SELF HELP News:

A new partnership between AARP’s Caregiver Program and United Way of Northern New Mexico’s 211 program means individuals who call into their free local 211 helpline will now be screened and offered additional resources if identified as caregivers.

The 211 helpline of Northern New Mexico is operated by the Los Alamos-based nonprofit, Self Help, Inc., with support from the United Way of Northern New Mexico, and services Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Taos, and Mora counties. Self Help is one of eight 211 operators across New Mexico that collaborate through the statewide New Mexico 211 organization.

Through this partnership, New Mexico joins a nationwide initiative to connect caregivers to local resources and support. An estimated 48 million Americans identify as caregivers, meaning they care for an adult loved one, whether it is a parent, disabled child, or other family member. Faced with high levels of stress and burnout, caregivers too often feel unsupported and don’t know where to turn to find additional resources.

“These partnerships provide us with more opportunities to spread the word and assist community members in learning about available programs and services for support,” Self Help Executive Director Diane Smogor said.

Caregivers in Northern New Mexico now simply need to remember the numbers 2-1-1 as their go-to guide for additional support. A resource navigator trained to identify caller needs and connect them to local resources will be waiting to answer the call.

About Self Help, Inc.

Since 1969, Self Help, Inc. has functioned as a bridge to self-sufficiency for Northern New Mexicans. We believe that access to basic needs is fundamental to every community member’s well-being and success. We provide flexible financial assistance, as well as information and referral services, to help community members maintain housing, utilities, medical care, and other basic needs during a short-term crisis.