From Vision to Action

The Blue & You Foundation was created by the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Board of Directors and leadership to rethink community investment and address Arkansans’ unmet health needs. Its goal was not just to fund projects but to build a lasting resource for healthier communities.

Board member Mahlon Maris, M.D., helped shape the vision. His experience treating patients in rural Arkansas showed that health is shaped by more than medical care. Housing, transportation, services, education and economic opportunity all affect outcomes.

The Blue & You Foundation’s founding executive, Patrick O’Sullivan, launched grantmaking programs and built statewide relationships. An early signature initiative funded automated external defibrillators and training to help communities prepare for medical emergencies.

“We have organizations working in our state that are doing amazing work to help those in need,” said Curtis Barnett, president and chief executive officer of Arkansas Blue Cross. “Through the Foundation, we are not only investing in their programs to grow and extend their impact but also helping to coordinate and connect this work so we can make a difference in the lives of even more Arkansans.”

Under President Rebecca Pittillo, the Blue & You Foundation has focused on behavioral health, maternal/pediatric health and social determinants of health. It has expanded its role beyond funder to partner, convening organizations to learn about ways they might increase their impact.

“The Foundation is not only a partner, but a connector as we bring nonprofits across the state together for roundtable discussions and synergy meetings,” Pittillo said during the news conference. “This work is breaking down silos and partnerships are being formed.”

Celebrating Innovation

As part of the news conference, the Blue & You Foundation presented its Innovation in Action Awards, recognizing five organizations developing creative solutions to complex challenges facing Arkansas communities.

“We love seeing organizations implement creative strategies to reach underserved areas of the state, using new techniques to help Arkansans overcome barriers. And it’s through this innovative thinking that progress is being made,” Pittillo said.

As the winners stood to be recognized one final time, they were surprised to learn that each would receive a special $25,000 gift for their organization in recognition of their impact and cooperation. The organizations are:

Excel by Eight

Excel by Eight brings families, community leaders, policymakers and businesses together to strengthen Arkansas’ early childhood systems. It improves outcomes and removes barriers for children from prenatal development through age 8, helping every child thrive.

Immerse Arkansas

Each year, Immerse supports hundreds of vulnerable young people, including those affected by foster care, homelessness or trafficking. Through coaching, therapy and wraparound services, it helps them build stability and prepare for successful futures.

Providence Park

Providence Park is reimagining chronic homelessness support in southern Pulaski County, combining permanent housing, healthcare, employment and community support to foster long-term stability.

Restore Hope

Restore Hope unites local leaders and community alliances to support families navigating child welfare and justice systems. Its collaborative model delivers measurable results, strengthens community support for vulnerable residents and fosters long-term success.

Wolfe Street Foundation

Wolfe Street Foundation provides peer-led prevention and recovery support grounded in lived experience. Through recovery housing, youth programs and other services, it helps thousands of Arkansans build healthier futures.

           

Listening to Arkansas

During the news conference, Rebecca provided an early look at findings from a statewide Landscape of Philanthropy survey. The research gathered insights from nearly 300 nonprofit organizations and community stakeholders.

After receiving the survey results, the Foundation held listening roundtables throughout the state to ask participants further questions. The roundtables not only provided valuable insights but also connected organization leaders who recognized the potential to work together.

The findings from the survey and roundtables have been compiled, and a comprehensive report will be released on the Foundation’s website in November. This information will serve as a guide for future funding efforts by the Blue & You Foundation and other philanthropic organizations.

 

Building the Next 25 Years

The challenges facing Arkansas communities continue to evolve, but the Foundation’s approach remains rooted in the same principles that inspired its creation:

“As the Foundation enters its next quarter century, I believe the strongest solutions will continue to come from listening to communities, investing strategically, supporting innovation and fostering collaboration,” Rebecca said.