Orphan Care Alliance Announces $10,000 Aetna Sponsorship

Aetna’s support will help empower communities to meet critical needs of Kentucky’s foster youth

LOUISVILLE, KY— (DEC. 14, 2022) Orphan Care Alliance (OCA) is pleased to announce that Aetna Better Health of Kentucky has donated $10,000 to support OCA’s innovative Gateway system, a web-based portal that connects needs in the foster and adoptive community with community members who can help meet those needs.

“The Gateway system is an incredible, innovative tool that empowers Kentuckians to help meet the needs of youth in foster care,” said Kelly Pullen, Executive Director of SKY. “We are grateful for OCA’s work on getting this system up and running and we are thrilled at the opportunity to partner with them on this project. This platform will go a long way in bettering the lives of Kentucky’s most vulnerable youth, as more Kentuckians—from case managers to volunteers—become aware of it.”

The Gateway portal, which launched in 2016, has helped thousands of Kentucky’s foster youth.

When families need specific goods or services, a case manager may enter a request through the portal, after which registered volunteers in their area receive a notification via email. Once a volunteer accepts the request, the case manager that posted the need will get an email with the volunteer’s phone number and email address so they can connect and resolve the issue.

In addition to meeting needs for requested goods and services, volunteers can also post offers—for instance, a bassinet or crib—that are sent to area case managers. If a case manager has a family that needs what has been offered, they can match the offer in the system to receive the item or service for their client.

The Gateway portal’s ease of use and effectiveness are noteworthy; the system has become the blueprint for similar programs in other states, including Alabama, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

“We are thrilled to have Aetna’s support as we continue amplifying the reach of this incredible tool,” said Darren Washausen, Executive Director of OCA. “As more caseworkers, community volunteers and foster families become aware of this tool, we know the impact it has will grow exponentially. During this season of giving, we hope that even more Kentuckians take advantage of this portal and that OCA’s Gateway system makes it easier than ever before to help vulnerable families and youth across Kentucky.”

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Gateway Volunteer Network, or if you are a case manager in your community, please register today with OCA.

Video Testimonial from case manager Taja S.: OCA Gateway Testimonial on Vimeo

Orphan Care Alliance is a 501c3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Louisville, KY serving all of Kentucky and Southern Indiana. They work to encourage, connect, and mobilize Christians throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana to care for vulnerable kids and families. To find out more, visit: orphancarealliance.org