Sarina Clooney serves as the Senior Director of 2-1-1 for United Way of Southwest Louisiana (UWSWLA). As a member of the Community Initiatives team, she leads resource outreach and education efforts while overseeing the development, compilation, and ongoing maintenance of the UWSWLA/211 resource database for Southwest Louisiana.

Sarina’s mission is to connect residents with the information and resources they need, educate the community about United Way of Southwest Louisiana’s “Get Help” initiatives, and collaborate closely with partner agencies, regional and state officials, and community organizations. She is especially committed to ensuring that the UWSWLA/211 database provides accurate, timely, and reliable information—particularly during times of disaster, when access to resources can be critical.

A Southwest Louisiana resident since 2000, Sarina brings more than 30 years of professional experience to her work, including a background in hospital administration, cost and finance, and nine years in the nonprofit sector. Her passion for serving others extends across a wide range of causes, including homelessness, domestic violence, suicide prevention, mental health, human trafficking, literacy, disaster case management, and genetic diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis.

Sarina is an active member of the SWLA Suicide Coalition, SWLA Human Trafficking Coalition, and SWLA Opioid Coalition. She also serves as a “Grampion” for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a role that is especially meaningful to her as one of her grandchildren is a Cystic Fibrosis Fighter.

She holds multiple certifications in education and training related to human services, with a strong emphasis on opioid awareness, Mental Health First Aid, suicide prevention, disaster preparedness, and human trafficking. Through her professional and community involvement, Sarina is dedicated to building stronger connections, increasing access to vital resources, and helping individuals and families navigate some of life’s most challenging circumstances.

Outside of work, Sarina’s greatest joys are her children and grandchildren. Her love of family, cooking, and photography—combined with her genuine compassion for the children and families in her community—has earned her the affectionate title of “Nana/Momma Bear.” Whether through her professional work or her personal life, Sarina is passionate about helping others feel supported, connected, and cared for.