Improving Access to Community Resources
The United Way of Wexford-Missaukee is committed to increasing access to community resources for all. By continuously assessing the effectiveness of community resources and implementing new ways of working more efficiently, United Way has achieved significant improvements in the way our community can help those in need.
Shepherd's Table Outreach
One of the ways that United Way has improved the way people can access help is through the development of a special outreach effort at the site of the Shepherd's Table hot meal program. Every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the year families can access free homecooked hot meals at Shepherd's Table and also meet with an Outreach Coordinator to access other needs. Also on site are representatives from a variety of helping organizations to meet directly and provide information and resources. Many families have been able to access resources for housing, jobs, benefits , nutrition and counseling through this outreach program.
Cadillac Community Health Clinic and the Medication Access Program
Individuals without health care insurance and in need of urgent medical care can access help through the community's free health clinic on Wednesday evenings. This resource is a vital piece of our community's network of helping programs supported by United Way. The Medication access program works to provide low income people with prescription medicines at low or no cost. This program alone has saved families up to one half million dollars a year!
The 2-1-1 Initiative
Working on 211 is a project that was jump-started in 2009 with a partnership between United Way and the Cadillac Chamber Leadership Class. Since then Wexford County has been able to bring to life the 24 hour/ 365 day a year Call 211 service (currently by callling 1-877-211-5253). 2-1-1 is the three digit health and human service equivalent of the 911 system. By calling 211 anyone will be able to find and access help 24 hours a day from a trained resource and referral specialist. The 211 system has been a critical resource in many areas of the country for many years. 211 is a valuable tool for finding help as well as giving help. This was notable following disasters such as the Florida hurricanes, September 11, and more recently the flooding in West Michigan in 2008. United Way of Wexford-Missaukee through the local 211 donations was able to bring on board a Resource Specialist to work within our community to update critical program information and to complete the population of the 211 database. United Way welcomed Amber Shaw as our local "face of 211" in November 2009.
A local 211 Advisory Board is convened by United Way each quarter. Currently the 800 number is increasing in usage and the population of Missaukee data is the last phase to be completed before official application can be made to the Community Security Commission for the official 211 designation.
The 211 services are now available by calling :1-877-211-5253.
Support for this program is a top priority for our community. Please consider a donation to our 211 program.
Call the United Way at : 231-775-3753 for more information.
Community Food Providers Network
The United Way convened a meeting of area food pantries and providers in late 2009 to assess the resources being provided and to consider ways to work together to improve the effectiveness of the network. The meeting was a success in bringing together providers to share the benefits of their programs and to discover new ways to help each other. As a result of the meeting, a community food provider list is being developed and an electronic communication network was established. Plans are to continue to improve and share information in order to increase efficiency of providing food to those in need. Notable quote from this meeting: "It's not just about food. We reach out and build relationships with families and become able to impact many other areas."