BMC HealthNet Plan lends helping hand to graduates of The Home for Little Wanderers

Boston Medical Center (BMC) HealthNet Plan worked with The Home for Little Wanderers to help provide dorm room essentials and school supplies to 12 incoming Bridgewater State University students. Petrina Cherry, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at BMC HealthNet Plan, was on campus to deliver mini-fridges, microwaves, backpacks filled with school supplies, bedding, laundry baskets, basic toiletries and more to Rick Houpt with The Home for Little Wanders organization, and Carl Morton, who runs the Academic Support for College and Life (ASCL) program at Bridgewater State University. The items were distributed to students when they moved into their dorms.

The Home for Little Wanderers is a nonprofit organization that provides social services for at-risk children, including life skills training, stable housing, educational preparation and more. Each year, more than 800 children turn 18 and “age-out” of the child welfare system in Massachusetts. Through a partnership with Bridgewater State University, The Home’s ASCL Program provide services and year-round housing to “aging out” students admitted to the University. Students can move in early and stay in the dorms during periods while their peers typically return home.

Donations from organizations like BMC HealthNet Plan help students in need get a fresh start and build on a solid foundation as they continue through college. BMC HealthNet Plan also plans to return to Bridgewater State University throughout the school year to conduct education programs on health insurance and general wellness for students.

BMC HealthNet Plan is a non-profit health plan that serves vulnerable populations across Massachusetts and supports community health by creating better access to care for its members.

Photo caption:

From left to right: Rick Houpt, Home for Little Wanderers; Petrina Cherry, VP of Marketing and Sales, BMC HealthNet Plan; and Lisa Hatfield, Director of Market and Community Development, BMC HealthNet Plan; at Bridgewater State University.