Being operational on the Treasure Coast for the last five years as well as with continued efforts to increase awareness and utilization of 211 services, 211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast has created a St. Lucie County Advisory Committee, which met for the first time on February 29 th at the United Way of St. Lucie County in Ft. Pierce. This Committee will meet on a biannual basis and is expected to increase 211's involvement with the community.

The Advisory Committee is comprised of a diverse group of professionals with knowledge of their local community who are interested in assisting 211 in evaluating current practices such as community outreach, marketing efforts, service delivery, etc. In doing so, these professionals will be called upon to provide valuable input as well as make recommendations or introductions to key individuals that can assist in supporting 211's growth. In addition, members of the committee will have an opportunity to open new doors and allow for 211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast to broaden its impact and subsequently reach new markets.

The meeting consisted of an overview of the non-profit agency as well as reports regarding outreach efforts for the 2007-2008 year. The committee also discussed the direction they felt the organization should be headed for 2008. "The Committee members had such valuable input and I look forward to continue working with each one of them. Overall, I think this group is going to be very dynamic," says 211 Community Relations Specialist for Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee Counties, Tara Martin.

211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast also has an Advisory Committee in Martin County, which will meet on Friday, April 25 th at 10:00am in the Conference Room of the United Way of Martin County in Stuart. If you are interested in learning more about the Advisory Committee for either Martin or St. Lucie Counties, please contact Tara Martin at (772) 766-0326.

With access to more than 4,000 programs, 211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast provides information and referrals to health and human service programs, crisis counseling, suicide prevention, and community education services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Individuals of all ages can simply call the free, easy to remember number by dialing 2-1-1 on their home or cell phone and speak to a highly trained specialist in a confidential and anonymous setting. For more information on the vast array of programs and services that are available to assist individuals in the community or how you can help, dial 2-1-1, or visit the website at www.211treasurecoast.org.