ALMetro360

treatment and access to prescribed medications vital to their jour- ney toward wellness. Wendy Anzalone, who began her service as executive director of the Cancer Wellness Foundation in 2017, says, “The Cancer Well- ness Foundation is about Giving Help and Giving Hope to cancer patients in the River Region.” “Many of our patients travel over 50 miles to their appoint- ments, and on a limited budget,” Wendy explains. “This can make treatment difficult to afford. We don’t want our patients worrying about how they will get to their treatments or how they will pay the high copays often associated with oral chemotherapy prescrip- tions.” “We are so pleased to be selected as one of the River Region United Way’s newest affiliate agencies,” Wendy adds. “United with the common goal of helping those living in the River Region, the partnership of Cancer Wellness Foundation and the River Region United Way will bring help and hope to our many friends and neighbors. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with an or- ganization that does so much for so many.” M ATCHING N EEDS WITH C OMMUNITY R ESOURCES In 1999, the Public Service Commission approved Montgomery Area United Way, as it was then known, to provide 2-1-1 service in the state of Alabama. This allowed people with certain needs to be referred to resources in their community that could help them. United Ways throughout Alabama, as well as Information & Re- ferral Centers and state agencies, then worked together to imple- ment 2-1-1 statewide. Locally, in partnership with the River Region UnitedWay, HandsOn River Region currently operates the call cen- ter for 2-1-1 Connects throughout South Central Alabama with funding provided by the United Way. HandsOn River Region recently appointed Tasha Cooper as its new executive director. A native of Gainesville, Florida, Tasha has spent the past 14 years serving in various capacities at nonprofit organizations, including management, marketing and public rela- tions, fundraising and program development. “The River Region United Way’s investment in the 2-1-1 Infor- mation & Referral line is addressing gaps in basic human needs in the River Region,” Tasha says. “When a caller dials 2-1-1, they re- ceive free access to a live ‘call specialist’ who guides them through the resources available in the community. The River Region United Way’s commitment to support 2-1-1 allows 20,000+ residents in the River Region to connect with food resources, shelters, financial assistance, volunteer opportunities and other health and human service needs – and it is transforming lives.” In 2017, the 2-1-1 Information & Referral Line received 20,888 calls and made 31,739 referrals to community resources. Tasha adds that “Community support for the River Region United Way allows us to fulfill our mission: to mobilize volunteers and connect people, information, and services to meet local needs and build a strong, caring community.” In this fourth installment of “Meet the Changemakers,” it is im- portant to note that anyone has the ability to make lasting change in any corner of this community. The only qualities one must pos- sess to be a changemaker are to care and then to act. Together, the River Region United Way, its affiliate agencies and supporters throughout our community are making life better for everyone. To learn more about the River Region UnitedWay and its 40+ affiliate agencies, visit their website at RRUW.org . As River Region United Way commemorates its 95th Anniversary, AL- Metro360 is featuring a different “changemaker” each month for the re- mainder of 2018. n 24 AL/ Metro 360 www.almetro360.com RRUWChair of the Board Jason Goodson (far left) and RRUWCEO Jimmy Hill (far right) are pictured with the agency directors of RRUW's newest affiliate agencies: Michael Coleman of Hope Inspired Ministries, Guy Lescault of Legal Services Alabama, andWendy Anzalone of CancerWellness Foundation of Central Alabama.