Information and Referral now available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

211 First Call For Help a direct service of United Way of Geauga County, is a free and confidential telephone Information and Referral (I&R) program. We aim to assist callers through the complicated maze of health and human service providers and link Geauga residents to the help they need.  This link has now been made easier by three-digit dialing of 2-1-1. Dial these three simple digits 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to have one of our Information Specialists help you find solutions to complicated, as well as, every day problems. Some corporate phone systems block three-digit dialing, so First Call for Help remains available 24/7 at our local number, 440.285.3194. Please call 9-1-1 in emergencies.  You may also search the First Call for Help database by clicking on the 2-1-1 Icon.

PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO HELP

United Way Services of Geauga County in conjunction with UHHS Geauga Regional Hospital and the Medicine Shoppe has developed and instituted its "Vial of Life" program. The vials are designed to hold key medical information and be stored on the inside door of a refrigerator. A magnet placed on the front of the refrigerator notifies EMS personnel of the vial giving them the ability to obtain immediate access to necessary medical information.

To receive a vial please contact the Senior Information Service at 211 or 440.285.3194 and we will mail one to you.

Senior Information Service
Funded by the United Way and Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging, First Call for Help reaches out to the senior population in Geauga County to provide information and assistance with senior programs to help make life easier and more enjoyable. Along with our Vial of Life program, we offer a free Benefits Eligibility Screening for Seniors (BESS). This takes about one half hour on the phone and gives the caller a list of federal, state, regional and county programs they are eligible for and direction on how to tap into them. Simply dial 211 to schedule your screening.

Senior Directory

Valuable guide for seniors living in Geauga Co.   Telephone numbers.  Access to services and many other pieces of information all in one book. Call 211 if you would like one mailed to your home. Click here >>

Senior Discretionary Fund
This fund provides up to $150 per year to seniors and disabled individuals needing assistance ranging from home medical supplies to property taxes.

Emergency Assistance Program
Geauga County residents facing housing, medical or utility emergencies are eligible to receive necessary funding from several charitable organizations including the United Way to resolve these temporary conditions. Persons seeking assistance from this program may contact the First Call for Help at 211 or 440.285.3194.  Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

Geauga Hunger Task Force

First Call for Help manages this organization dedicated to fight hunger in Geauga County. Simply call 211 or 440.285.3194 to receive emergency food or make a donation.