Awards, Ratings & Rankings

$1 Million GSK IMPACT Grant Awarded to Build Healthy Futures for Young People Aging Out of Foster Care in the Triangle

7 nonprofit organizations help 500 young people transition to healthy adulthood
Mar 10, 2016 9:00 AM ET
Campaign: Building Healthy Communities

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., March 10, 2016 /3BL Media/ - GSK [LSE/NYSE: GSK] (@GSKUS), in partnership with Triangle Community Foundation, (@TriComFdn) announced today a $1 million, 2-year GSK IMPACT Grant awarded to Fostering Wellness, an initiative of seven nonprofits working together to support young people aging out of foster care (ages 13 – 24) in Wake, Durham and Orange counties.  Working together, this diverse group of nonprofits will connect 500 young people with mentors and employment opportunities in the food industry, while also motivating them to adopt healthy behaviors and advocate for changes to make the Triangle a healthier place to live, work and thrive.

 “GSK has a long history of helping build healthier communities across the country – especially here in the Triangle – because wellness is the backbone of a strong, sustainable society.  This IMPACT Grant is particularly gratifying in that it empowers youth to be part of that healthy change,” said Jack Bailey, President US Pharmaceuticals, GSK.  “The IMPACT Grant will amplify great work already underway by exemplary local nonprofits helping young people in foster care throughout the Triangle region successfully transition to a healthy, productive adulthood.”

There are approximately 1,400 young people in foster care in Wake, Durham and Orange counties, many of whom will not be adopted or reunited with their families before they “age out” of the foster care system at age 18.  While most young adults in the US are not able to lead fully independent lives, young people aging out of the foster care system are expected to achieve self-sufficiency alone and without the same support systems other people rely on. 

Bert Fisher, President and CEO, Community Partnerships, Inc. said, “The fact is even as they look to start new chapters in their lives, young people aging out of foster care face considerable challenges – including long-term health risks, homelessness and unemployment. Through the work of Fostering Wellness, many young people will receive much-needed support to achieve a successful and healthy adulthood.”

Much of what influences health happens outside the doctor’s office – ensuring that communities have access to healthy foods, safe places to play and exercise, and the support of family and social networks are all important factors in improving health outcomes and helping people do more, feel better, and live longer.  The GSK IMPACT Grant is one of several charitable programs GSK offers as part of a commitment to building healthier communities across the nation. Fostering Wellness is the fourth GSK IMPACT Grant recipient, following great work already underway in Denver, CO; Philadelphia, PA; and East St. Louis, IL. 

The Fostering Wellness Initiative is made up of the following member organizations:

About GSK
GSK – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information go to us.gsk.com, follow GSK on twitter.com/GSKUS or visit GSK’s blog (www.morethanmedicine.us.gsk.com/blog/).

About Triangle Community Foundation
For over 30 years, Triangle Community Foundation has enhanced the lives of all its residents by connecting donors with causes they care about, providing funding for nonprofits and serving as a resource for local issues in the Triangle region of North Carolina. Each year the Foundation grants over $15 million back into the community, partnering with donors and nonprofits to make a difference, now and for the future. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit http://www.trianglecf.org or connect with the Foundation at www.facebook.com/trianglecf or http://twitter.com/TriComFdn.

Contact – For interview opportunities, contact:

GSK
Marti Skold-Jordan         Marti.x.Skold-Jordan@GSK.com          919-328-0507

Triangle Community Foundation
Greg Behr                     gebehr@gmail.com                               919-272-5621

Billy Warden                  billy.warden@gmail.com                        919-412-0630

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements
GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described under Item 3.D 'Risk factors' in the company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2014.