Meridian, a Michigan-based provider of government-sponsored health plans, and the Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Meridian’s corporate parent, Centene Corporation, have announced a $1.1 million commitment to Alternatives For Girls (AFG) in Detroit to develop an early childhood education center for girls and young women experiencing homelessness.

The funding will enable the social services agency to provide affordable, high-quality early education to children from birth to three years of age. AFG aims to provide high-risk, homeless girls, young women, and working parents with support, resources, and opportunities to maintain stable housing and become economically independent. To that end, the center’s services will be offered during both standard and non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends. The center, part of the Dr. Maya Angelou Village—a $19.1 million mixed-use permanent supportive 45-unit housing development—is scheduled to open in summer 2024.

“Early childhood programming promotes children’s school readiness and healthy development. We see the lack of early childhood care as an ongoing obstacle to stability and success,” said AFG chief operating officer Celia Thomas. “This center will promote family engagement through monthly parent education workshops, parent-child interactive literacy activities, and a parent advisory council. This is critical to improving health and educational outcomes for the children and their families.”

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