Strands Global Foundation and Anthem Launch “ELEVATE” Program for Virginia’s Foster Care Community

RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--3Strands Global Foundation (3SGF) and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia (Anthem) announced a strategic partnership to provide comprehensive “whole health” support to members in foster care, their guardians, caregivers, and Care Managers throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. This enhances the Virginia Foster Care Specialty Plan (FCSP), administered by Anthem Health Keepers Plus, by integrating ELEVATE, a specialized prevention and empowerment program, into the state's unified care model.

ELEVATE, which stands for Empowerment, Learning, Engagement, Voice, Advocacy, Thriving, and Evolving, provides a tailored curriculum designed for youth, guardians, caregivers, and Care Managers. The program utilizes a modular approach to address the unique challenges of the foster care ecosystem, with specific training for youth, caregivers, and guardians, including:

1. Navigating Life’s Crossroads
2. Peer Pressure and Abuse Prevention
3. Legal Rights and Responsibilities
4. Digital Literacy and Online Safety
5. Life Skills and Independence
6. Education and Career Planning
7. Building a Healthy Family
8. Health and Wellness

"Our goal for this partnership is to ensure that every member, caregiver, and professional stakeholder in the Virginia foster care system feels fully supported and empowered," said Jennie Reynolds, Plan President of Anthem HealthKeepers Plus. "By addressing the physical, behavioral, and social drivers of health, we are not just managing care, we are building a foundation for lifelong health and stability for Virginia’s youth."

The initiative specifically targets the high risk of exploitation and harm faced by youth in the child welfare system. Through the Foster Care Specialty Plan, Care Managers and caregivers will receive specialized training to navigate these complex challenges, break down barriers to success, and reduce harm.

"We recognize that youth in foster care require a unique, highly connected approach to care that extends far beyond the doctor’s office," said Shanice Gangadeen, Director of the Foster Care Specialty Plan at Anthem HealthKeepers Plus. "Our mission is to provide our members with the safety and resources they need to thrive, while giving our caregivers and professional stakeholders the trauma-informed tools and coordinated support necessary to advocate effectively for every child in their care."

"Expanding our reach across the entire Commonwealth of Virginia alongside Anthem marks a definitive turning point in how we protect our most vulnerable youth," said Ashlie Bryant, CEO and Co-Founder of 3Strands Global Foundation. "By weaving our trauma-informed prevention and empowerment programs directly into the Foster Care Specialty Plan, we are shifting from a reactive model to a proactive one. Our shared mission is to Prevent, Empower and Unite, ensuring that every child in Virginia is not only safe from harm but is equipped with the whole health foundation necessary to achieve their fullest potential."

About 3Strands Global Foundation

3Strands Global Foundation is a non-profit organization driven by a single mission: Prevent, Empower, Unite. Together, Ending Human Trafficking. Through world-class prevention education, survivor-leadership and cross-sector collaboration, 3SGF helps communities strengthen systems to protect against exploitation and empower individuals and families with access to resources, support, and opportunity. By uniting with global partners and local leaders, 3SGF works to ensure a world where everyone can live in freedom. www.3strandsglobalfoundation.org

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Anthem HealthKeepers Plus

Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. trades as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, and its service area is all of Virginia except for the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its affiliate HealthKeepers, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Elevance Health. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us at @AnthemBCBS on X or https://www.linkedin.com/company/anthembcbs/ on LinkedIn.