2-1-1 Launch a Success

Culminating a one and a half year effort, United Way Monterey County launched their 2-1-1 call services February 11th at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas. 

Salinas Councilman Sergio Sanchez had the honor of placing the first official 2-1-1 call requesting services for an elder parent that was coming to live with him.  The call, conducted both in Spanish and English in front of a crowd of about 150 guests and dignitaries, made all believers in the power of 2-1-1.

Following the Steinbeck event, a Monterey-Salinas transit bus decked out with 2-1-1 advertisements took the message of 2-1-1 on the road.   Starting with a reception at the King City Library, the bus worked its way up the Salinas Valley with stops in Greenfield, Soledad and Gonzales to distribute materials.  At each stop, interested residents and public officials listened to a 2-1-1 demonstration call and asked questions.  Stops on the Monterey Peninsula included Marina and Seaside with a closing reception in Downtown Monterey.

Local Assemblyman Bill Monning, 27th District sent a Certificate of Recognition and the County Supervisors presented a resolution marking February 11, 2009 as 2-1-1 Day in Monterey County.  2-1-1 Monterey County is a collaborative effort by United Way and its partners First Five Monterey County, Monterey County Health Department, the Monterey County Department of Social and Employment Services and Monterey Salinas Transit.

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