The boards of directors of United Way of Summit County and Info Line today announced the two organizations are working to merge within the next 90 days. The merger will provide for the continuation and expansion of information and referral services across Summit County in line with United Way’s Bold Goals for 2025.
Tanya Kahl, interim president and CEO of Info Line, will oversee the organization’s integration with United Way. She replaces Richard Stahl, who is retiring as president and CEO from Info Line after 17 years of service. Stahl will continue to work with Info Line to assist with the transition.
Info Line currently operates 2-1-1 resource and referral, the homeless hotline, rapid rehousing and other services.
2-1-1 – which has been operated by Info Line in Summit County since 1975 – is a national program of United Way, and the majority of 2-1-1 services across the country are operated by local United Ways.
The merger of the two nonprofit organizations will provide operational efficiencies and opportunities to expand the role of 2-1-1 as an entry point to services in Summit County.
“Thousands of Summit County residents use 2-1-1 to access services,” said Derrick W. Ransom, chair of Info Line’s board of directors. “This merger will be great for our community and will ensure continuity of services for those who need them.”
“As we work toward our Bold Goals and a better future for greater Akron, it’s vital that we can refer local families to the resources they need to help them thrive,” said Christine Mayer, chair of United Way’s board of directors. “By working together as one organization, United Way and Info Line can ensure that those services will continue to grow and adapt to meet the needs of our community.”