WellCare of North Carolina (WellCare), a leading provider of Medicaid healthcare coverage in North Carolina, and the Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), have jointly announced a substantial investment of $1.95 million in The Umbrella Center. This comprehensive family justice center offers holistic services to individuals impacted by various forms of interpersonal violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, human trafficking, and child abuse. The investment, spanning three years, will support the development of The Umbrella Center’s future home at 4822 Albemarle Road in Charlotte, as well as fund programs and services at the facility.
Troy Hildreth, Plan President and CEO of WellCare of North Carolina, emphasized the significance of The Umbrella Center as a refuge and resource hub for individuals seeking protection from interpersonal violence in the Charlotte community. Hildreth expressed pride in partnering with the Centene Foundation and local organizations to uplift families and the community.
Scheduled to open in the summer of 2026, The Umbrella Center represents a pioneering public-private collaboration involving Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, WellCare, Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center, and Safe Alliance. Pat’s Place will provide comprehensive services to child victims of abuse, while Safe Alliance will operate the facility and offer various programs and services to those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. The center will also accommodate additional service agencies, legal services, law enforcement, and healthcare providers to support individuals and families seeking refuge from domestic violence.
Andrew Oliver, CEO of Pat’s Place, highlighted the transformative impact of family justice centers like The Umbrella Center in facilitating the recovery and well-being of those affected by interpersonal violence. He expressed pride in collaborating with WellCare of North Carolina and the Centene Foundation to deliver lasting results to the local community.
Family justice centers, like The Umbrella Center, are nationally recognized models proven to enhance victim survival, reduce rates of violence and homicide, and are endorsed as best practices by the Department of Justice.
A 2019 study commissioned by the Jamie Kimble Foundation for Courage revealed that domestic violence costs Charlotte-Mecklenburg nearly $50 million annually, encompassing healthcare and criminal justice expenses. The study also identified an annual mental health cost of $6.7 million associated with domestic violence in Mecklenburg County.
Through their investment in The Umbrella Center, WellCare and the Centene Foundation reaffirm their commitment to providing healthcare access to individuals affected by domestic violence and abuse, thereby fostering a safer and healthier future for the Charlotte community.
