CareSource, a nationally recognized nonprofit managed care organization serving more than 430,000 Georgians, and Eckerd Connects have teamed up to break down barriers to education and employment for CareSource members in rural Georgia by providing the resources they need to secure employment and achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

“Our commitment to supporting rural Georgia goes beyond traditional health care,” said Jason Bearden, CareSource Georgia president. “By partnering with Eckerd Connects, we are addressing the whole health of our members, recognizing that economic stability and meaningful employment are essential to overall well-being. This collaboration will empower our members with the skills and resources they need to succeed in the workforce and build healthier, more resilient communities.” 

As part of this collaboration, Eckerd Connects, a legacy non-profit with deep community roots, brings decades of experience delivering data-driven, outcome-based workforce programs. Working alongside CareSource, Eckerd Connects will identify eligible members enrolled in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) services, assess their skills and employment barriers and create individualized support plans. Participants will gain access to targeted training in job readiness and job search strategies. The partnership will also connect them to employment opportunities aligned with their career goals. To ensure lasting success, Eckerd Connects will provide ongoing follow-up support and measure results to demonstrate real impact for members and their communities.

This partnership also creates a Workforce Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Hub designed to address employment barriers such as poverty and food insecurity. Through the personalized support plan, members gain access to resources and referrals to CareSource Life Services which connects them with a life coach to assist with transportation, housing, budgeting, food needs and more. In addition, CareSource provided a $10,000 grant to establish an on-site food pantry to provide members enrolled in the program with access to healthy meals and snacks.

“Eckerd Connects is committed to empowering individuals to reach their potential,” said Michael D. Smith, president and CEO of Eckerd Connects. “By working with CareSource, we can close the opportunity gap—tackling the barriers that keep people out of the workforce and strengthening both the health and economic vitality of communities across Georgia.”

The food pantries and additional resources are available to CareSource members enrolled in Medicaid, Pathways, PeachCare for Kids or Marketplace in the Southwest, Georgia counties of Calhoun, Colquitt, Dougherty, Early, Lee, Mitchell and Worth. Together, CareSource and Eckerd Connects aim to address SDOH, increase access to needed services, improve the overall health of CareSource members and build stronger communities across rural Georgia.