Often in Friday Props we highlight delightful things. It's just sort of my nature to want to share things that are fun or whimsical or interesting. But there is a dark side of life, too, and we all experience it in various ways and different degrees. Sometimes life just gets really, really hard and for many people it is this time of year when the sun disappears and the cold sets in and the cultural expectation is for cheer and joy that is the most difficult to get through.

For Friday Props this week I want to recognize the Vermont 211 resource.

For those who do not know, Vermont 211 is a reserved phone number (like 911) that connects callers with a centralized community resource center. If you are in need of any kind of help the people who answer your call will be able to connect you with resources to help you through your situation. 

The mission of Vermont 211 is to promote the health and well-being of all people in Vermont through information about and referrals to community resources. 

“[T]rained, empathetic Community Resource Specialists who assess their needs in a non-threatening, non-judgmental and confidential manner and help them understand their situations and make informed decisions about possible solutions. The I&R Specialist can, when necessary, assist people who are in crisis and emergency situations. I&R Specialists can also advocate on behalf of individuals who need additional support.”

- Inform USA (formerly AIRS - Alliance of Information and Referral Systems)

Vermont 211 is an important resource for all manner of issues including natural disaster recovery, crisis intervention, healthcare concerns, housing issues, and much more. 

Props this week for a service there to help prop us up when we need it. Props to the United Ways of Vermont for sponsoring and maintaining this vital service.

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Vermont 211 website: https://vermont211.org/

Vermont 211 resource directory: https://www.navigateresources.net/211vermont/