211 THE CHILDREN'S TRUST HELPLINE BUILDS MOMENTUM AND USAGE AS PUBLIC AWARENESS RISES

Recognizing that the greatest obstacle to addressing family needs is knowing where to go for help or information, The Children’s Trust is fully funding 211 in Miami-Dade County to make this resource and referral line available to everyone in our community. Now, by dialing 211 on a land line, parents, caregivers and adolescents are reaching The Children’s Trust Helpline, where specially trained Switchboard of Miami counselors are standing by, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English, Spanish and Creole.

Unlike the 311 Miami-Dade County hotline, 211 is not a referral line to local government services. The 211 helpline serves as the central clearinghouse for health and social services in our community by providing assessment of need and crisis counseling. Callers are expressing a wide variety of needs such as wanting to find an affordable summer camp for their child, a referral for family counseling services, child care or learning disabilities screening, as well as requesting advice about a rebellious adolescent, suspected child abuse, substance abuse in the home and much more.

With the recent launch of a multi-media public awareness campaign, the community is finding out just how valuable this resource can be. More than 4,500 people have been assisted since the media launch in mid April, a remarkable milestone in such a short time.

"We have seen a dramatic spike in calls to the call center and are now handling well above ten times the number of calls that we were receiving before the campaign began," said Thamara Labrousse, Switchboard of Miami Executive Director. Within weeks, the line will be universally available through all cell phone companies. Until then, those who remain unable to access 211 through their cell phone can reach the call center by dialing 305-631-4211.

The public awareness campaign, now appearing in print, broadcast and outdoor media throughout Miami-Dade County, will continue to run throughout the year, educating the community about the many social services available. The dramatic public service announcements (PSA’s) utilize stark portraits to illustrate the many reasons that may lead a person to seek help by dialing 211 The Children’s Trust Helpline.

"I am very pleased with how the helpline is already benefiting so many people in our community. Ultimately, the message we hope to spread with this compelling campaign is that no matter your needs or situation in life, 211 The Children’s Trust Helpline is there for you," said Modesto E. Abety, President and CEO of The Children’s Trust.

Perhaps the best testimony regarding the effectiveness of the helpline comes from one 211 telephone counselor, "211 The Children’s Trust Helpline is educating people about the services available in the community while empowering them to make the best choices for themselves and their families. As a counselor, every time I hear callers say thank you for listening to me, I feel great . . . it gives me a sense of accomplishment."