Janell Evans is the director of 211, the information and referral service operated by United Way of Amarillo & Canyon. Every day, her team helps connect people with the resources and support they need, whether they're facing financial hardship, housing challenges, mental health concerns, family crises, or countless other life circumstances.

In this episode of Hey Amarillo, Janell shares what she's learned from years spent helping people navigate some of their most difficult moments. We talk about the most common needs her team encounters, the misconceptions many of us have about who needs help and why, and the realities facing individuals and families across our community.

What I appreciated most about this conversation was how often it challenged my assumptions. Janell brings both the heart of a helper and the perspective of someone who has spent years listening closely to people's struggles and connecting them with solutions.

It's an insightful, compassionate conversation about the needs that exist all around us—and the people working every day to meet them.