As gas prices continue to fluctuate, the stock market continues to be volatile and other living costs continue to rise, our local businesses are impacted and challenged. These businesses are directly hit - - not just by the conditions listed, but by their own employees' concern and stress about their personal financial situations. Employee stress translates into a loss of productivity for a business. Job performance impacts a business and can have a crippling effect on the organization.
Fortunately, there is a community resource ready to help working families all across Central Kentucky. Those in need simply need to dial 2-1-1, just like you would dial 9-1-1 for emergencies. United Way 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember phone number that connects people with the help they need. In the last few months, the call count has doubled from a year ago.
People are calling - - people who've never had to access a food bank and people who had no idea there was rent or utility assistance available. The financial turmoil has rattled families who fear they are a paycheck away from crisis. Families who can't afford their mortgage or utilities and those whose wages aren't keeping pace with rising prices are phoning the regional community referral line. The three most requested areas for help are rent assistance, utilities assistance and emergency food.
Many people just don't know where to turn, and human resource managers are running out of options. Thankfully, through United Way 2-1-1, your employees can get back on the right track with a connection to resources that are available in our regional community.
For employers, 2-1-1 has many benefits. For example, the number can extend your employee assistance service at no cost to your company. It also provides a time-saving information resource for human resource professionals, allowing them to be helpful to their employees
but able to focus on their
primary responsibilities. Calling reduces absenteeism because employees can find solutions to their personal and family problems 24/7 without being away from the worksite. Through 2-1-1, uninsured low-income workers can find free or sliding scale services that can help them stay healthy - and on the job. And a quick call to 2-1-1 during tax season could help employees find out if they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (a federal tax refund program) which could mean a 13 percent increase in their average pay.
Everyone goes through periods of time when they may need to call upon outside resources for assistance. One call to United Way 2-1-1 can help your employee find resources in our community that are available to assist them. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week - 2-1-1 is always there for those in need. 2-1-1 is efficient, fast and easy to use. No more wrong numbers; no more wasted time trying to find the right resources. The service is free and confidential, and is supported in a number of different languages.
If interested in learning more about United Way 2-1-1 and how to get information to employees, call 2-1-1. There are several materials available to spread the word to your staff that help is available to them. Visit www.uwbg.org/211 to see samples of what United Way can provide for you to share with those who do so much for your organization.
Note: If you are unable to call 2-1-1 from your personal or office phone, please call 859-313-5465 and let us know. Some phone systems need to be programmed to allow three-digit calls to take place. This number will connect you to call specialists at United Way 2-1-1 who can help.