FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunshine Health, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), is proud to announce the latest winners of their Community Connections Grants, which support nonprofit community organizations across Florida. This round of grants was targeted to groups that provide storm relief assistance or address food insecurity, housing and other social service needs.
Many Floridians are rebuilding their homes and communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia. Sunshine Health awarded two levels of Storm Relief and Preparation grants to 17 nonprofit organizations providing storm-related assistance to people impacted by recent storms. Each organization received up to $10,000 to help meet needs, whether it was storm recovery or disaster preparedness.
"Hurricane Idalia left many communities with significant damage," said Sunshine Health CEO Nathan Landsbaum. "These funds support the recovery efforts in impacted areas, and help families plan and prepare for future storms. Sunshine Health is proud to partner with local organizations that are actively engaging in storm relief and preparation."
Sunshine Health also awarded $100,000 to 36 nonprofit organizations to address social and environmental factors that can impact health outcomes in underserved areas. Each grantee received up to $3,000 to expand or build upon the vital resources they provide to their communities.
"The Family Support Service of North Florida's (FSSNF) Center of Hope is so thankful for Sunshine Health awarding us the funds to expand our crisis services to families in need in the 32209 community of Jacksonville," said Jada Hunter, Executive Director of Community Reinvestments, a FSSNF initiative. "As the Center of Hope continues to empower and strengthen families living in the 32209 community, this grant will help mitigate the financial crisis of these underserved families."
FSSNF Center of Hope will use their grant funds to assist families with housing, rental assistance, transportation, food and utility assistance.
"Youths Left Behind, Corp. is grateful for the grant from Sunshine Health," said Hassan Hill, Director of the nonprofit in Tallahassee. "Because of this funding, we will be able to continue providing mentorship and resources through our After-School Peer Empowerment Program that serves communities that are deemed underserved, with the overall goal of creating a respectful and responsible community."
Youths Left Behind will use their grant to provide groceries and nutritious meals to families participating in their program.
Since 2021, Sunshine Health has invested nearly $800,000 through its Community Connections grant program and continues to support local organizations that are committed to building healthy communities across Florida.
Storm Relief and Preparation Winners
Organization | Counties Served | Grant Purpose |
Taylor County | Relief assistance to club participants in Taylor County. | |
Lee County | Tools and resources for families impacted by storms. | |
Alachua County | Outreach and education in advance of the 2024 hurricane season. | |
Seminole County | Hurricane/disaster sensory kits for individuals with autism and their families. | |
Orange County | Storm prep education for Caribbean Communities. | |
Hillsborough County | Hurricane preparation and evacuation planning for the children at the Kids Village Residential Campus. | |
Leon County | Storm prep and disaster kits for families in need. | |
Orange County | Services and programs for individuals and families struggling with homelessness in Central Florida.
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Broward County | Financial assistance, mental health counseling, and access to clothing for victims of domestic abuse. | |
Lee County | Sensory kits and other materials for children with Autism. | |
Polk County | Food, water, and other resources for children and families impacted by Hurricane Idalia. | |
FMB Strong | Lee County | Essential supplies and support to residents impacted by Hurricane Ian. |
Orange County | Hurricane preparedness bags and emergency rental assistance. | |
Healthy Start Coalition of Jefferson, Madison and Taylor Counties | Jefferson, Madison and Taylor Counties | Community storm relief and recovery. |
Taylor County | Counseling services to residents dealing with trauma and depression related to Hurricane Idalia. |
Get To Know Us Winners
Organization | Counties Served | Grant Purpose |
Duval County | Community resources to improve health outcomes for children. | |
Barnabas Center | Nassau County | Resources and programs to uninsured adults with chronic diseases. |
Collier County | Expand the Better Families program. | |
Leon County | Transitional housing, education and support services for adult homeless, pregnant women and their infants. | |
Orange County | Safety education programs. | |
Orange County | Utilities, transportation and food assistance. | |
Citrus County | Connections Homeless Outreach Center's medical clinic. | |
Hillsborough County | Mental health education to high school students. | |
Orange County | Health and wellness programs at Orlando locations. | |
Seminole County | Food pantry and rental assistance/housing program. | |
Duval County | Housing, rental assistance, transportation, food and utility assistance. | |
Miami-Dade County | Events for National Children's Mental Health Awareness Week. | |
Broward County | Financial assistance for patients undergoing cancer treatment. | |
Grace Marketplace | Alachua County | Outreach and daily necessities for the homeless. |
Lee County | Health and wellness programs for adults with disabilities. | |
Broward County | CARE companionship program for seniors. | |
Hearts and Hope | Orange County | Women's event focused on education and community resources. |
Hernando County | Partner with primary care physicians to increase awareness about mental health and substance abuse issues. | |
Miami-Dade County | Maintenance and repairs for the Marian Center Cottage Group Home for women. | |
Leon County | Support young adults (ages 18-23) with lived foster care experience who are participating in the Independent Living program. | |
Hernando County | Walk-in clinic and mobile health services for residents. | |
Reach St. Pete | Pinellas County | Mobile food pantry in Pinellas County. |
Hillsborough County | Resources for expecting and new moms. | |
Duval County | Food pantry program to Medicaid eligible mothers and their children. | |
Hillsborough County | Resources and assistance for veterans and military families. | |
Palm Beach County | Resources for At-Risk Palm Beach County Children program. | |
Indian River County | Financial assistance for physical therapy care. | |
Broward County | Assistance for people experiencing homelessness. | |
Nassau County | Funding for small businesses/startups in underserved communities. | |
Escambia County | Financial assistance for victims of domestic violence. | |
Okaloosa County | Food and snacks to students in Okaloosa County and Walton County School Districts. | |
Pinellas County | Wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications and equipment to children with physical disabilities. | |
Palm Beach County | Language and literacy programs for disadvantaged women. | |
Escambia County | Mentorship and resources for students. |
About Sunshine Health
Headquartered in Broward County and with offices across the state, Sunshine Health is among the largest healthcare plans in Florida. Offering coordinated care and a network of support for our members, Sunshine Health is transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. It offers government-sponsored managed care through Medicaid, Long Term Care, the Health Insurance Marketplace (Ambetter), and Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans (Wellcare). Its specialty plans include the Child Welfare Specialty Plan serving children in or adopted from the state's Child Welfare system; the Serious Mental Illness Specialty Plan for people living with serious mental illness; and the Children's Medical Services Health Plan, operated by Sunshine Health on behalf of the Florida Department of Health for children and adolescents with special healthcare needs. Sunshine Health is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise that is committed to helping people live healthier lives. For more information, visit SunshineHealth.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter @SunHealthFL.
SOURCE Sunshine Health