SHERMAN, February 10, 2012 Dr. Susan Thomas, TCOG Executive Director, joined 2-1-1 Texoma Staff and representatives from local non-profits to celebrate the 8th annual 2-1-1 Day by hosting a Community Resources 101 training event for local social service agencies.
"We wanted to celebrate 2-1-1 Day and the success of the 2-1-1 Texoma Program, but we also know how important it is to train our local non-profits and social services agencies about this valuable resource. We want everyone across the region to know that 2-1-1 is the number to call when you dont know who to call," said Thomas.
Staff and volunteers from various area agencies participated in the training and learned exactly how the information and referral service works. Your call to 2-1-1 is free and is answered by nationally certified specialists 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When callers dial 2-1-1, they are connected to area information centers in their region. These trained experts have access to the most comprehensive database of community-based organizations, government agencies and nonprofits that exist in Texas. Information can be provided in more than 90 languages including Spanish. In 2011, the Texoma 2-1-1 program answered more than 25,000 calls from residents of Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties connecting Texoma citizens to critical, sometimes life-saving resources including food, shelter, and emergency utility payments.
The list of resources available through 2-1-1 is extensive and can be very helpful to area service providers as they assist their clients with referrals. 2-1-1 experts provide information on hundreds of resources, including:
Domestic violence programs
Drug and alcohol treatment
Elder care services
Emergency shelter, food, and clothing
Housing assistance
Legal help
Prenatal, health and home care
Temporary financial and energy assistance
Thomas stressed the importance of partnerships and information sharing among all groups and agencies providing valuable social services to the Texoma region. "It is important that our citizens know they can rely on 2-1-1 for help in accessing resources, but it is just as important for our partner and sister agencies to understand what 2-1-1 is and how we can help those agencies further assist their clients."
The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.