Aetna Better Health® of Georgia, a CVS Health® company, has partnered with the Agape Community Center in Atlanta to support under-resourced populations and improve academic outcomes. Aetna has invested $20,000 in Agape’s programs, emphasizing academic achievement and addressing the literacy needs of Georgia youth. The collaboration aims to empower underserved youth, providing resources for academic excellence and a brighter future. Aetna has also invested over $2 million in community-based organizations across Georgia to ensure holistic, quality care for underserved populations.
Aetna Better Health® of Georgia, a subsidiary of CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS), and the Agape Community Center have joined forces in a collaborative effort to support disadvantaged communities and enhance educational outcomes in Atlanta.
Aetna® has made a community investment of $20,000 to the Agape Community Center, reinforcing its commitment to empowering underprivileged youth. The funding will strengthen the center’s in-school, after-school, and summer camp programs, emphasizing academic achievement and providing a transformative path out of poverty. This collaboration also aligns with the state of Georgia’s focus on addressing the literacy needs of its youth.
Sonya Nelson, Division President at Aetna Medicaid in Georgia, highlighted the significant impact of Agape on Atlanta’s students, with an impressive 95% high school graduation rate among participants who remain in the program through the 12th grade. Nelson expressed the shared vision between Agape and Aetna in empowering underserved populations and improving community well-being. By investing in these programs, Aetna aims to equip underserved youth with the necessary resources to excel academically and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
The Agape Community Center is dedicated to establishing a safe and nurturing environment for Atlanta’s youth, placing a strong emphasis on programs that foster academic growth and personal development. The center’s programs are active in multiple schools throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area, benefiting 200 school-age children. On average, high school seniors participate in Agape’s programs for 12 years. These programs have a broad impact, with Hispanic/Latino and African American students comprising 80% and 20% of enrolled students, respectively, in 2022.
The funds provided by Aetna will support various Agape programs, including in-school and after-school initiatives, offering individualized academic support for elementary, middle, and high school students. The funding will also facilitate holistic health activities, character-building workshops, nutritious dinners, and free transportation. In addition to school-based programs, the funds will benefit Agape’s summer camp programs, such as Camp JumpSmart for kindergarten through second-grade students, GoGirlGo! and FIT Camp for third through seventh-grade students, and Elevate for eighth through 12th-grade students.
Nell Benn, Chief Executive Officer of the Agape Youth & Family Center, emphasized the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty. The center’s goal is to provide students with personalized guidance and educational opportunities that set them up for long-term success. Agape’s programs have become a haven for students, and Aetna’s contribution will help foster a positive and supportive environment for Atlanta’s youth throughout the year.
In addition to this collaboration, Aetna has recently invested over $2 million in local, community-based organizations across Georgia to support underserved populations. This funding will help address the healthcare needs of people in both urban and rural communities, ensuring holistic and quality care for all Georgians.