PHONES START RINGING FOR FIRST CALL FOR HELP

By the end of its first day of operating for the general public, First Call for Help had received seven calls.

Denise Wimp, coordinator for the information and referral program and the one who answered those calls, thinks that's a good beginning.

The information and referral line, reached by calling 334-HELP (4357) is operating 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The idea is to provide the people of Cape County who have questions or problems with one number that can link them with the more than 170 non-profit and government agencies providing thousands of services.

"The intent is better access to programs by the people who need them," said Nancy Jernigan, executive director of the United Way, which is one of the agencies collaborating on the program. The others include East Missouri Action Agency, Community Caring Council, St. Francis Medical Center, the cities of Cape Girardeau and Jackson, Rotary Club and Bank of America.

At some point, everyone comes across something they've never faced before and doesn't know what to do. "That's when you want to call us," Wimp said.

It's taken about two years to get First Call for Help fully operational. That involved buying a software program to store information, finding office space, hiring a coordinator and, perhaps the most difficult job, inputing into a database all the information about the agencies, programs and services offered throughout Cape Girardeau County.

"For most calls, it involves more than giving out a phone number," Wimp said.

Take a recent referral from an agency: A young mother trying to continue with school needed home care for her infant, who had special medical needs. Wimp said she spent about two hours on the phone finding the services to meet the young mother's needs.

Wimp said there are many situations that First Call for Help can save people time and effort.

"If you are a working parent, you aren't going to have time to spend half a day making phone calls," Wimp said. "I can make those phone calls for you."

When Wimp isn't answering calls or making calls to answer questions, she's updating information in the database.

On Wednesday, she was getting starting on verifying about 700 toll-free numbers. She's also trying to update information on local agencies.

"You have to work constantly to keep information updated," Wimp said. She wants to make sure she's giving callers the right phone number and the right information about agencies, she said.

While callers can remain anonymous, Wimp does ask them information about their background and situation. She will use this information to track what services are needed in the area.

"If we know the gaps in services, we can work to fill those gaps," Wimp said.

The next task Wimp would like to tackle is setting up a directory to link individuals and organizations looking for volunteer opportunities with programs needing volunteers.

But for now Wimp is working on updating the database and answering what she hopes will be a growing number of phone calls on two phone lines. Those who call while both lines are busy or who call after hours, can leave a message on an answering machine.

As people become more familiar with the service, Wimp expects to get more calls.

"Too many phone calls would be wonderful," she said.