Funding will help provide free transportation for expectant mothers and children traveling to critical medical appointments

(WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) – Quantum Foundation has awarded $65,471 to Green Cars for Kids to help expand access to healthcare for expectant mothers and children in Palm Beach County by removing one of the region's most persistent barriers to care: transportation.

The grant will support the launch of Green Cars for Kids' transportation program in the rural, western Glades communities of Palm Beach County, in partnership with the Health Care District of Palm Beach County's Community Health Centers. The initiative provides free rides in zero-emission electric vehicles to eligible expectant mothers and children traveling to medical appointments.

In the Glades communities of Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay, 24% of residents lack a personal vehicle, making it difficult for families to attend prenatal visits, pediatric appointments and specialized medical care.

The Health Care District’s Federally Qualified Health Center in Belle Glade serves adults and children with or without insurance, providing primary care, dental care, pharmacy services, mental health and women’s health on the same campus as the Health Care District’s teaching hospital, Lakeside Medical Center. By reducing missed appointments, the program aims to improve health outcomes for mothers and children.

"Access to healthcare begins with access to transportation," said Eric Kelly, President and CEO of Quantum Foundation. "At Quantum Foundation, we invest in innovative solutions that remove barriers to better health. We're proud to support Green Cars for Kids as they expand this important program into Palm Beach County, helping more families receive the care they need while advancing healthier communities."

Quantum Foundation’s mission is to inspire and fund initiatives that improve the health of Palm Beach County residents. The health foundation was formed from $125 million in proceeds from the sale of JFK Medical Center. Now in its third decade of community investment, the foundation has assets of approximately $172 million. Since its inception, Quantum Foundation has awarded $184 million to hundreds of Palm Beach County nonprofit grantees. Every dollar the foundation grants stays in the county to benefit local communities.

The funding will support approximately 500 established patients each year receiving care through the Health Care District's Belle Glade Community Health Center. Established patients interested in learning more about the program or determining their eligibility are encouraged to call 561-642-1000, ext. 211016.

Since launching in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, Green Cars for Kids has provided nearly 10,000 medical trips for more than 3,000 unique clients. The Palm Beach County expansion builds on that success.

"We're incredibly grateful to Quantum Foundation for its investment in the health and well-being of Palm Beach County families," said Dr. Catherine Toms, President of Green Cars for Kids. "This grant allows us to expand our reach and ensure that expectant mothers and children can get to critical medical appointments without transportation standing in the way. Together, we're helping families access the care they deserve while building healthier communities."

Green Cars for Kids is a Palm Beach County-based nonprofit organization offering free transportation to low-income expectant mothers and children for healthcare visits, using electric vehicles. By partnering with healthcare providers and community groups, the organization bridges the transportation gap and advances healthy communities and sustainability. Find out more at their website or follow them on Instagram.

The initiative is also supported by the 2x4 Foundation and by Volkswagen Group of America, which is providing the temporary use of 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 all-electric SUV.

For more information, please visit the Green Cars for Kids website at https://greencars4kids.org/ or contact info@greencars4kids.org.

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