Fordham Westchester Hosts “2-1-1 on 2/11”

After a snow day and cold weather, Fordham Westchester warmed the spirits of students, faculty and staff by hosting “2-1-1 on 2/11.” The campus was the first institution in Westchester to host a “2-1-1 on 2/11” event in partnership with the United Way of Westchester and Putnam.

The catchy title grabbed the attention of students, faculty, staff and visitors entering the lobby of 400 Westchester Avenue. The day featured staff from the United Way of Westchester and Putnam who were on hand to distribute literature, sign up volunteers, and sell limited edition “Live United/Fordham Westchester” tank tops; all to support the United Way and 2-1-1 service. A snowperson (wearing one of the special tank tops) was constructed and outfitted to help spread the “Live United” theme and celebrate the inaugural occasion.

As part of Fordham Westchester’s commitment to the local community, the campus was proud to host the pilot event. The United Way of Westchester and Putnam mission states that they help advance the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. Fordham University shares that philosophy and since Fordham Westchester’s student body is social service oriented – the campus was a logical and ideal place to host the first of its kind “2-1-1 on 2/11” event .

2-1-1 is a free, confidential, multilingual information and referral service in the Hudson Valley. They currently handle more than 150,000 calls annually with questions ranging from food, clothing and shelter to legal services, drug treatment, employment support, childcare, physical/mental health resources, elder care, services for persons with disabilities and more. Most of their funding has been cut over the past few years, so they rely heavily on donations, fundraising, volunteers and contracting out the service to keep this important community resource moving forward.

Fordham Westchester helped spread the word about the great services provided by the United Way of Westchester and Putnam and 2-1-1. It is hoped that “2-1-1 on 2/11” will become a nationwide celebration every year and judging from the response shown by students, faculty and staff at Fordham Westchester-its well on its way to achieving that goal.