ATLANTA and TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 23,
2017 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare of Georgia, a subsidiary of WellCare Health
Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG), announced that it has given micro-grants
to six nonprofit community-based organizations across the state
that provide assistance to children and families dealing with
autism.
Nearly 1 in 64, or 1.6 percent, of 8-year-old children in
Georgia were identified with
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by the Metropolitan Atlanta
Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program.
The grants, totaling $6,000,
support Augusta Urban Ministries, Beyond Limits Therapeutic Riding,
Inc., Boys2Men, Home & Sanctuary for Youth, Inc., Connections
on the Parkway, Inc., Life Church International and The Matthew
Reardon Center for Autism.
"Community-based organizations are vital to supporting the
social safety net for low-income and other vulnerable populations,"
said Veatrice Futch, manager of
WellCare of Georgia's Community
Advocacy team. "However, decreases in funding are causing public
assistance organizations to cut back services, increasing the
burden on families. These donations will further the resources
available to help enrich the lives of children with ASD in
Georgia."
"This grant allows us to share our passion with others about the
benefits of therapeutic horse riding," said Dr. Kimberly Oviedo, executive director, Beyond
Limits Therapeutic Riding, Inc. "These funds will support a horse
show that will give our riders a chance to show off their skills.
The thrill of competition is one we often take for granted, but to
those who rarely get the opportunity to earn an award, this event
is an important one they will never forget."
WellCare's micro-grant program in Georgia is one facet of its commitment to
building partnerships with nonprofit, community-based organizations
that offer support in meeting basic social needs. In 2016, WellCare
of Georgia awarded a total of
$20,000 to 22 organizations across
the state.
As of Dec. 31, 2016, WellCare
serves approximately 571,000 Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids® plan
members, 40,000 Medicare Advantage plan members and 23,000 Medicare
Prescription Drug Plan members in Georgia. To learn more about how WellCare
cares for Georgians, watch Gloria's story at
http://youtu.be/qyn-nywze04.
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 3.9 million members
nationwide as of Dec. 31, 2016. 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.
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wellcare-gives-micro-grants-to-community-based-organizations-that-support-autism-assistance-300411790.html
SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.