Filed under "Media Coverage"
More articles »
Federation Member Amerigroup Donates $50k for At-Risk Youth Education
Wednesday, July 28, 2021Federation of Iowa Insurers member Amerigroup has donated $50,000 to the nonprofit Starts Right Here to enhance educational opportunities for at-risk youth. Starts Right Here was founded by local rapper and activist William Holmes, or Will Keeps. In its mission statement, the organization notes that it, "educates, equips, and empowers young people living in disadvantaged and oppressive circumstances using the arts, entertainment, hip hop, music, programs, and a variety of other methods to break down the barriers of fear, intimidation, and other damaging factors leading to a sense of being disenfranchised, forgotten and rejected."
Amerigroup Plan President Jeffrey Jones presented the checks to Holmes at a special ceremony with Governor Kim Reynolds, Iowa Department of Human Services Director Kelly Garcia, and Iowa Medicaid Director Liz Matney. The Iowa Torch covered the event, quoting Holmes.
"'I am thrilled with the partnership Starts Right Here has developed with Amerigroup Iowa,' Keeps (Holmes) said. 'This is a company that truly cares about the welfare of at-risk youth in Iowa, and I am so grateful for their financial commitment to the mission of Starts Right Here. We will be able to reach greater heights during this upcoming school year thanks to this funding.'"
The Iowa Torch reports the Amerigroup grant will give at-risk youth "the opportunity to receive tutoring and mentoring, take advantage of school assemblies and on-site classroom curriculum and management."
Amerigroup is one of the managed care companies serving Iowa Medicaid patients through IA Health Link.