2-1-1

Being a marketing major, I love advertisements, fliers, billboards - anything that grabs your attention. I love the big picture of things, and seeing the outcome once all the small detail is put together. Although I am a marketing intern, having the "intern" title I didn't think I would be helping that much is the actual creation of marketing collateral. However, I have been able to assist in creating fliers, posters and other documents to help spread and gain awareness about our events, benefits and initiatives.

One of our most recent initiatives, 2-1-1, which launched on 2/11, is a phone number to call which connects local residents with a variety of different services and resources to assist them. It is already launched in numerous other counties and states across the country, and has been deemed successful in Sonoma County in just the short time it started. Upon dialing, you will reach a very knowledgable staff whom will provide you with the resource you need. Whether it be a critical situation, such as help during a fire or flood, housing or rent assistance, support for seniors and the disabled, opportunities to donate or childcare services, 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

While 2-1-1 was known in other parts of the country, our United Way had to promote it and gain awareness for the residents of Sonoma County. I was lucky to assist in creating many different posters needed to help promote the launch. Using InDesign and Illustrator, I helped format different documents, choose pictures and help edit them at the end. These posters were passed out to local businesses including the Police Department and local hospital, as well as put on city buses. It was neat to see some of my work shown in the ads throughout the community, and see how I really helped out.

To date, 2-1-1 has been one of our most successful initiatives. People all over Sonoma County use it daily, and it also helps gain awareness and business to other companies and organizations. The specialist connects you with resources that you wouldn't have known otherwise, which has had a huge impact in our community, especially when the economy is down and people need more assistance that usual.

For more information on 2-1-1 or to utilize their assistance and resources, visit http://www.211wc.org/