September 29, 2005

UNITED WAY STAFF MEMBER TO VOLUNTEER IN GULF COAST
Director of LINC Headed to Monroe, Louisiana

Lancaster, PA (September 29, 2005) – This Sunday, Toni McCuistion is putting her Information & Referral expertise to the test. The Director of United Way LINC is headed to Monroe, Louisiana for seven days to assist the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita access critical information and services through a centralized 2-1-1 call center.

To help meet the overwhelming needs created by the hurricanes, the United Way of Northeast Louisiana in Monroe has expanded its call center to accommodate 56 Information & Referral specialists – up from three staff members. It is receiving all 2-1-1 calls made via cell phone throughout Louisiana. Additionally, the call center is serving 10 parishes in the greater New Orleans area and any overflow inquiries from the 2-1-1 center in Baton Rouge.

“We all need to pitch-in and do what we can to help the survivors of these horrific disasters. And I’m going to hit the ground running,” says McCuistion. “I land at 3 o’clock local time Sunday and may be at the phones by 6 that evening.”

McCuistion is answering the call to volunteer from United Way of America – which also is providing disaster relief in Texas, Mississippi and Alabama. “Thankfully for Louisiana residents, 2-1-1 is the number to call if a victim has a need or a question,” she says. “It is an easy way for everyone to access assistance.”

At United Way of Lancaster County, McCuistion’s colleagues are proud of her dedication to assisting those in need. “We are honored that Toni is sharing her 13 years of experience in Information and Referral services to help the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita,” says Susan Eckert, President of United Way of Lancaster County. “Toni is a valued member of our team and we know that she’ll be an asset to the expanded 2-1-1 call center in Northeast Louisiana.”

To prepare for her seven days in the devastated region, McCuistion attended an orientation session at the Public Safety Institute. “The training gave me an idea of what it’s like to work with victims in such an emotional state,” says McCuistion. “The callers truly have lost everything,” she continues. “I need to be prepared for that.”

Back in Lancaster County, McCuistion is hopeful that the county’s goodwill towards the Gulf Coast translates locally. “LINC has received so many calls from people willing to donate their time and money to help the hurricane victims,” she says. “We have talked with people looking to donate everything from food and diapers to cars and vacated apartments.”

“I am confident,” McCuistion concludes, “that the generosity associated with helping others will carry over to support of our neighbors Lancaster County.” Thus far, McCuistion’s right – the United Way’s 2005 Campaign is showing modest gains. The current total of $1,305,005 is a 1% increase in the overall campaign from last year.

“We are encouraged by the solid start to this year’s campaign,” says Eckert. “In light of the tragedies in the Gulf Coast, it is important to remember that an investment in United Way is one of the best opportunities to demonstrate one’s commitment to help people locally and to improve lives here in Lancaster County.”

Now, more than ever, United Way of Lancaster County’s resources, agencies and programs are providing services to improve lives and build stronger communities. For more information, please call 394-0731 or visit the organization’s website at www.uwlanc.org.

About Toni McCuistion: McCuistion has worked at United Way of Lancaster County for 13 years, first as an Information & Referral specialist and then promoted to Director of LINC in 1997. She received her Certified Information & Referral Specialist (CIRS) rating in 1998. Professionally, she serves on the Pennsylvania Association for Information & Referral (PAIR) as the Financial Secretary. Locally, McCuistion is Chair for the Mainstream Resources Committee of the Lancaster Interagency Council for the Homeless.