Here's the 411 on 211

A powerful new phone service was officially launched today in Sault Ste. Marie.

211 is a free multilingual phone service designed to connect callers with area businesses and organizations that offer a variety of non-emergency services and programs.

Today's joint announcement, presented at Station Mall by the United Way Sault Ste. Marie and the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre, featured three mock 211 phone conversations to demonstrate the service's ease and convenience.

Pictured is Isabel Crowley posing as a senior seeking information about local snow removal services.

The local information database is maintained by the Innovation Centre with data provided by the United Way of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario WorkInfonet, Superior Children's Centre/ Algoma Manitoulin Early Years, the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library.

Full text of the Ontario 211 Services Corporation news release follows.

************************** 211 service reaches out to Sault Ste. Marie

Strengthening Ontarians' access to community services

SAULT STE. MARIE - Residents of Sault Ste. Marie have a powerful new multilingual phone service that offers reliable information about community, social, health and related government services.

211 is a free, confidential public information service, accessible anytime via an easy to recall three-digit phone number (2-1-1) or via the Internet (www.211Ontario.ca).

By dialing 2-1-1, callers are directly connected to certified information and referral specialists, trained to assess each caller's needs, provide accurate information, and advise people about the most appropriate service or program available.

Among those attending the launch were Pat Mick, chair of the Sault Ste. Marie DSSAB and Gary Vipond, CEO of the United Way of Sault Ste. Marie.

"This is a very happy occasion for Ontario 211 and the residents of Sault Ste. Marie. The expansion is another in a series of new regional services that will reach all Ontarians by 2011," said Bill Morris, executive director of Ontario 211 Services Corporation (O211SC). "In partnership with the provincial government, local United Ways and municipalities, Ontario 211 is improving access to important services for all Ontarians, no matter where they live."

Minister of Community and Social Services Madeleine Meilleur sent her congratulations.

"This 211 service expansion into the City of Sault Ste. Marie will give thousands more Ontarians instant telephone access to local social services information - families in crisis who need to access community services, new Canadians who need information to adapt to a new home, or parents searching for local services for their children," she said.

211 is a product of the collaborative efforts of many community and government partners in Ontario.

The Ministry of Community and Social Services is providing $13.5 million over four years to expand service capacity.

211 telephone service is currently available to almost 60 percent of all Ontario residents, including those residing in Thunder Bay, Ottawa, Toronto region and Windsor.

Service to Sault Ste. Marie, part of the Northern Ontario region, is operated by Lakehead Social Planning Council in Thunder Bay.

**************************