County Connections: Fairfield County 2-1-1 has been helping people for more than 40 years
“Each of us can make a difference. Together we make change,” Barbara Mikulski
In 1977, a group of Fairfield County residents recognized an increase in the number of local families struggling for financial security. Hoping to bring support and stability to those in need, these volunteers started an initiative called Information and Referral. Over the course of its impressive 46-year history, Information and Referral has become widely known by its current name, Fairfield County 2-1-1.
Though the concept of 2-1-1 is part of a national movement, Fairfield County 2-1-1 is locally led and is focused entirely on the emerging needs of our community.
Presently, Fairfield County 2-1-1 manages a staggering 65,000 annual referrals to over 8,400 unduplicated individuals and families in our community. The majority of these referrals address basic needs, such as utility assistance, clothing, food assistance, veteran’s services, prescription eyeglasses, recovery programming, and other initiatives required to ensure fundamental health and safety.
“People aren’t aware that anyone can contact 2-1-1. We are a great resource to anyone in need,” explained Jeannette Curtis, the organization’s Executive Director.
And as the needs of the community have grown, so have the programs offered by Fairfield County 2-1-1. Most recently, the nonprofit’s outreach has been expanded to include mental health emergencies, for which local team members have been trained and prepared.
“Our agency answers the 24 hours crisis line, including suicide prevention,” she shared. Recently, this has amounted to over 2,000 crisis and suicide prevention calls being answered for Fairfield County residents of all backgrounds.
Budgeting for such diverse and far-reaching programs can be a challenge for any nonprofit, especially when community need can be unpredictably impacted by issues such as inflation, unemployment, and public health. As a result, many agencies, including Fairfield County 2-1-1 look to fundraisers to build awareness and financial support.
To this end, 2-1-1 is offering its popular No Show Gala at 6 p.m. May 12. And while this entirely virtual event thrived during the height of the pandemic, it began prior to Covid-19, as a replacement to the organization’s Spring Zing fundraiser.
“Having a No Show Gala is the best for a small nonprofit because there is a minimal cost. Attendees pay $25 per ticket, and I want to say that their $25 is going back into the community,” said Curtis.
The evening will include an overview of the 2-1-1 mission, recognition of donors, and a community raffle, made possible by local sponsors.
Curtis enthusiastically shared that some of this year’s prizes were donated by Shadowbox Live, the Cincinnati Reds, BW3, Pizza Cottage, and many more businesses throughout the Lancaster area.
“Downtown has been amazing in supporting us,” she affirmed, also recognizing the transformative partnership of The Savings Bank, which has served as an ongoing Presenting Sponsor for the No Show Gala.
Curtis’ initial goal for this year’s event was $5,000. But already exceeding that goal due to an outpouring of community support, she now hopes to attract even more donations for the 2-1-1 mission. All donations generated by this event will stay local, touching the lives of men, women and families throughout Fairfield County.
Tickets for the event are still available, and can be purchased by visiting https://www.fairfieldcounty211.org/. More information can be found by visiting 2-1-1 No Show Masquerade Ball on Facebook.
And while the Masquerade theme should offer extra fun for those attending online, the event is watch-only, with no expectation that those accessing the event wear a mask.
“Our No Show Gala is important because it is a way to raise funds to support our mission and to help us address immediate needs we see in the community. Fairfield County 2-1-1 is the number you can call when you don’t know where to turn,” concluded Curtis.
For more information about the charitable mission of Fairfield County 2-1-1, including ways to get involved, please call 740-687-0500 or visit https://www.fairfieldcounty211.org.
Upcoming events
Saturday, May 13, Destination Downtown Lancaster is offering an installment of Saturday Cinema, featuring the children’s movie, "Sing 2." Pre-movie activities will begin at 7:30 p.m., with the movie beginning at dusk. Please bring blankets, chairs, and snacks. Concessions will also be available. This free event will be held at the Zane Square Bandstand, in Lancaster. For more details, visit Destination Downtown Lancaster on Facebook.
Saturday, May 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., The Lancaster Farmers Market will offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, baked goods, and other treats in the parking lot at West Chestnut Street, between Broad and Columbus streets. The market accepts SNAP/EBT payments, and some market vendors accept credit and debit cards, Ohio Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons. Please visit https://kellermarkethouse.org/lancaster-ohio-farmers-market for more information.
Tickets are on sale for this year’s Lancaster Festival. From July 20 to July 29, the Festival will showcase a variety of free and ticketed events, offering musical and artistic experiences for all ages and backgrounds. Some events have already sold out, so please get your tickets soon. For this year’s complete Lancaster festival schedule and ticket opportunities, please visit https://www.lancasterfestival.org.
I look forward to hearing from you! Please contact me at tkellyfairfieldcounty@gmail.com or follow my updates on Instagram at @tracy.mischelle.kelly!
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: County Connections: Fairfield County 2-1-1 has been helping people for more than 40 years
