ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexico Kids Matter announced it recently received a $25,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico’s Blue Impact℠ initiative. The grant will support New Mexico Kids Matter’s Successful Transitions and Adulthood Readiness program, which provides services to prepare and support teen and aging-out foster youth as they transition to adulthood and independent living.
“We are very thankful for the ongoing support that BCBSNM has provided for our advocacy work on behalf of foster youth in our community,” said Nancy Marsh, NMKM’s development manager. “This grant will help us address the disturbingly all-too-common adulthood scenarios of violence, homelessness, incarceration and poverty faced by those who spent their teenage years in foster care by giving them the tools, support and services they need to achieve long-term stability.”
BCBSNM’s Blue Impact grant is part of an ongoing commitment to invest in and collaborate with community organizations that offer sustainable, measurable programs that address the social and economic factors impacting health and wellness in our state. New Mexico Kids Matter’s commitment to advocating for the well-being and best interests of children in foster care aligns with the vision of Blue Impact to improve health outcomes in communities across New Mexico.
“New Mexico Kids Matter addresses many social determinants of health that can lead to health disparities for an already vulnerable population,” said Janice Torrez, BCBSNM president. “By working directly with foster youth on issues such as economic stability and access to fundamental resources, NMKM is helping to close the gaps in health equity and makes a difference in the lives of our fellow New Mexicans.”
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About New Mexico Kids Matter
New Mexico Kids Matter advocates for children who’ve been abused or neglected by empowering community volunteers to speak up for them in the foster care system. Ensuring that every child grows up in a safe, nurturing and permanent home.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is one of the largest commercial health insurers in New Mexico with approximately 700,000 New Mexicans carrying a Blue Cross and Blue Shield card. Since 1940, BCBSNM has been committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSNM is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer and fourth largest health insurer overall. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.