RALEIGH, N.C. – Foster families across Wake County will now have greater access to joyful, hands-on play thanks to a new partnership between Marbles Kids Museum, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) and Wake County’s Department of Social Services. Foster families licensed through Wake County will receive a membership to Marbles that provides free museum admission for foster parents and all children in the household.
Designed to support stability and belonging for children in foster care, this powerful example of public, private and nonprofit collaboration removes barriers and creates meaningful opportunities for families to connect, learn and grow together. The membership provides year-round access to Marbles’ hands-on exhibits, early museum entry, member-only events and exclusive discounts to the Marbles PlayStore, IMAX theater, camps and more. Not only is this partnership designed to serve current Wake County foster families, it also offers a tool for Wake County Social Services to recruit new foster families to help fill a critical community need.
“Marbles is a place for joy and connection,” said Jonathan Frederick, CEO of Marbles Kids Museum. “For years, we have imagined a way for foster families to have more access to Marbles, a safe and welcoming place to experience the power of play. Now, thanks to Blue Cross NC and Wake County Social Services, this program is a reality.”
“Wake County’s Foster Care Program plays a vital role in helping and nurturing children in need. Our mission is to strengthen foster families and provide children in foster care with the experiences they need to thrive. Access to places like Marbles provides a sense of community inclusion and celebrates all family structures,” said Rene Whitehead, Child Welfare Cross-Function Program Manager at Wake County Social Services.
Arif Khan, Chief Strategy and Performance Execution Officer at Blue Cross NC and a member of the Marbles Board of Directors, spoke at the event celebrating the partnership. “At Blue Cross NC, we know that play, social connection and learning are essential for all children, but especially those experiencing foster care,” Khan said. “Supporting this program aligns with our commitment to improving health and well-being of communities across North Carolina.”
