CINCINNATI - Toni devoted much of her life to nursing, helping older people. She worked many long days and nights in nursing homes, countless 12-hour shifts, until her own health began to deteriorate.

Five years ago, she was declared disabled due to systemic arthritis. More recently, she has struggled with sciatica, a type of nerve pain that radiates down the back and into a leg. Paying for therapy became a financial burden.

“I’ve been self-sufficient all my life,” said Toni, who is 66 and lives on a fixed income. “When my health took a turn for the worse, my whole life changed. I never had my back against the wall until I became disabled and I didn’t have a pension.”

To pay her rising medical bills, she used money that she budgeted for utilities – water, gas and electric. By June 2024, she was clearly in a bind.

Bills went unpaid. Notices arrived that her utilities soon would be shut off. She did not want to think about leaving the Silverton house that has been her home for more than 20 years.

“Where would I go?” she said. “I’ve never been in that position before.”

A local social service agency suggested she call United Way 211, which connects people to essential community services by tapping its extensive database of resources.

“When I was told to call 211, I didn’t know what to expect,” Toni said. “I tried to keep my expectations low, just not expect anything.”

Toni spoke to a 211 Care Coordinator and learned she could apply to Hamilton County Job & Family Services for federally funded utility relief.

Because Toni is not computer savvy, the Care Coordinator helped her complete the application over the phone. The application was approved. Bills were paid.

Care Coordinators at United Way 211 receive tens of thousands of requests for help each year from people like Toni.

“They definitely came through in my time of need,” she said. “Thank goodness. It was like a divine intervention. The weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders.

“I’m real grateful for 211. It really feels good to know there are people out there who are willing to help.”