are facing the unknown. For example, school counselors and college advisors help students find the right courses and navigate the educational system. Where are those guides for the other challenges in life? How can we manage all the information coming at us when we are in a crisis and having trouble processing everything?
The answer is 2-1-1. 2-1-1 is a free, confidential resource for everyone. Call centers are located across the country and help people navigate through life’s challenges when they dial 2-1-1 on their phone. Callers receive information and guidance from specialists who know where to go and who to contact when there is an urgent need (e.g. housing, food, childcare, counseling, financial assistance, and more). Information can also be found online at 211colorado.org, which includes electronic chat and text options.
2-1-1 has been a nationwide number since 2000, but has seen a recent spike in use, particularly among people who have never had to seek assistance before, but who have been significantly impacted by the pandemic. Would you know where to start if you were suddenly struggling to pay your rent, or if your childcare closed?
In Colorado, the call centers averaged 5,000 calls per week in April 2020. The top needs in order were: rent assistance, food, utility payment, financial assistance, and healthcare.
I am frequently in meetings where someone suggests there should be a place where all of the resource information is gathered and made available for people. The good news is that it already exists! The challenge is that we need to make sure more people know about it. Please help us to spread the word about 2-1-1.
United Way of Southwest Colorado provides funding for our corner of the state to have 2-1-1 service. We also work with local nonprofits to keep the database up-to-date and comprehensive. It is time-consuming and expensive to manage a service like this, so we encourage the community to work together to maintain one awesome database – with an easy to remember number – for the good of everyone. A little life navigation helps people in more “normal” times as well as during these extraordinary times.
When you make a gift to United Way of Southwest Colorado, you’re helping support the 2-1-1 system that connects so many to resources and services that can change their lives and make our community healthier and stronger. Support 2-1-1 by donating today and help those in need in Southwest Colorado go from surviving to thriving.
United Way’s affinity groups are collaborations of donors with shared interests. They are committed to significantly improving the quality of life in our community through focused volunteering, advocating and giving in support of United Way’s goals.
Affinity Groups offer exclusive experiences, such as networking events with a focus on personal and professional development, and volunteer activities that give you a hands-on connection to United Way’s work.
Which "affinity" group might interest you most?
Emerging Leaders United- inspire, motivate, and support community leaders
When something really matters, one voice can make a difference. This spirited, vibrant picture book celebrates diversity and encourages kids to speak up, unite with others, and take action when they see something that needs to be fixed.
Check out the Team UP Southwest Colorado Family Engagement Action Team (and Fam!) for some jokes you can share with your kiddos!
3 min 47 sec
WHY WE SUPPORT
"The United Way supports Montezuma County in their Team Up efforts to address positive community change. Early childhood, child maltreatment, food insecurity and more. Action on the toughest issues!"
SERVING ALL COLORADO COMMUNITIES
Service provided in part by
United Way of Southwest Colorado
Get Connected. Get Help.
We know it can often times be difficult and overwhelming to know where to go for help.
2-1-1 Colorado streamlines services and provides one central location where people can get connected to the resources they need. With a database that is updated daily, 2-1-1 Colorado can connect you to critical resources simply by dialing a three-digit number.
Whether you are searching for shelter availability, childcare, or rent payment assistance – 2-1-1 can connect you to available resources in your community.
