United Way Of The Midlands

Programs: Community engagement and vision - this function is dedicated to implementation and action on community impact investments and initiatives. Activities include prioritization and research for initiative development, impact and change development and assessment, mobilizing partners to provide services, participating in and supporting selected outside community activities, service implementation through: fund distribution, technology, public education, economic development strategies and agency designation management, communication of outcome and evaluation and staff support development.

analytics and performance - ensure dollars are invested wisely and the expected results of that investment are achieved. Programs receiving community investment are required to report every 6 months to demonstrate progress toward their expected outcomes.

information and referral - when a caller dials 2-1-1, they find easy access to health and human service programs in all counties in nebraska and 8 counties in iowa. Certified resource specialists develop and maintain a computerized comprehensive database of nearly 4,000 health and human service programs. Individuals who need help, often in crisis situations, are connected with the rightcommunity resources by certified information and referral specialists who use the vast database. The 2-1-1 community resourcedirectory is available in hard copy, on the organization website, on cd rom, and on disk. In addition, brochures targeted to servicesin specific geographic areas in the metropolitan omaha area are available. The information gathered helps to identify gaps in local human services, which can assist local policy makers with future planning efforts. The accredited 2-1-1 call center is providing leadership on the development and implementation of a statewide information referral system that can be accessed by the three-digit calling code, 2-1-1, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. The resource/call center is part of the partnership that sponsors the statewide website, www. Ne211. Org. This system will eventually become part of a nationwide network.