The GE Foundation’s Developing Health™ program has awarded $150,000 to Whittier Street Health Center to support its Women and Girls Healthy Living initiative. This is the third consecutive year that Whittier has received grant funding from the GE Foundation, totaling $400,000.  The Developing Health program was launched in 2009 and partners with independent, non-profit community health centers with the goal of increasing access to primary care for the underserved populations.  The program currently includes more than 160 health centers in 39 cities across the United States.

The Women and Girls’ Healthy Living Program is a prevention, wellness, and education program that builds girls into leaders and prevents low-income girls from falling prey to the issues faced by low-income women. The program seeks to further expand access to healthcare for the community by providing services to girls exposed to violence, in addition to its current focus on women who are immigrants, refugees, homeless, low-income, or have been incarcerated. Through a range of services tailored to each participant, Whittier seeks to break the cycle that brings young girls and women into contact with the justice system.

“Whittier strives to provide optimal care to all members of the community, especially those who face additional challenges because of their exposure to violence, low income, or previous incarceration,” said Frederica M. Williams, President and CEO of Whittier Street Health Center. “The GE Foundation grant allows us to provide program participants with the primary care, case management, trauma-based interventions, health education, and support services that they need to rebuild their lives and become leaders in their communities.”

As a result of previous funding from the GE Foundation, the Women’s Health Program at Whittier reached 1,500 women through health education and outreach in jails; provided case management services to 300 women; referred 410 women to needed social services; and connected 325 women to primary care services.

“Nearly one in five Americans lacks ready access to a source of primary healthcare. GE is committed to helping reverse this trend, and through our Developing Health™ program, we are increasing patients’ access to primary care in a number of communities across the country,” said Bob Corcoran, President of the GE Foundation. “We are pleased to continue working with Whittier Street Health Center on increasing access to primary care for the underserved girls and women in their community.”

About the GE Foundation

The GE Foundation, the philanthropic organization of GE, is committed to building a world that works better. We empower people by helping them build the skills they need to succeed in a global economy. We equip communities with the technology and capacity to improve access to better health and education. We elevate ideas that are tackling the world’s toughest challenges to advance economic development and improve lives. The GE Foundation is powered by the generosity and talent of our employees, who have a strong commitment to their communities. We are at work making the world work better. Follow the GE Foundation at www.gefoundation.com and on Twitter at @GE_Foundation.