211 Success Story

Moving is listed as one of the top stressors that a person can experience in a lifetime. Imagine that you are a Mom of an infant child moving to a new town, and realize that your car was broken into. Your baby’s clothes were amongst the items that were stolen out of your car. Now what do you do? Who do you turn to for help in situations that seem to be too overwhelming to handle? 

This frustrated Mom called 211 San Joaquin, and had known about the 211 system from her previous experience reaching out for help in the county she had just moved from. She explained her circumstances to the 211 Call Specialist, who was able to reassure the Mom that there were local resources that can help her find clothes for her baby. Upon listening to the caller, the Call Specialist was also able to identify that this Mom was on a limited budget, and that most of their money for the month was spent on moving expenses.

The Call Specialist, addressed this Mom’s immediate needs, clothing for her baby, and referred the caller to two local agencies listed in the database that offer clothing closet programs. This Mom was also asked if assistance was needed with other basic necessities like food, diapers, and wipes, knowing that Mom had little money left after the move.

The Call Specialists at 211 provide multidimensional information and referral services to callers, and are skilled at de-escalating stressful situations. This Mom received a call back from the same Call Specialist a week later checking on both Mom and baby, and both were adjusting well to their big change of moving to a new city. The Mom shared that she was able to pick-up clothes for her baby and herself, and now felt that she was equipped with the information needed for food programs and benefits, if needed.

211 provides expert, caring help-no matter the situation, the specialists at 211 listen, identify underlying problems, and connect people in need with resources and services in their community that strengthen their lives.