United Way of Greater Kansas City is proud to operate 211, our region’s 24/7 resource and referral line. In 2025, our 211 Community Resource Specialists (CRSs) continued to respond to a high volume of contacts with 347,839 (combination of phone calls and unique visits to 211KC.org)
Calls to 211 and online inquiries via 211KC.org are free and confidential. Specialists listen closely to uncover needs and identify help, utilizing a database of more than 7,000 community resources. Service is available in 150 languages.
Each year, United Way of Greater Kansas City recognizes an outstanding individual who goes above and beyond to answer our community’s call for support, assists teammates, and performs their work with a deep sense of compassion and care, as the Frontline Worker of the Year. This year’s recipient was recognized by United Way staff on 211 Day in February, and again during the WaymakerTM Awards in July.
Dan Eck has been with United Way 211 for 19 years and currently works as a Community Resource Specialist supporting our partnership with the Mid-America Regional Council’s Aging and Adult Services Division.
“Dan is one of those individuals who is very passionate, yet quiet, about the level of dedication and service he gives each and every day,” said Kristen Engelbrecht, United Way of Greater Kansas City 211 Vice President. “We’re just so very excited to be able to celebrate him this year.”
She continued, “So individuals like peers and callers rely on Dan for support because he takes more of almost a familial role.”
“I try to think what would I do if this was my mom or my dad? Or if these were my brothers and sisters and they needed help—how am I going to direct them?” Dan said. “I would look at it like I was part of the family.”
Dan was selected as Frontline Worker of the Year because he’s both thorough and compassionate.
“When I go into difficult calls, you listen to what their problems are,” said Dan. “You kind of start thinking about all the different resources you know of that could help them in that situation or life experience, and then usually by the end of the call they feel better because now they have information.”
“When it comes to our callers, especially our seniors, he will sit in with you and take his time, slow the conversation down, as well as just be as accurate as her can be to help problem solve what their needs are,” said Lenetta Warren, United Way 211 Contact Center Manager.
“A lot of times, it’s just listening,” Dan shared. “They just want someone to listen to them. You can really see the difference you’re making in people’s lives.”
“Call volume maybe high, but he’ll take the time to be able to just lighten the load and let everybody know, ‘Hey, we’re going to get through this. It’s okay.’ And it kind of helps ease the flow of the day,” Warren said.
“Thank you, Dan, so much, for all that you do,” Engelbrecht added. “We truly appreciate you and value everything you contribute each and every day.”
During his acceptance speech, Dan also shared:
“When I look at this award I can’t help but think the true award is when I get someone who starts a call with a little fear, maybe some uncertainty, only to end the call saying they were grateful for the assistance, but more importantly for the hope it gave me. I do believe the reason we all do this, is truly to give people hope.”
If you or someone you know needs assistance, 211 is here for you. It’s free and confidential with service in 150 languages by simply dialing 2-1-1 from any phone or visiting 211KC.org.