New Non-profit Much Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts
The Challenge
People looking for help in the four-county Portland metropolitan region often do not know where to begin. Locating such basic resources as food, shelter, employment, or health care may mean calling dozens of phone numbers, then struggling through a maze of agencies and services to make the right connections. To address this problem, we set out to create an easy-to-remember number to call when you need help but don’t know where to look.
But first, we faced the challenge of bringing together five independent services to create something new. We had to learn how to blend the histories and work of each without losing something precious. We had to learn to trust each other.
The Solution
First, a key funder kept us talking – funny how money does that! But, additionally, there was a single point in time when everything changed. On that winter morning, each of us put everything on the table – each organization detailed what it was willing to give up (money, staff, equipment) for the common vision as well as what its community needed.
One partner offered to close shop and merge to create a regional entity. Another agreed to not purchase a new phone system and instead route calls to the hub. A third convinced its funders to transfer all contracts to the new organization. A fourth gave up its identity to become the new hub. The fifth partner had the most stability and could have remained independent but believed in the vision and agreed to share anything needed.
Amazing? Yes and no. This moment came after two years of countless meetings, phone conversations, and e-mails. Thousands of cups of coffee were consumed as we talked through issues again and again. We had to be honest and respectful with each other. We had to expose our own – and sometimes each other’s – weaknesses. We also discovered and embraced our strengths. And – miracle of miracles – we found that each partner had a fabulous, unique asset we couldn’t do without.
The Outcome
211info is not the ideal that each of its partners dreamed of five years ago. With every sacrifice, there was pain. What emerged is not perfect (yet!), but the new whole is far greater than the sum of its parts.
Additionally, each person involved in the process now has some wonderful, life-long friends. The future continues to be exciting!
The Organization
211info helps connect people in need with the community resources available to help meet those needs. 211info is built on a 25-year history of restoring dignity to people's lives by providing comprehensive information and reference service to the Portland area. In Clackamas, Clark, Multnomah and Washington counties, finding help has historically been a service offered through separate providers in each county.
more about the organization