FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ed Domansky
Director, Corporate Communications
(770) 994-4579
ATLANTA, Oct. 12, 2004 – LogistiCare and Nehemiah Ministries, the non-profit economic development arm of the Fifth District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME Church), announced today that they have entered into a strategic partnership to provide outreach to faith-based organizations in the development of Medicaid transportation resources.
The initial partnership will be piloted in Nevada. Rollouts across the country will follow over the next several months.
With a focus on meeting the needs of the underserved and transportation disadvantaged in local communities, First AME Church, Las Vegas, will be the front-end coordinator with other faith-based organizations during the first rollout, while LogistiCare will provide the transportation management expertise for which it is widely recognized.
“We are pleased and excited about partnering with the AME Church on such an important endeavor,” said John Shermyen, president and chief executive officer of LogistiCare. “A faith-based partnership such as this enables us to continue to further our mission of service both as a business and as a good community citizen. We are looking forward to helping the citizens of Nevada and growing our relationship with the AME Church.”
“Our partnership with LogistiCare is a win-win for everyone,” said Rev. Mark Whitlock, president and chief executive of Nehemiah Ministries. “It enables us to offer an additional level of service to the people in our communities while also helping LogistiCare expand its level of service within key population areas.”
In the first phase of a two-pronged rollout, the AME Church will play a vital role in network development. Through outreach to local churches, congregation members can play a key role in meeting the demand for volunteer drivers.
“Our role will be to help each church on a step-by-step basis train and credential staff and vehicles,” added Shermyen. “Ultimately, we envision the potential for stand-alone transportation companies that would provide steady employment and help faith-based organizations further their community missions.”
LogistiCare and Nehemiah Ministries will jointly develop outreach materials to be used in network development activities. These materials will be focused on creating the opportunity to help those in need and the less fortunate in the AME Church congregation, as well as throughout the local community.
“We know we can make this work,” Whitlock continued. “The growth potential is significant, and the work of this partnership will help people who need it most.”
Headquartered in Atlanta, LogistiCare is the nation's leading provider of specialized transportation network management. The company's government clients include state Medicaid agencies, school boards, transit and paratransit authorities. Health care sector clients include hospital systems and many of the nation's largest managed care organizations.
With its market innovation, proprietary software, and proven record of creating budget stability and program integrity, LogistiCare is well known as the leader in improving non-emergency transportation programs. On an annual basis, the company manages a national network of more than 700 transportation companies that deliver more than 13 million trips to customers annually.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church has a unique and glorious history. It is unique in that it is the first major religious denomination in the Western World that had its origin over sociological rather than theological beliefs and differences. The Church was born in protest against slavery—against dehumanization of African people, brought to the American continent as cheap labor.
The Mission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and environmental needs of all people by spreading Christ's liberating gospel through word and deed. At every level of the Connection and in every local church, the African Methodist Episcopal Church shall engage in carrying out the spirit of the original Free African Society, out of which the A.M.E. Church evolved: that is, to seek out and save the lost, and serve the needy.
The Mission of Nehemiah Ministries is to provide resources, services and financial contacts to pastors and church leadership for church growth and community development.
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