For Immediate Release – June 5, 2026
Contact: Danie Schalk, United Way’s 211 Program Director, 715-421-0390
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI – When you or a loved one is struggling, you want to be sure you are getting accurate, trustworthy information and referrals. How can you do that? Make sure you are contacting an organization proven to meet national standards and best practices.
United Way’s 211 announced today that it has been re-accredited by Inform USA (formerly AIRS) for a five-year period. With the successful completion of this rigorous process, United Way’s 211 joins approximately 125 accredited organizations and programs across the U.S. and Canada.
The comprehensive evaluation typically takes 12 months and involves five phases: a consultant’s report that assessed the agency’s compliance with national standards, a detailed review of the resource database, a secret shopper component, a survey of the organizations who are listed on their resource database, and a virtual site visit.
“Re-accreditation is a very lengthy, in-depth process,” said Danie Schalk, 211 Program Director. “Inform USA reviews every aspect of our program, from call handling and database maintenance to policies and procedures to verify that we are operating at the highest possible level and meeting all Inform USA standards. The final phase is a virtual site visit that allows our center to debrief with the Inform USA reviewers. We are proud to have earned and celebrate re-accreditation for the 4th time at United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties’ 211 contact center.”
This milestone marks the fourth time the local service has achieved national accreditation, following previous honors in 2009, 2017, and 2021. It underscores United Way’s 211’s ongoing commitment to helping residents seamlessly connect with vital resources, whether they need food pantries, heating assistance, or mental health counseling.
Individuals can access these services by dialing 2-1-1, texting their zip code to 898-211, or chat online.