TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 31, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) announced today that it gave $9,000 in micro-grants to six community-based organizations across the state of Nebraska. These micro-grants went to nonprofit and 501(c)(3) organizations that address needs related to homelessness, mental health, transportation and youth services. The micro-grants were given in denominations of $1,500.
"The social safety net relies on community-based organizations that provide critical support to low-income seniors, the disabled, children and families," said Shaune Lancit, a community advocacy manager at WellCare. "These micro-grants will help people get to work, keep children warm during cold winter months, and prevent families living on the edge from becoming homeless."
"WellCare seeks to strengthen communities by partnering with social service agencies that serve those most in need," said Pamme Lyons-Taylor, WellCare's vice president of advocacy and community-based programming. "Micro-grants can make such a meaningful difference for small agencies that do so much to support the health and vitality of our members, their families and the communities in which they live."
In 2015, WellCare gave $85,000 in micro-grants to community-based organizations in six states: New York, Georgia, Kentucky, Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri.
The 2015 Nebraska micro-grants were awarded to the following community-based organizations:
| Community-Based Organization |
Program Highlights |
| Kearney Jubilee Center Thrift Store & Food Pantry Kearney, Nebraska |
This grant will provide rental and utility assistance to low-income residents to prevent homelessness and disconnection. |
| Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska Kearney, Nebraska |
This grant will provide RYDE transit punch cards for seniors and disabled people for medical and social appointments and for low-income residents who need transportation to work. |
| Restored Hope Omaha, Nebraska |
This grant will be used to caulk the shelter's doors and windows to provide a warmer environment for mothers and children. |
| Nebraska Children and Family Foundation Lincoln, Nebraska |
This grant will enable foster children to spend quality time with their siblings at a relaxed and fun summer camp weekend, away from court cases, therapy sessions, foster family dynamics and other stressors. |
| Together Omaha, Nebraska |
This grant will provide low-income residents in the Omaha community with proper identification to gain access to general assistance, state aid, homelessness prevention services, sustainable housing and gainful employment. |
| S.P.E.A.K.O.U.T. Scottsbluff, Nebraska |
This grant will purchase two portable printers and a data plan to enable the agency to bring the Internet to families to help them apply for public assistance and research strategies to achieve their goals. |
"Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska is very appreciative of this micro-grant opportunity from WellCare," said Meredith Collins, the organization's executive director. "We will utilize the grant funding to better meet public transportation needs through our RYDE Transit program because access to reliable transportation continues to be a pressing need in our rural communities. Transportation vouchers will be distributed to those most in need though our Community Service outreach offices in Kearney, Hastings, and Lexington."
"Restored Hope is honored to be a WellCare micro-grant recipient," said Marty Barnhart, the organization's director. "These funds will enable us to bring better energy savings to our home for single mothers and their children. Our Winter Warmth initiative will be funded to seal windows and doors to help provide a comfortable and safe home. We thank WellCare for funding our Winter Warmth initiative."
About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) focuses exclusively on providing government-sponsored managed care services, primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs. The Company serves approximately 3.8 million members nationwide as of Sept. 30, 2015. For more information about WellCare, please visit the Company's website at www.wellcare.com or view the company's videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/WellCareHealthPlan.
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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
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