PINEHURST — WellCare of North Carolina, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, has come on as a major sponsor for Sandhills PRIDE’s programs for the second year.
“I am deeply humbled by the commitment of continued support we have received from WellCare of North Carolina, who have stepped up to be our PRIDE Youth Advocate Sponsors this year,” said Lauren Mathers, executive director of Sandhills PRIDE. ”This support will allow us to continue the expansion of our youth programs and events and to offer more programs, such as this month’s youth group pride month celebration, at no charge to our families. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication to our youth programs and their help in expanding our connection and support for the LGBTQ+ community in this area.”
WellCare, and their parent company, Centene, have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting diversity both within their company and within the community.
Their mission, like that of Sandhills PRIDE, is to improve the lives of their members and local communities they serve. As part of their sponsorship, WellCare was Presenting Sponsor for the Sandhills PRIDE 2023 Scholarship reception, held in late May, and participated as Champion Sponsors at the inaugural PRIDE in the Pines PRIDEFest presented in partnership with the Weymouth Center earlier this month.
During the Sandhills PRIDE Scholarship Reception, presenters and recipients spoke about the challenges faced at this time by LGBTQ+ individuals in our state and across the country. In her keynote address to the attendees, Shaune Lancit, director of Community Engagement for WellCare of North Carolina, acknowledged the difficulties faced by the recipients and praised them for their persistence and resolution.
“Today, we gather here to celebrate a remarkable group of individuals, our Sandhills Pride scholarship recipients. Today, we honor your courage, your perseverance, and your unyielding commitment to being true to yourselves and your values. This is a moment to acknowledge not only your accomplishments, but also the challenges you have faced with courage and determination,” she said.
“Be proud of who you are, for you are beautiful, valuable, and worthy of love and acceptance. Embrace the challenges that lie ahead with the same tenacity and resilience that has brought you this far. And know that your community stands behind you, cheering you on every step of the way, and that Community will always include WellCare. We celebrate not only your academic achievements but also your triumphs over adversity, your strength in the face of adversity, and your unwavering commitment to being true to yourselves and your beliefs. You have demonstrated that love knows no bounds, and that by embracing our individuality, we create a world that is richer, brighter, and more beautiful.”
The renewed annual sponsorship will help expand the PRIDE youth programs including resiliency training, advocacy education, mental health support workshops, outdoor events, and other activities designed to broaden support and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community and allies in the Sandhills region.
“In a time when we are seeing more and more pushback against our LGBTQ+ identifying community, who are just trying to live their lives and be productive and engaged citizens, it is encouraging and reassuring to have the support of a corporation like WellCare,” Ms. Mathers stated. “Their sponsorship commitment speaks volumes about their dedication to supporting diversity and equality in the communities they serve. Our missions are aligned, and we are honored to be partnering with them towards the common cause of improving the lives of those we serve.”
For more information about the programs, events, and mission of Sandhills PRIDE, please visit the organization’s website: sandhillspride.org.
