Through Family Service Agency’s 2-1-1 Helpline, citizens can receive information and referrals to over 2,500 community resources and services county-wide. People can call to access food and utility assistance, other basic needs supports, shelters and warming centers, mental health supports, child care, and more. To be connected just call 2-1-1 or 1-800-400-1527 from any landline or cell phone or visit us on the web at www.211sbcounty.org. Last year, 2-1-1 provided over 17,000 callers with needed support.

On 2/11, National 2-1-1 Awareness Day, Family Service Agency is working hard to spread the word about how to access help when you need it by calling 2-1-1. Santa Barbara County’s Board of Supervisors and Santa Barbara City’s mayor, Helen Schneider have supported our outreach efforts and have proclaimed Friday, February 11th, 2011 as 2-1-1 Awareness Day for Santa Barbara City and County.

“2-1-1 is a key partner with First 5 to ensure families with young children are linked to needed resources in our community. This collaboration works hard to guarantee families are strong, children are safe, and that all children are receiving the education and support they need to make sure they get the best possible start in life.” – Pat Wheatley, Executive Director of First 5 Commission of Santa Barbara County

“When a personal or family crisis arises, easy access to programs and services is vital. Thanks to 211, our community is connected to reliable and supported human services”. – Ernesto Paredes, Executive Director Easy Lift Transportation

“By working with Family Service Agency’s 2-1-1 Helpline and Family Advocates we are able to go the extra mile for families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities. FSA’s programs collaborate with and refer to the Unity Shoppe’s grass roots efforts to encourage self-sufficiency and independence and provide opportunities to those in our community that need it most.” – Tom Reed, Executive Director Unity Shoppe

“As the economic crisis continues, the needs of our community continue to grow. More and more people are in need of help and don’t know where to go or who to call. Our 2-1-1 Helpline and online database are helping people who have never had to ask for help before. 2-1-1, a program of Family Service Agency, is working firsthand to address the many needs our Santa Barbara County communities continue to face.” – Bill Batty, Executive Director Family Service Agency

Since 1899, Family Service Agency has been working in the community to provide hope, strength and stability to those who need it most. Our mission is to strengthen and advocate for families and individuals of all ages and diversities, helping to create and preserve a healthy community. Through counseling, case management, information and referral, advocacy and mentoring, our programs give children, families, and seniors a hand up to success and self-sufficiency. Services are offered county-wide with offices in Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Lompoc and Santa Maria and programs in the community and at school sites. Our services are offered on a sliding scale or for free thanks to generous individuals, foundations, businesses and corporations. Big Brothers Big Sisters, 2-1-1 Helpline, Child & Family Counseling, School-Based Counseling, Family Resource Centers, Probation Youth Counseling, Intensive In-Home Therapy, Senior Case Management, Senior Mental Health and Caregiver Counseling and Support programs support people struggling to meet their most basic needs. For more information, to inquire about services, or to donate, please call (805) 965-1001 or visit www.fsacares.org.

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