Get to know…Cecilia Wood, 211 Resource Navigator

Describe your role with United Way of the Plains.

I am a 211 Resource Navigator. Our team answers 211 calls from individuals across Kansas who are seeking financial assistance, community resources, and programs to help them with their needs.

Tell us more about 211.

Our 211 resource center connects people in Kansas with a wide range of services. Most of our calls are for basic needs like utility, rent, food assistance, and healthcare. We also assist in gathering information related to weather emergencies, disaster relief, and recovery efforts.

Tell us a bit about your background and what drew you to this role.

I’ve spent most of my career as an investigator, working in law enforcement, insurance fraud, and federal criminal defense. Early on, I worked with the Girls Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters (both United Way funded partners) in Topeka. Coming to United Way of the Plains felt like a full-circle moment and gave me the chance to use all my skills and experience to continue supporting our community.

How do you define success in your role?

Listening. When we truly listen, we hear more than just the words. We better understand people’s needs, and that helps us offer more meaningful support. Even when we can’t provide immediate solutions, people often express how much they appreciate simply being heard, and that matters.

Can you share a story about a time when you connected someone with helpful resources? How did it make you feel?

One call that has stayed with me came from a woman who didn’t even know what to ask for, she just knew they needed help. She and her husband, a military veteran, had just bought a home when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. During his treatment, they discovered the house had black mold. He couldn’t return home after a hospital stay because of the health risks. They needed housing, help with utility bills and medical expenses, and support to address the mold issue. I connected her with resources for all these needs, including cancer support services. She was so grateful—not just for the information, but for the sense of hope. That call reminded me of the power of what we do.

Tell us a little about your hobbies or interests.

Lately, I’ve been spending more time on sewing and craft projects. One of my favorite projects is making handmade pet beds from recycled materials for the GIV Warehouse. Dogs and cats are our main recipients, but one day I found out an animal sanctuary picked up several beds for their pet pigs. That made my day!

What do you enjoy most about working at United Way?

I love working with our team to provide vital resources to the community. I remember walking in on my first day and immediately noticing how kind, respectful, and helpful everyone was. It’s clear that we’re all in this together, and I’m proud to be part of such a compassionate and dedicated team.