United way of the midlands awarded nebraska dhhs grant to launch statewide family support warmline
United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has been awarded funding from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to develop and launch the 211 Nebraska Warmline, a support line designed to connect Nebraska families with community-based services before situations escalate to crisis. The initiative will proceed through a planning and pilot phase before becoming fully operational later this year.
The Warmline builds on collaborative efforts across the state and includes partnerships with Boys Town and the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation (NCFF) to support the network and reporting components while ensuring coordination across the systems. Each year, thousands of calls are received through DHHS, the Boys Town Family Helpline and NCFF revealing struggles from parenting questions to financial stress. Many of these callers are seeking early guidance on challenges that fall outside the scope of child abuse or neglect, but can still create real strain for families. The Warmline fills a gap by creating a centralized, trusted, community-centered approach to family support and prevention, extending beyond traditional crisis reporting to provide meaningful connection and referrals at the earliest possible moment.
“Too many families are doing their best under incredible pressure and need someone to listen and help them find the right next step,” said Shawna Forsberg, president and CEO of United Way of the Midlands. “The 211 Nebraska Warmline ensures families have a safe, supportive place to turn before things escalate. We’re proud to build on our 211 platform to make help easier to access and more human-centered across the state.”
The 211 Nebraska Warmline will serve as a single point of contact for families across Nebraska seeking information or referrals to services that meet their needs. It leverages the existing statewide 211 infrastructure, a service that has connected Nebraskans to health and human services for more than 40 years. Beginning July 1, families will be able to call, text or email 211 anytime, 24/7/365, at no cost, to:
– Ask questions about parenting, stress or meeting basic needs;
– Receive referrals to local resources, such as housing, food, mental health support and more;
– Get help navigating next steps during difficult situations.
When a call is made to the Warmline, a trained specialist listens with care, gathers information and matches families with the right supports in their community. A closed loop referral system ensures follow up and connection, and if safety concerns arise, appropriate protocols are followed. The Warmline is neutral, confidential and focused on early support — not punishment or system escalation.
The Warmline is part of a broader effort to strengthen Nebraska’s child and family support system by creating a clearer, more effective pathway to help before families reach crisis. The service aligns with Nebraska’s ongoing commitment to family centered care and reflects community feedback on the need for accessible, immediate support.
“The 211 Nebraska Warmline launch with United Way of the Midlands reflects our continued commitment to prevention and early intervention,” said DHHS Division of Children and Family Services Acting Director Kathleen Stolz. “With their partnership, the 211 Nebraska Warmline will support families and communities by providing access to guidance and resources before concerns may necessitate formal child welfare involvement.”
For more information about the 211 Nebraska Warmline and how it fits into Nebraska’s family support system, visit: UnitedWayMidlands.org/211newarmline.
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About United Way of the Midlands:
Since 1923, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bridging the business and not-for-profit sectors and raising money to support our community’s most impactful health and human service programs. UWM’s funded programs and direct services – like 211 and JAG Nebraska – focus on four key areas to improve health and well-being for all, build financial stability and strength, help young people realize their full potential and address urgent needs today to advance a better tomorrow. Learn more at UnitedWayMidlands.org.
About the 211 Helpline:
Serving Nebraska, Iowa and Illinois, the 211 Helpline is a one-stop source of information for people in need of assistance. Powered by United Way of the Midlands, 211 is a point of contact and referral source for thousands of health and human service programs, community services, disaster services and more for those in need of help. For assistance dial 211, text 898211 or visit NE211.org.