Nothing! Zip, zero, nada! In other words, there is no financial cost to participate in Thriving Families. 

We do ask for your time, however. Our community thrives when everyone is committed. That’s the only “cost” we ask.

Thriving Families Initiative (TFI) was launched by local churches and community partners who believe that relationships are the foundation of resilience. 

TFI is built on two convictions:

1. Every person deserves to flourish.

2. Building social capital—meaningful relationships across differences in class, race, and background—is essential to long-term wellbeing for individuals and communities alike.

Thriving Families is faith-rooted, but not faith-restrictive.

We were founded by Christian churches, and our co-founder and executive director is a practicing Hindu. Our work is grounded in values like dignity, compassion, empathy, justice, and community. We actively welcome people of all faiths and no faith.

What matters most is a shared commitment to show up for each other, build trust, and grow together.

Our model brings together individuals and families from diverse economic and social backgrounds to form supportive, intentional relationships. These relationships are guided by a trained Mission Coach and supported by a network of faith-based and nonprofit partners.

1. Thriving Families
Families– and individuals!-- from different backgrounds come together as peers—each bringing their own experiences, challenges, and insights. Every participant contributes, and every participant benefits. We are all a part of Thriving Families.

2. Mission Coach
Participants are guided by a trained Mission Coach who provides consistent support, facilitates team building, assists with goal setting, and connects participants with helpful resources. The coach ensures momentum and relational health throughout the journey.

3. MeetUps
All teams gather regularly for shared learning, reflection, celebration, and fun. MeetUps are designed to deepen connection, spark new insights, and build a larger sense of belonging in the Thriving Families community.

4. Teams
Participants organically form small teams that meet regularly and build meaningful, mutual relationships. These teams are where support, accountability, and friendship grow.

5. Targeted Supports
When specific needs arise, participants can access flexible resources and referrals. These include educational support for children, employment assistance, housing stability tools, and more—provided through partnerships and coordinated by the Mission Coach.

Together, this structure helps every participant take real steps toward a thriving life.

Thriving Families is open to all who are willing to walk in mutual relationships, grow personally and in community, and commit to the shared work of flourishing. 

We do ask all prospective participants to complete a readiness assessment, to be sure participants are aligned on purpose and ready to participate with humility, consistency, and openness. We ask that participants meet a few baseline criteria:

• You have a stable enough life circumstance to participate reliably

• You are eager to grow personally and build mutual relationships

• You’re open to learning, showing up, and staying engaged even when it’s hard

Not everyone who expresses interest is ready to join right away. If that is the case, we will share the reasons for that decision and some steps you can take to become ready to join in the future.

This isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about building a community where everyone can thrive, together.

Once you fill out the interest form, we will contact you and set up an initial meeting to get to know you. At this meeting, you will fill out a readiness assessment and talk to a mission coach about your goals and dreams for your life. We want to determine together if you are ready to make the commitment to goals and relationships, and ensure that your values and expectations align with what we have to offer.

Once you join, you’ll be part of a cohort of fellow participants and be supported by a Mission Coach. You will attend monthly MeetUps where you’ll build relationships across lines of difference, set goals, make progress, and share real-life support. Everyone brings something. Everyone gains something. That’s what community is all about. 

In order to build mutual, supportive relationships, participants commit to:

• Showing up for 1:1  coaching sessions with your Mission Coach

• Attending monthly MeetUps (two hours each)

• Participating regularly in team gatherings (as often as your team decides)

• Sharing your own journey with others

• Setting and pursuing individual and shared goals

• Bringing honesty, grace, and presence to the group
  

We ask for a 1-year commitment…However, Thriving Families isn’t a class or a curriculum—it’s a community built on long-term relationships and many participants choose to stay involved much longer.

It’s our hope that the relationships formed through Thriving Families sustain for life. After the first year, your level of involvement may shift as life changes.  This is a journey, not a deadline.

Thriving Families is currently rooted in Washington Township in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Meetings happen in community spaces—often in churches such as our founding churches, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and Second Presbyterian Church. Some gatherings happen in homes or wherever teams feel most comfortable. We prioritize spaces that are safe, welcoming, and accessible for everyone.

NOPE! Whether you're navigating challenges or offering support, everyone has something to contribute.

In addition to peer support and Mission Coach guidance, participants may receive referrals or flexible assistance related to housing, employment, education, financial coaching, and more—based on individual goals.

Absolutely! We welcome referrals and introductions, and all prospective participants will go through the same front-end process to ensure readiness and alignment.