SALAH FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANT TO ENHANCE 2-1-1 BROWARD HELPLINE COUNSELOR’S WORKSPACE & AGENCY PROGRAMS

Sheila Smith, Noreen Salah Burpee, George Taylor and Jen KlaassensSheila Smith, Noreen Salah Burpee, George Taylor and Jen Klaassens

Salah Foundation awarded a generous grant designated for general operating funds to support 2-1-1 Broward’s technology improvements and staffing needs.  Upon a recent visit to 2-1-1 Broward’s call center, George Taylor, Salah Foundation board member, noticed that the helpline counselors had small computer screens, older chairs and did not have headsets to use while taking incoming crisis calls. The Salah Foundation was committed to improving their comfort level by providing them with new computers, wireless headsets, and ergonomic chairs.

Taylor called the grant a “no brainer” and said that “2-1-1’s counselors have a very difficult job.  Updated technology and comfortable chairs are not luxuries, but necessities for these counselors.”  The counselors are grateful for the upgrades. One of the counselors shared, “As someone who has had spinal surgery, ergonomically correct chairs are very important.” Helpline Counselor on Chair Delivery DayHelpline Counselor on Chair Delivery Day

 

Additionally, The Salah Foundation committed to providing additional staff hours to answer calls and to update the database of services, both crucial to meeting the need in our community and connecting callers with the best possible services. 2-1-1 Broward manages the intake for all of the Broward County homeless programs.  Before Photo of WorkspaceBefore Photo of Workspace

 

Sheila Smith, President/CEO of 2-1-1 Broward stated that “The entire team at 2-1-1 is grateful for the support of Salah Foundation. Increasing the comfort of our helpline counselors is extraordinary, and the improved comfort and technology enables our dedicated counselors to focus on the task at hand; helping clients 24/7.  2-1-1 is a public utility. However, unlike 9-1-1 and 4-1-1, there is no designated tax as a source of funding. We rely on the support of the community.  Salah Foundation’s commitment to our counselors and supporting additional staff is greatly appreciated.”After Photos of WorkstationAfter Photos of Workstation

Spread the love!