Donations to United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County help local people access life-saving resources.
Yolanda is a Community Resources Specialist with IMPACT 211, a central access point for people in need to access resources. Yolanda and her team are the first points of contact for individuals calling for help.
Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, the number of calls 211 receives each day has increased exponentially.
“COVID-19 has had a huge economic impact on people’s lives,” said Yolanda. “Every day I talk to people who are worried about paying rent and where they are going to get their next meal.”
Recently, Yolanda spoke with a 79-year-old woman who needed help: “She called crying, saying she was hungry. Her husband had passed away, her son was in prison, and she was home alone with two dogs.” recalled Yolanda. “I connected her with the Department on Aging, who connected her with Meals on Wheels and even provided dog food.”
Donations to United Way’s Community Fund support IMPACT 211.
“You have to have thick skin, but I love my job,” said Yolanda, who previously worked in street outreach. “People call in tears but, by the time we hang up, I can hear the smile on their face.”
The 211 resource team works daily to make sure their resource directory is up to date so callers get connected with the most relevant information.
“People call me just to say thank you,” said Yolanda. “It is so rewarding to be able to lift the burdens off of someone’s shoulders.”
Help ensure everyone in our community has access to life-saving resources: donate to United Way’s Community Fund today.