“I learned from the team that there are many reasons to expand funding for 211. Being part of the, Human Services Committee at the House of Representatives, we’re going to figure out how we can present to the department ways to maybe increase funding for a much needed program,” said Rep. Nikki Rivera (D-Lancaster)
Rep. Nikki Rivera, took a tour of United Way of Lancaster County and PA 211 East office, Thursday afternoon.
Rivera, recently elected November 5, 2024, has taken over from former Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster). Prior to being elected, Rivera was the School Board President of Manheim township. United Way of Lancaster county invited Rivera to visit the office to gain an understanding of the impact of PA 211 East.
PA 211 East is a part of nationwide service that connects individuals to essential resources like housing, healthcare, childcare, food assistance. The service covers 7 counties in the commonwealth including; Berks, Carbon, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Northampton, and Schuylkill.
The service receives $750,000 of state funding, that helps fund efforts on the statewide level and individual contact centers. 211 across the state is about a $6 million dollar operation, the rest of the funding comes from different organizations, local government, several United Ways, and other special projects.
Rivera spoke with Patricia Espinosa-Vargas, director of PA 211 East, Julie Kennedy, director of advocacy & engagement, Joel Janisewski, vice president of impact and Kate Zimmerman, president and CEO.
Espinosa-Vargas spoke to Rivera about 211’s day to day operations, bilingual systems and special projects. Kennedy and Zimmerman provided Rivera with her District’s data.
“We really wanted to focus on was the power that 211 has in vocalizing and expressing the real time needs of the community, and that there is boundless data available to legislators and decision makers about resources that are being accessed,” said Kennedy
PA 211 East is accessible over the phone, Facebook and Instagram, through text messaging, and through its website via chat or guided search.
(Related: PA 211 East Resource Navigators describe their experiences at ‘211 Day’ panel)
