The grant announcement with BIG implications for Oregon

For about an hour 80 people mingled around the joint offices of 211info and JOIN. They made connections, listened to some sample calls and learned more about a documentary film being shot here. Around 6:15 it was time to gather for the big announcement.

The Grant

The Ford Family Foundation has funded a $366,000 grant to help bring 211 statewide!

That was the headline news CEO Liesl Wendt announced on Friday, Feb. 10, during our the annual event.

And although Norm Smith, president of The Ford Family Foundation, was unable to attend because of a board meeting, he had these words to pass along:

“During a time of limited resources and rising needs, The Ford Family Foundation is looking to support wide-reaching interventions, such as 211info. That's why we have invested in a nonprofit that is a leverage point for helping people get help quicker and in a more dignified manner. We think 211info is a leader in improving the quality of life for families everywhere in the state."

The grant will help 211info extend its service to counties in southern and eastern Oregon over the next two years by providing matching funds to assist counties wishing to launch the 211 service. Organization leaders also hope the grant will leverage future large-scale investments.

The Oregon 211 Network is funded by municipalities, local nonprofits such as United Ways, and contracts from specific programs. 211 service is not currently funded by state or federal sources. Each county’s cost for 211 service is tied to the area’s population. The model was conceived as a way to give local communities ownership over the service while leveraging existing infrastructure. Buying into the single 211 system costs a fraction of what it would cost to open local call centers.

More good news

After the biggest news, Liesl let the crowd in on something else. 211info has hired Denise Swanson as 211info’s new Deputy Director. Denise was the driving force in bringing 211 service to Marion and Polk counties. Now, she’s on board to implement the Ford grant mandate to bring 211 to every Oregonian.

Keith Thomajan, the new CEO of the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, also addressed the crowd. He reinforced his support of 211info. The local United Way is one of 211info’s largest investors. Just a year ago Mr. Thomajan was the CEO of another organization and came to the 211info annual event with little knowledge of our organization. But since leaving that event, he has been a champion of 211 and is glad he can help us continue the good work.

The Video

The emotional apex of the event came with a special screening of a trailer for “Crisis Call 211” – the aforementioned documentary. Five minutes of touching stories featuring 211 callers brought most of the attendees to tears.

If you’re interested in seeing the film, you’ll have to wait until the summer to see the full-length version. Friday’s screening was a special affair.

Lastly, 211info Board of Directors Vice-Chair and Treasurer J. Michael Schultz closed the evening with a thanks to event attendees, board members and special guests such as Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz.

On behalf of 211info’s board and staff I want to thank those who were able to make it to the event. And for those who weren’t able, we can’t wait to see you next year!
 

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