A person who wouldn't attend a meeting or visit an Extension office might more easily and confidentially make contact and receive help from a telephone hotline. Also, a hotline can capitalize on Extension's skill and experience in effective networking with other agencies-acting as a clearinghouse for services offered by a variety of state and local groups. Particularly in rural areas where clients may be less aware of available services, a call to the hotline can put the individuals in touch with the nearest support system. Extension staff, as well as clientele, can use the hotline as an immediate source of knowledge and help. County staff can receive information to pass on locally and, in turn, the hotline can refer individuals who haven't been involved with Extension to the services of the county office.
Specialists can also benefit.
A hotline, therefore, can be an effective method for Extension to use either in ongoing programming or to meet special needs in identified priority issues. The hotline described in this article was initially developed to address concerns of individuals and rural communities during the recent farm crisis. In the past two years, its mission has broadened to address other concerns. In late 1984, both public and private groups recognized that farm families needed immediate help in coping with their rapidly escalating problems. Even though many families needed financial counseling, legal advice, and emotional support, few people knew where to go.