Need help finding help? Since last February, Vermonters have had a service available to them called "2-1-1". The state-wide help-line provides confidential information and referral to vital community   resources.
2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember three-digit system (similar to  9-1-1 and 4-1-1) that makes a simple, but critical, connection        between individuals and families seeking services or volunteer      opportunities with the  appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies. It is a cost-effective answer to help      Vermonters navigate the complex and ever-growing network of     service providers.
"Through Vermont 2-1-1, we are providing a critically needed service," said MaryEllen Mendl, President of United Ways of Vermont. "Time and time again we hear that people just don't know who to call when they need help. Calling 2-1-1 is their first step."
Vermont 2-1-1 is a program of United Ways of Vermont and is funded by individual United Ways throughout Vermont, the Vermont Agency of Human Services, and grants from local foundations.     Significant in-kind support has been received from IBM Corporation and Downs, Rachlin and Martin PLLC. (Upper Valley United Way is one of the 10 United Ways that make up United Ways of Vermont.)
2-1-1 was first launched by United Way of Metropolitan
Atlanta in 1997 and has grown to serve over 34 percent of the U.S. population, in 141 active 2-1-1 systems throughout 30 states and Washington, DC. United Way of America's goal is to help ensure that 50% of the U.S. population is covered by 2-1-1 service by the end of 2005.
For confidential information or referral to a variety of services, Vermont 2-1-1 can be reached by dialing "2-1-1" from anywhere in Vermont, or by visiting www.vermont211.org. The help-line staff is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. After-hours callers may leave a message on the voicemail system and calls will be returned the next business day.
In Vermont, call 9-1-1 to save a life, stop a crime or report a fire; call 2-1-1 for community services information and referral.

Planning a picnic or a cook-out?  For outdoor dining events to be safe as well as fun, it's important to follow food safety practices.

• Thoroughly clean picnic baskets and coolers before filling them with food.
  
• A cooler (ice chest) should contain about 25% ice or freezer packs and 75% food. Pre-chill the cooler by filling it with ice or ice water, let it stand, then drain it and dry it before packing the food.
  
• Transport the cooler in the passenger part of the car, not in the trunk, which is likely to be hotter.
  
• Pack food just before you leave. Pack perishables   directly from the 'fridge.
  
• Do not leave perishable food out on tables in hot weather for more than an hour. Set foods out on smaller serving dishes and replenish as necessary.
  
• Provide plenty of places to dispose of garbage away from the food area.
  
• Take along hand wipes or waterless hand disinfectant if you're not sure about the hand-washing facilities at the picnic site.
  
• Think about how food has been handled and stored when deciding what to do with leftovers. Don't ruin a great time by bringing home a case of food poisoning!
  

1. Have you ever borrowed money in order to play BINGO, scratch tickets or pull tabs?
   
2. Have you ever thought you might have a problem, or been told you might have a problem with BINGO, scratch tickets, etc?
   
3. Have you ever been untruthful about the extent of your playing , or hid your playing from others?
   
4. Have you ever tried to stop or cut back on how much or how    often you play?