Blog
Welcome to NJ 211's Blog! Explore different topics surrounding our organization, including:
- Program highlights
- Team member and partner introductions
- Specific updates for our New Jersey neighbors
Details about 211 on a larger scale
and more!
Celebrating Information & Referral: I&R Day
Did you know November houses a celebration day for Information and Referral (I&R)?
November 16th was National Information and Referral Day – a day recognizing the importance of organizations like NJ 211 who guide people to resources and programs that are best suited to their needs. Through compassionate conversation and actively listening to our callers’ situations, our community resource specialists can identify resources not only for what help seekers originally contact us for, but for additional areas that could also benefit from assistance programs. Looking for resources can be overwhelming, but finding assistance suited to your needs does not have to be thanks to this human service system!
Since 2015, NJ 211 has been a proud member of the Inform USA Accreditation Program. Formerly known as “AIRS: the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems,” Inform USA has created clear and consistent professional standards for the information and referral sector of human services. Organizations with this accreditation can create a sense of credibility consumers can rely on, knowing they are receiving the highest quality of service from our team. NJ 211 is just one of many 211 organizations who hold this accreditation and standard of service.
Many of our staff have taken it upon themselves to obtain an Inform USA Accreditation, too! Several of our Database Team and Community Resource Specialists have studied, applied, and successfully received individual credentials from Inform USA’s “Certification Program,” solidifying their passion and dedication to those who rely on us. Whether it is updating our social service directory, or navigating the directory live with a consumer, our service would be nothing without the individuals on the front lines, showing up in the best way they know how.
In a time riddled with uncertainty, know there is always a place to turn to with your local information and referral services. We are here to help you move forward: one search, conversation, and connection at a time.
Back to Basics: What is 211?
It’s the most common question we get at events, online, or in passing: what IS 211? This best kept secret that we actually want you to know about stretches farther than our small, yet mighty, operation here in New Jersey.
Let’s head back to the basics and cover the “Five W’s” of 211 to better understand this literal lifeline.
1. WHAT: 211 is three digit dialing code (2-1-1) that connects people to local resources through the use of a 24/7 call center.
2. WHO: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated the 2-1-1 dialing code as the official 3-digit number to connect people to information and referral for a variety of social services.
3. WHEN: 211’s 3-digit code was established in 2000.
Fun fact: NJ 211 was created in 2002 to launch the 211 service in New Jersey and officially became a statewide service in 2005 (which is now 20 years old!). You can read more about our history here.
4. WHERE: 99% of the United States and all of Canada use the 211 line to connect to resources.
Fun fact: there are more than 200 local organizations, including NJ 211, that provide call center service for their community.
5. (and maybe the most important) WHY: Accessibility is power. 211’s free, multilingual, confidential, and always open line makes it easy for anyone to get access to local resources that have the power to change their situation.
In the end, all 211 organizations share a similar goal: to bridge the gap between members of our community and resources available to help, and to empower people like you to take the next steps in finding support.
Now that you know more about 211, share the wealth! Send this information to your family and friends so they will know where to turn to for future help.
- Located in New Jersey? You can connect with our 211 team through call, text, chat, or email – all of which can be found here.
- Sharing this post with those outside of New Jersey? Help them find their local 211.