Investments support seniors, people with disabilities, family caregivers, and the direct care workforce statewide

Wellpoint has committed more than $2 million in community-based organizations across Arizona to strengthen long-term services and supports, expand access to home- and community-based care, and support seniors, people with disabilities, and family caregivers.

Wellpoint is strengthening its presence in Arizona through strategic community partnerships that advance the foundation of long-term services and supports. By investing in local infrastructure and trusted organizations, the company is reinforcing its commitment to serving individuals with complex and ongoing needs across the state.

Arizona is home to one of the fastest-growing older adult populations in the nation. As more individuals seek to age safely at home and families take on increasing caregiving responsibilities, community-based infrastructure and workforce capacity are more important than ever. These investments reflect Wellpoint’s commitment to whole-person health and to building durable systems of care that help individuals live independently and with dignity.

These investments are part of Wellpoint’s broader strategy to support Arizona’s long-term services infrastructure by supporting the direct care workforce, helping seniors and individuals with disabilities age safely at home, expanding caregiver respite and support, increasing social engagement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, addressing food insecurity, and advancing maternal and youth wellbeing.

“Arizona’s communities are strongest when seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families have the support they need to live healthy, connected lives,” said Mike Hofer, chief growth officer for Wellpoint. “We are proud to partner with trusted local organizations to expand home- and community-based care services, support family caregivers, and strengthen the direct care workforce. These investments reflect our long-term commitment to helping Arizonans remain safely in their homes and communities.”

Supporting Aging, Disability, and Long-Term Services and Supports
Nearly $550,000 invested

A significant portion of Wellpoint’s Arizona investment is focused on strengthening long-term services and supports that promote independence and expand access to care delivered in home and community-based settings.

These partnerships support safe housing solutions for vulnerable seniors; caregiver respite and navigation services; social engagement opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and community-based supports that help prevent avoidable institutional care.

By investing in services that help individuals remain safely at home, Wellpoint is reinforcing community-based care models that prioritize dignity, choice, and quality of life.

“This funding from Wellpoint is truly a transformative gift for our small, rural, and isolated community,” said Suzanne Kammerman, executive director of Arivaca Human Resource. “Many of our seniors reside in older trailers that should have been condemned years ago. Providing them with a safe, quality tiny home will be nothing short of life-changing, offering not only an immense improvement in their quality of life but potentially extending their lifespan. We are incredibly grateful for this support, which will have a profound and lasting impact on our community.”

“At Pima Council on Aging, we believe that aging with dignity is a community responsibility, not something older adults or caregivers should shoulder alone,” said Robert Ojeda, CEO of the Pima Council on Aging. “Our partnership with Wellpoint strengthens our ability to stand beside family caregivers, who are the backbone of long-term support for older adults across Pima County. Together, we are ensuring caregivers have the resources, guidance, and relief they need to sustain their own well-being while supporting the people they love. This collaboration moves our mission forward by honoring both older adults and their care partners with the respect, stability, and support they deserve.”

“Wellpoint’s generous grant removes financial barriers so families living with disability can experience meaningful community, respite, and belonging, creating spaces where people with disabilities and their families are truly seen, supported, and connected,” said Kerri Jeter, area director of Joni and Friends Arizona.

Organizations supported in this area include:
Arivaca Human Resource; Benevilla; Foundation for Love and Acceptance; Joni and Friends Arizona; NeighborLink Fort Wayne Foundation; Pima Council on Aging; United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona; YWCA of Southern Arizona

Addressing Food Insecurity and Basic Needs
Nearly $300,000 invested

Wellpoint’s investments are helping expand access to nutritious foods and essential resources for families, seniors, and children across Arizona, particularly in rural and high-heat communities where access challenges can be more pronounced.

Stable access to food and basic necessities is foundational to managing chronic conditions, reducing avoidable emergency care, and supporting overall health outcomes.

“Wellpoint’s partnership is a game-changer for Harvest Compassion Center,” said Nicolee Thompson, executive director of Harvest Compassion Center. “By providing our very first refrigerated truck, they have made it possible for us to safely transport fresh food in Arizona’s extreme temperatures while dramatically increasing our capacity. We can now pick up three times the amount of food, expand where we source from, and deliver to our families five days a week, helping ensure that more children, seniors, and families have consistent access to fresh, nutritious food.”

Organizations supported in this area include:
Desert Farms2Table; Harvest Compassion Center; NourishPHX; Phoenix Rescue Mission; The Food Trust; Valley of the Sun United Way

Advancing Maternal, Child, and Family Health
Nearly $250,000 invested

These investments focus on strengthening family stability and childhood wellbeing through maternal health initiatives, early development programs, and access to essential supplies.

Supporting families early contributes to healthier long-term outcomes and reinforces stronger community foundations across generations.

“Wellpoint’s sponsorship reflects a strong commitment to the health, dignity and stability of families across Arizona,” said Yevette Sykes, CEO of the Arizona Diaper Bank. “Through this partnership, we will distribute diapers and other essential hygiene products each month through our 54 partner agencies, ensuring families do not have to choose between paying rent and buying diapers. Together, we are meeting urgent needs, easing stress and strengthening our communities.”

Organizations supported in this area include:
Arizona Diaper Bank; Casa de los Niños; Cribs for Kids; Healthy Birth Day; Hope Women’s Center; KinderCare; Wrapped in Love

Supporting Youth Development, Mental Health, and Education
Nearly $800,000 invested

Wellpoint is also investing in youth mental health, educational access, and safe spaces for learning and connection, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Early intervention and accessible behavioral health support are essential components of whole-person health and long-term community resilience.

“Wellpoint's investment in our youth demonstrates their core belief in the power of strong communities,” said Liz Archuleta, president and CEO of United Way of Northern Arizona. “Their support helped transform a former retail site into the newly opened Bijou Teen Center in Holbrook, which is giving teens in northeast Arizona a place to explore new interests and plan for their futures. Wellpoint is also an important partner in our KinderCamp program, which ensures that all children, particularly those with limited access to preschool, are ready to learn by the time they enter kindergarten.”

Organizations supported in this area include:
Codefy; Family Involvement Center; Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus Pine Council; Scholarship America; United Way of Northern Arizona; University of Arizona

Strengthening Community Health and Workforce Capacity
Nearly $200,000 invested

Additional investments support workforce development, health equity initiatives, and expanded access to preventive and specialty care.

A stable and well-trained direct care workforce is foundational to high-quality long-term services and supports. These partnerships help strengthen recruitment, training, and retention efforts that ensure individuals with complex needs receive consistent, person-centered care across Arizona communities.

“We are thrilled about this partnership with Wellpoint and the opportunity to support children managing asthma in Arizona,” said Chris Martinez, president and CEO of the Foundation for Asthma and Allergy Impact Rescue. “Thanks to Wellpoint’s leadership, we are delivering lifesaving resources to the children who need them most, which once again demonstrates Wellpoint’s commitment to meeting the real needs of our communities.”

Organizations supported in this area include:
Equality Health Foundation; Foundation for Asthma and Allergy Impact Rescue

Commitment to Arizona

Together, these investments reinforce Wellpoint’s long-term commitment to Arizona. By partnering with trusted community-based organizations and strengthening local infrastructure, Wellpoint is helping ensure seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families have access to coordinated, sustainable, and person-centered support for years to come.

As Arizona continues to evolve and strengthen the Arizona Long Term Care System, Wellpoint remains committed to advancing solutions that enhance quality, accountability, and access to home- and community-based care for individuals with complex and ongoing needs.

ABOUT WELLPOINT
Wellpoint, part of the Elevance Health family of brands, focuses on improving physical health as well as the behavioral and social drivers that impact it through a comprehensive suite of Medicare, Medicaid, and Commercial products. The Wellpoint companies offer healthcare services for consumers at any stage of life seeking to make the right care decisions and helps individuals and communities make real, positive progress with health plans that foster independence, confidence, and whole-person health. For more information, please visit www.wellpoint.com.

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“Wellpoint is proud to partner with trusted local organizations to expand home- and community-based care services, support family caregivers, and strengthen the direct care workforce."