2-1-1
2-1-1 is a system of help via telephone - a single integrated source for information about community services, crisis intervention and referrals to health and human services. It is accessed toll-free from anywhere in Connecticut by simply dialing 2-1-1 and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Multilingual call specialists and TDD access is available.
Connecticut residents dial 2-1-1 for many different types of help. Professional call specialists help callers with such complex issues as substance abuse, gambling, domestic violence programs, suicide prevention, financial problems, and much more. Other callers may simply be looking for volunteer opportunities. By dialing 2-1-1, a caller is connected with an information specialist who helps the caller assess their situation and finds the closest community services that can assist them. It’s important for people to remember that 911 remains the number to call for police, fire or EMS emergency response and 411 remains the number to call for telephone directory information.
United Way 211 has developed the state’s most comprehensive database of human service resources. It is continuously updated, providing the foundation for mailing list, a statewide directory available on CD Rom, and a searchable database on http://www.211ct.org/. The collection of data on demographics and caller problems provide another valuable resource by presenting an overview of the challenges faced by Connecticut residents. This data is used for many types of human-needs assessments in the state. Customized arrangements enable many non-profit agencies to provide after-hours coverage for their clients. United Way 2-1-1 call specialists screen calls and access agency staff when crisis intervention is necessary.
Independent Development Accounts
The Connecticut IDA program is an initiative of the CT Department of Labor which strengthens families and communities by facilitating self-sufficiency and economic stability through financial education and asset development. 
Our United Way and Liberty Bank partnership features a special interest bearing savings account which offers a dollar-to-dollar match up to $1000 by each Liberty Bank and United Way to assist low income families saving to buy a first home. Participants must meet with a case manager, make regular contributions to the account and complete courses on topics such as setting up a budget and understanding the mortgage process.
If you meet the Participation Requirements and want more information, please work with a Case Manager at TVCCA to complete the pre-application form. You can also schedule an appointment to meet with the IDA Coordinator, Kim Barry at 860.425.6626.
SingleCare Prescription Drug Discount Cards
SingleCare (formerly FamilyWize) cards are distributed by United Way throughout our community. The card helps lower the cost of medicine by an average of 45% or more for people without insurance or who take medications not covered by their plan. These discount cards can be used by everyone in the community, not just people without insurance. They can even be used by people with health benefits, including Medicaid and Medicare. 
The cards are similar to insurance in that they are shown to a pharmacist who then offers a discount which helps clients better afford their prescription medications. It is good for several years and an entire family can use it, even if members have different last names. To date, this program has saved New London County residents millions on their prescription medications!
Text "family" to 700700 to receive a card on your phone (Message and data rates may apply. SingleCare Terms and Privacy.). Once you have received the card, you can opt out of getting messages at any time by texting "STOP." To learn more about the program and where cards can be used visit the SingleCare website.
Internet Essentials
For today’s families, a home internet connection is more essential than ever. Since 2011, Internet Essentials from Comcast has connected more than six million low-income Americans to low-cost, high-speed Internet at home so that students, parents, seniors and veterans can be ready for anything.
Internet Essentials provides eligible households with:
- High-speed Internet service for $9.95 + tax per month
- No term contract or credit check
- No installation fee
- In-home WiFi included
- Access to 40 1-hour sessions of Xfinity WiFi hotspots outside the home every 30 days
- The option to purchase a refurbished laptop for $149.99 + tax
- Free in-person and online digital training classes
Households may be eligible for Internet Essentials if they:
- Have at least one child who is eligible for the National School Lunch Program, receive HUD housing assistance or are a low-income veteran receiving state and/or federal assistance
- Live in an area where Comcast Internet Service is available
- Have not subscribed to Comcast Internet within the last 90 days
Households interested in applying can do so online at www.InternetEssentials.com or by calling toll-free 1-855-8-INTERNET.
Our United Way is proud to partner with Comcast to help working families save their hard-earned money and become financially secure.
