Quantum Foundation awards $65,471 grant to expand medical transportation for Glades families

Representatives from Quantum Foundation, Green Cars for Kids and the Health Care District of Palm Beach County celebrate the launch of a new transportation program serving expectant mothers and children in the Glades. Pictured (left to right) are Corey Murphy, Andrea Mena, Rocio Tamez, Antywn McCoy, Rod James, Bridgette Knight, Catherine Toms and Chanukah Jerome. [Photo by Green Cars 4 Kids]

Quantum Foundation has awarded $65,471 to Green Cars for Kids to expand access to healthcare for expectant mothers and children in western Palm Beach County by helping eliminate one of the region's greatest barriers to care — transportation.

The grant will fund the launch of Green Cars for Kids' transportation program in the Glades communities of Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay through a partnership with the Health Care District of Palm Beach County's Community Health Centers.

A Volkswagen ID.4 all-electric vehicle will provide free transportation to medical appointments for members of the Glades communities. [Photo by Green Cars 4 Kids]

The initiative provides eligible expectant mothers and children with free transportation in zero-emission electric vehicles to medical appointments.

According to Quantum Foundation, approximately 24% of residents in the Glades region do not have access to a personal vehicle, making it difficult for many families to attend prenatal appointments, pediatric visits and specialized healthcare services.

The transportation program will serve patients receiving care at the Health

Care District's Federally Qualified Health Center in Belle Glade, which offers primary care, dental services, pharmacy, mental health and women's health services on the same campus as Lakeside Medical Center. Organizers say improving access to transportation will help reduce missed appointments and 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."

The grant is expected to support transportation for approximately 500 established patients annually receiving care through the Belle Glade Community Health Center.

Established patients interested in learning more about the program or determining eligibility may call 561-642-1000, ext. 211016.

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Video by Green Cars 4 Kids

Since launching in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, Green Cars for Kids has provided nearly 10,000 medical trips for more than 3,000 individuals. The Palm Beach County expansion builds on the organization's growing effort to improve healthcare access for underserved families.

"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 that provides free transportation to healthcare appointments for low-income expectant mothers and children using electric vehicles. The organization partners with healthcare providers and community organizations to improve access to medical care while promoting environmental sustainability.

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Video by Green Cars 4 Kids

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

Quantum Foundation's mission is to inspire and fund initiatives that improve the health of Palm Beach County residents. Created from the proceeds of the sale of JFK Medical Center, the foundation has invested in community health initiatives for more than 30 years. Today, it manages approximately $172 million in assets and has awarded $184 million in grants to hundreds of Palm Beach County nonprofit organizations, with every grant dollar remaining in the county to benefit local communities.

For more information about Green Cars for Kids, visit greencarsforkids.org, and to learn more about Quantum Foundation, visit quantumfnd.org.