Information and Referral Specialists are unique in their understanding of the sensitivity to the needs of people seeking help and information. Although there are many health and human services available in our community, many people don’t know where to call to get the help they need. Our initial goal was to develop and establish an improved information and referral system to help people find needed services in a quick and efficient manner.

The United Way of Southwest Georgia ascribes to The Alliance of Information and Referral Systems which places emphasis on respecting eveyone’s rights to:

• Anonymous and/or confidential access to information assistance based on the consumer’s personal value system.

• Treatment based on respect and cultural sensitivity.

• Self-determination and self-sufficiency.

• The opportunity to access the service of choice.

• Accurate and comprehensive information about services.

We have made great progress in supplying a comprehensive community support Information and Referral center since March 1981 when Helpline opened its telephone lines to the public. An average of 180 callers a month utilized our services in 2006.

Helpline is for information purposes only, it does not provide health and/or human services or monetary funds for needed services. Calls made to the United Way Helpline are confidential, except when the caller is in imminent physical or emotional danger or is threatening to do harm to themselves or another. Although extensive research and information gathering is conducted on an ongoing basis, United Way cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information, nor can it guarantee the required service(s).