#United States #Fort Lauderdale #Centene #Sunshine Health #Ambetter Health

Sunshine Health's Commitment to Community Support

On September 25, 2025, Sunshine Health, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, made a substantial contribution towards enhancing community welfare in Florida by distributing $106,000 in "Get to Know Us" grants. These grants were awarded to 50 nonprofit organizations across the state, each receiving $2,000 aimed at supporting crucial initiatives that address social determinants of health such as food insecurity, homelessness, and workforce development.

These efforts come under Sunshine Health's broader Community Connections program, which is dedicated to fostering a healthier and more resilient Florida. According to Charlene Zein, the CEO of Sunshine Health, the grants not only provide financial assistance but also help build partnerships with organizations that share a passion for cultivating healthier communities.

Promoting Essential Services

Among the awarded organizations, various programs are specifically designed to meet the pressing health-related social needs faced by many Floridians. For instance, with roughly 14% of Floridians dealing with food insecurity, programs such as Food4Kids play a pivotal role by ensuring that vulnerable children and their families have access to nutritious meals.

Margot DeConna, Executive Director of Food4Kids, noted, "With this support, we will feed over 1,400 chronically hungry children in North Central Florida every weekend. We are deeply grateful for this partnership which allows us to make a meaningful difference."

Another initiative, Fresh Start for Florida, targets homelessness by promoting educational opportunities and support systems to guide families toward long-term self-sufficiency. Brittany Curry from Fresh Start shared, "This support is not just financial; it represents hope and a pathway toward a brighter future for the families we help."

Organizations like Maternal Matters Favored are also benefiting from these grants. They focus on maternal mental health, aiming to enhance community outcomes for mothers and their infants by providing necessary resources. "With Sunshine Health's partnership, we are turning awareness into actionable support, creating stronger families throughout Florida," stated Tamara Mackroy, the organization's president.

A Broader Impact Across Florida

Since its inception in 2023, Sunshine Health has demonstrated a strong commitment to community outreach, having allocated over $5 million in funding to community-based nonprofit organizations across Florida. This funding not only equips organizations with the necessary resources to address immediate community needs but also enables them to expand their programs and reach a broader audience.

Conclusion

In a time where social services are more critical than ever, Sunshine Health's grants represent a beacon of hope and a commitment to building healthier communities across Florida. As these nonprofits strengthen their efforts to tackle vital social issues, Sunshine Health's support will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the lives of many Floridians. For more details on the grant winners, please visit the Sunshine Health Newsroom.