Investment will Support Development of Family
Justice Center and Vital Services for Those Impacted by Domestic
Violence, Sexual Assault and Other Abuses
CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare of
North Carolina (WellCare), a
provider of Medicaid healthcare coverage in North
Carolina, and the Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of
Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), today announced a $1.95 million investment in The Umbrella Center,
a comprehensive family justice center providing holistic services
to those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, elder
abuse, human trafficking and child abuse. The investment will span
three years to support the development of The Umbrella Center's
future home at 4822 Albemarle Road in Charlotte, as well as provide programs and
services at the facility.
"For people impacted by interpersonal violence who are seeking
protection and a safe haven in the Charlotte community, The Umbrella Center will
serve as a one-stop-shop to offer necessary resources and support,"
said Plan President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WellCare
of North Carolina, Troy Hildreth. "We are proud to partner with the
Centene Foundation and many other local organizations to uplift
families and the Charlotte
community."
Slated to open in the summer of 2026, The Umbrella Center is an
innovative public-private collaboration between Mecklenburg
County, the City of Charlotte,
WellCare, Pat's Place Child Advocacy Center, who will provide
comprehensive services to child victims of abuse, and Safe
Alliance, who will operate the facility and offer a variety of
programs and services to those impacted by domestic violence and
sexual assault. Once completed, The Umbrella Center will house
additional service agencies, legal services, law enforcement and
healthcare providers to support individuals and families seeking
asylum from domestic violence.
"Family justice centers are designed to help those impacted by
interpersonal violence in their recovery and regain well-being –
all in one place," said Andrew
Oliver, CEO of Pat's Place. "Establishing and building our
network in Mecklenburg County will
serve hundreds of families seeking support after experiencing
abuse. The Umbrella Center will provide services and resources
during their time of need. We are proud to partner with WellCare of
North Carolina and the Centene
Foundation to deliver lasting results to the local
community."
Family justice centers like The Umbrella Center are proven
national models that improve victim survival, reduce rates of
violence and homicide, and are recognized as national best
practices by the Department of Justice.
Domestic violence costs Charlotte-Mecklenburg nearly $50 million annually due to factors such as
healthcare and criminal justice expenses, according to a 2019 study
commissioned by the Jamie Kimble Foundation for Courage. The study
also found that the annual mental health costs associated with
domestic violence in Mecklenburg
County is $6.7 million.
By investing in The Umbrella Center, WellCare and the Centene
Foundation further their commitment to providing healthcare access
to those affected by domestic violence and abuse, ensuring a safer
and healthier future for the Charlotte community.
About The Umbrella Center
The Umbrella Center is an innovative public-private collaboration
to provide holistic services at a single location for those
impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, human
trafficking and child abuse. The Umbrella Center is designed to
change each step of a victim's experience to help people recover
their lives – including police response, medical care, advocacy and
counseling, legal and court procedures. When opened, The Umbrella
Center will serve over 10,000 annually, co-locate 15 partners to
streamline case investigations, mitigate access barriers to
effective care, and support survivors' healing after experiencing
abuse.
About The Centene Foundation
The Centene Foundation (the "Foundation"), a private nonprofit
focused on investing in economically challenged communities, is the
philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation ("Centene"). The
Foundation supports projects and initiatives strategically aligned
with Centene's purpose-driven culture and enhances the work Centene
is doing to remove the barriers to wellness underserved and
low-income populations face. The Foundation is committed to
addressing social determinants of health and improving health
equity in three distinct areas of focus: healthcare access, social
services and education. To learn more, visit the Centene
Foundation's website.
About WellCare of North
Carolina
Headquartered in Raleigh, WellCare
of North Carolina provides
government-sponsored managed care services to families, children,
seniors, and individuals with complex needs primarily through
Medicaid as one of the state's Medicaid Prepaid Health Plans
(WellCare of North Carolina),
Marketplace (WellCare of North
Carolina by Celtic Insurance Company), Medicare Advantage
(Wellcare), and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Wellcare).
WellCare of North Carolina is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading
healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier
lives. For more information, visit www.WellCareNC.com.
About Safe Alliance
Safe Alliance's mission is to provide hope and healing for those
impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. Serving over
8,000 people annually their programs include 24/7/367 hotline and
residential services, advocacy, legal support, trauma counseling
and assistance with basic needs support.
About Pats Place Child Advocacy Center
Pat's Place Child Advocacy Center coordinates the investigation,
prosecution, and treatment of the most severe cases of child abuse
in Mecklenburg County. As the only
child advocacy center in Charlotte, Pat's Place serves children from
birth through age 18. All services are provided in a nurturing,
friendly and safe environment at no cost to a child's family. Last
year, Pat's Place served more than 1000 children (and their
caregivers) who were sexually abused, severely physically abused,
or who had witnessed a violent crime.
Any reference in this press release to any person,
organization, activity, or services related to North Carolina
Medicaid does not constitute or imply the endorsement,
recommendation, or favoring by the North Carolina Department of
Health and Human Services.
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SOURCE WellCare of North
Carolina