Today is 211 Day—a time to reflect and honor the vital work of 211 in our community. This year, United Way of Greater Kansas City also marks 20 years of serving our region with 24/7 support—last year connecting nearly 350,000 contacts to more than 7,000 local resources with service in 150 languages. We recently spent some time with one of our Community Resource Specialists to give you an inside view of the work they do to support others 365 days a year.
On a Tuesday morning, Wanda Parker settles into a cozy office chair and begins to untangle a web of cords that will connect her to people she’s never met and who will soon come to know her kind voice and attentive nature.
“Thank you for calling United Way 211. This is Wanda, how can I assist you?”
This has been her daily routine for more than two and a half years as a Community Resource Specialist for United Way of Greater Kansas City 211.
“You might talk to 50 people in a day. And if you can help even just one or two—you know inside that you did some good,” Parker said.
You might say this role was a calling. Wanda had been in retirement after decades of serving others through property management companies and the Kansas City Housing Authority.
“I got tired of being retired,” she shared. “It turns out this was a very good fit.”
Wanda exemplifies empathy and understanding. Whether it’s a call from two friends stranded needing gas to get home, a single working mother without enough money to pay for a life-saving prescription, or a senior looking for a tax preparation appointment—Wanda takes the time to listen carefully and provide every possible resource to meet the caller’s needs.
“It really heightens the awareness what’s really going on around you. And I thought I knew,” Parker said. “Before I started working with 211, I had no idea these resources were out there. And I’m always ecstatic when I get to help someone get through a situation they’re in.”
Wanda says anytime she drives down the street and spots someone living in a tent, or hears a customer at the grocery store that doesn’t have enough money to cover their bill, she immediately tells them about 211 and the wide-range of community resources that can offer vital support.
“The need out there is great and it’s growing,” said Parker. “I don’t think people realize how big the food desert is in Kansas City and the challenges people face to find resources where they live. Help can run out. So if people who are able, can donate, it really makes a big difference in what’s available to meet those needs.”
It can feel overwhelming at times. But Wanda is thankful for every opportunity when she can help turn the feeling of helplessness into hopefulness for someone on the other end of a phone call. And she reminds them at the end of each conversation that hope and help is never far away.
“Thanks for calling United Way 211. We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You take care.”