For Immediate Release – February 2, 2026
Contact Danie Schalk, United Way’s 211 Program Director, 715-421-0390
Wisconsin Rapids, WI – Mayor Matt Zacher has officially proclaimed February 11, 2026, as “211 Day” in Wisconsin Rapids, joining a national effort to honor the vital 24/7 resource. National 211 Day recognizes the free, three-digit (2-1-1) service that connects millions of people across the U.S. and Canada—including residents in Wood and Adams Counties—to essential community resources and social services.
Based on the latest 211 Impact Survey Data, 211 triaged 16.8 million requests nationally. Our local contact center responded to 7,044 calls in 2025 and provided people in the community with access to help for immediate or long-term needs.
211 is a vital resource leveraged by Wood and Adams Counties residents who need assistance with disaster, food, health care, mental health, insurance, stable housing, utility payment, veteran services, childcare, and other related needs. Other key facts about 211:
- 211 is 24/7, free and confidential, and accessible in every county in Wisconsin
- 211 is offered in over 180 languages
- 211 specialists offer empathetic, non-judgmental care - and these trained specialists connect individuals and families to a range of available resources to meet their underlying needs, not just the one that prompted the call, text, or email.
“211 usage increased significantly in the last year. That tells us our community needs 211 more than ever,” said Danie Schalk, 211 Program Director. “For 211 Day, let us thank our Resource Specialists who provide support, update the programs in the database, and keep the community connected to as many resources as are available.”
For 211 Day, United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties encourages residents in Wood and Adams Counties to:
- Connect with 211 if they or someone they know needs help
- Dial 211 on your phone and you will be routed to an available contact center
- Text your zip code to 898211
- Connect via chat with a Resource Specialist online at 211wisconsin.communityos.org
- Visit our database of community resources at uwswac.org/211
- Share 211 widely with their neighbors, family, and friends to connect others to help and support
- Advocate to your local policymakers for the importance of and need to strengthen 211
Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Matt Zacher recently proclaimed February 11, 2026, “211 Day.” Pictured here are Danie Schalk, 211 Program Director, and Mayor Zacher.