Fallon Community Health Plan awards $20,000 to The Home for Little Wanderers
Grant money to support Longview Farm agricultural program
Worcester, Mass., December 5, 2008—Fallon Community Health Plan (FCHP) is pleased to announce it will award $20,000 to The Home for Little Wanderers through its Community Benefits Grant program. The grant will help The Home’s Longview Farm program, a residential and educational facility for boys aged 10 to 17, to sustain and enhance its popular therapeutic agricultural program.
“Children who are placed at Longview Farm are at heightened risk for poor health and fitness due to their lack of nutrition and fitness resources, past experiences, and psychological health issues,” said Joan Wallace-Benjamin, Ph.D., President and CEO, The Home for Little Wanderers. “Longview tries to combat these issues with an agricultural program that has grown to include three fields, an herb garden, an orchard and a Christmas tree farm. We chose to expand the program because, in addition to the health benefits it offers, it is an opportunity to provide another form of ‘therapy’ for the boys.”
Longview Farm has been part of the Walpole community since 1940. The program was developed in response to the need for a safe, structured, therapeutic setting for at-risk boys who required more structure than a foster home and/or who needed intensive support in learning to live with their families.
“It is our goal that the boys who participate in the program will experience improved physical health, demonstrate improved behavioral skills, learn new skills for a potential vocation and gain a better appreciation for the environment,” added Wallace-Benjamin.
Every year, Fallon Community Health Plan seeks grant applications from non-profit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of youth in communities throughout Massachusetts.
“Without Longview Farm’s intervention, it is likely that these at-risk boys would engage in risky behavior,” said Eric H. Schultz, President and CEO, FCHP. “By supporting a program like Longview Farm, FCHP is helping to prepare youth to be successful in school and in life, and to become contributing members of society.”
Lauren M. Petit
lauren.petit@fchp.org
About FCHP
Founded in 1977, Fallon Community Health Plan is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit health care services organization. From traditional health insurance products available throughout Massachusetts for all populations, to innovative health care programs and services for seniors, FCHP supports the diverse and changing needs of all those it serves. FCHP has consistently ranked among the nation’s top health plans, and is the only health plan in Massachusetts to have been awarded “Excellent” accreditation by the National Committee for Quality Assurance for its HMO, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid products.
About The Home for Little Wanderers
The Home for Little Wanderers is the nation’s oldest and one of New England’s largest, private non-profit child and family service agency, providing services to thousands of children at risk and their families each year through 20 programs. The mission of The Home is to ensure the healthy emotional, mental and social development of children at risk, their families, and communities through an integrated system of prevention, advocacy, and a continuum of direct services. For more information, visit www.thehome.org.