FORT LAUDERDALE — Sunshine Health, a company of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), awarded $100,000 in grants for innovative programs that support caregivers of children and youth with behavioral health challenges and complex needs.

Four nonprofits received $25,000 each for their proposed evidence-based, trauma-informed programs for foster, adoptive, and kinship parents and caregivers: Kids First of Florida, Florida 1.27, Family Initiative and Citrus Family Care Network.

Kids First of Florida is a community-based care agency in Orange Park, focusing on child protection-care management, foster care support and adoption services throughout Clay County.

Each grantee will help parents and caregivers build the skills and confidence needed to create safe, supportive, and healing-centered home environments, reducing the likelihood of placement disruptions and promoting long-term stability.

 Grantees will implement a trauma-informed, relationship-based approach that equips caregivers with practical strategies to support children and youth who have experienced abuse, neglect and other adverse experiences. The approach emphasizes building trust, strengthening connections, and responding to emotional and behavioral needs in ways that promote healing, resilience and well-being.

 “We are honored to support these grant winners’ innovative programs that will strengthen families and improve the lives of vulnerable children,” said Charlene Zein, president and CEO of Sunshine Health. 

The grants are funded through the Sunshine Health Investment Fund, which supports community organizations, providers, and child welfare partners to improve outcomes for children and families. Funding helps address critical needs such as orthodontic care, emergency assistance, caregiver training, and innovative programs that strengthen support systems and help children and families thrive.

About Sunshine Health 

With offices across Florida, Sunshine Health is among the largest healthcare plans in Florida. Offering coordinated care and a network of support for our members, Sunshine Health is transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. We offer government-sponsored managed care through Medicaid, Long Term Care, the Health Insurance Marketplace (Ambetter Health), and Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans (Wellcare). Our specialty plans include the Sunshine Health Pathway to Shine Specialty Plan serving children in or adopted from the state's Child Welfare system; the Sunshine Health Mindful Pathways Specialty Plan for people living with serious mental illness; and the Sunshine Health Power to Thrive Specialty Plan for people living with HIV/AIDS. Sunshine Health is a Centene Corporation company. For more information, visit SunshineHealth.com or follow us on Facebook and X @SunHealthFL.