Firefly Community Connections

Join us TOMORROW from 1-4 pm at the OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA for their Fall Festival. It will be a fun afternoon filled with candy, food, games, and giveaways. Attendance is free for the whole family. We hope to see you there!

Join us Saturday from 1-4 pm at the OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA for their Fall Festival. It will be a fun afternoon filled with candy, food, games, and giveaways. Attendance is free for the whole family. We hope to see you there!

Join us this Saturday, 10/22, from 1-4 pm at the OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA for their Fall Festival. It will be a fun afternoon filled with candy, food, games, and giveaways. Attendance is free for the whole family. We hope to see you there!

Don't forget to join us this evening at the Meridian Street United Methodist Church for a Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness event hosted by the Indianapolis Arts Chorale group. The event begins at 7 p.m. We hope to see you there.

Join us tomorrow evening at the Meridian Street United Methodist Church for a Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness event hosted by the Indianapolis Arts Chorale group. The event begins at 7 p.m. We hope to see you there.

Join us this Friday, October 14 at the Meridian Street United Methodist Church for a Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness event hosted by the Indianapolis Arts Chorale group. The event begins at 7 p.m. We hope to see you there.

REAL PEOPLE, REAL STORIES, REAL IMPACT: The wedding dance took on a generous dip when Karrah, a physical therapist, and Kristen, a developmental therapist w/ First Steps, decided to push the dollars forward and give back to the agency that guided them through the process of becoming licensed foster parents. Kristen said one of her colleagues recommended Firefly Children & Family Alliance and so their foster care journey began. The couples’ desire to help kids is what led them to become licensed and eventually their hope is to support a young LGBTQ person. “They have a heart to support kids. I recognized that immediately,” Ghislene Legere, foster care licensing specialist, said.

Thanks to our donors and partners, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, Katz, Sapper & Miller, Managed Health Services - MHS and First Merchants for their continued support of our mission.

Join us in celebrating a rising star! Recently promoted to Vice President of Family Preservation Services, Claire Winship first joined Firefly in 2018. At that time, she was a home-based therapist on the Marion County team. Her next move was serving as the Director for home-based services for the Johnson County office. In her newest role, Claire manages the agency’s home-based programs throughout 33 counties. She is a superstar with a keen eye for innovative approaches that drive positive impact on kids and families.

“From a young age, I knew I wanted to be in the helping profession,” Claire says. “Social work has always been my calling… Seeing the amazing work our family support specialists, case managers, and therapists do each day is inspiring.”

A self-proclaimed foodie, Claire loves trying new restaurants and cooking for her family & friends. She is a graduate of Purdue and Simmons universities.

Thank you all of our donors and partners for helping us empower individuals to build stronger families and communities. BMO Harris Bank First Internet Bank Sandler Training Schmidt Associates

REAL PEOPLE, REAL STORIES, REAL IMPACT: Today, we mourn the loss of a young man served by our Older Youth Services (OYS) team. He was a 19-year-old abandoned at the age of 2. He grew up in the foster care system and recently graduated from high school. He was preparing for a career in the National Guard until he lost his life in an emotionally-driven shootout. He had no biological family, leaving no one to cover his funeral expenses. So, his case manager turned to the Firefly Children & Family Alliance fundraising department.

The experience of aging out of the foster care system is often a humbling one. It is not unusual for young people to be placed in six different homes before they are 18. Many young adults are eager to exit the system and enter adulthood but they lack the safety net family and other support systems typically provide. That's why OYS is so important; it is designed to bridge this gap. Our case managers work to help these young adults develop the independent living skills they need to reach their potential.

This young man’s tragic story is a somber example of the importance of donor support. Our donors and corporate partners empower us to provide the things that many take for granted. In this case, closure to an unsung life.

We are grateful to all who commit to joining us in empowering individuals to build stronger families and communities. Millennium Sounds, CLA, American Health & Wellness, Shelton Machinery, Inc., Indianapolis Colts

Special thanks to Ticket to Dream Foundation and Project Glimmer for providing amazing products to our teen girls in foster care.

Today we're shining the spotlight on ALL of our employees. All Firefly employees from across the state came together at Royal Pin Woodland to celebrate one another and the work we've been doing throughout the past year. We're grateful to each and every member of our incredible team. Congrats to Kevin Cox, VP of IT, for receiving Employee of the Year!

Special thanks to our corporate partners ALO Property Group, Mission Mechanical Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Goelzer Investment Management, The Jackson Group, An RRD Company, and LingoTek Solutions, Inc. for helping further our mission.

Our kiddos in residence and staff had a blast at Family Fun Day over the weekend at the Pacers Athletic Center. Thank you to Coca-Cola Consolidated for inviting our organization to take part in this terrific event.

REAL PEOPLE, REAL STORIES, REAL IMPACT: Jane was referred to Firefly Children and Family Alliance by the Department of Child Services (DCS) after a domestic dispute. Soon after the opening of the family's case, Jane gave birth. Fortunately, her case manager referred the children to the children’s shelter where they were cared for until mom could recover.

For five months Jane worked closely with Firefly's staff, embarking on a path of family recovery. Today, she is employed, has an apartment with her children, and is leading a healthy life. Her progress over the course of five months is remarkable; she has blossomed into a strong, capable, independent woman and her children are well.

Corporate Partners including Shelton Machinery, Inc. Braden Business Systems Centier Bank GEICO and Protective Insurance provide financial and volunteer support that allow us to provide support to individuals and preserve families; thank you!

EMPLOYEE FOCUS FRIDAY: Join us in welcoming the newest member of the communications team, Chris Talley, Director of Communications. In this role, Chris oversees the flow of communication and information between the agency and the public.

This Ball State University grad likes to spend time traveling, being outdoors, and enjoying live music.

Why Firefly? “The opportunity to tell the Firefly story so that all of the important work being done is highlighted and shared with those who help make it happen,” Chris says. “Nonprofit work is where I have always felt most at home. I want to accomplish good with my work—and being able to impact children and families is how I choose to serve others professionally."

Special thanks to our corporate partners Miller Pipeline American Health & Wellness McGuire Sponsel ADVISA for helping further our mission.

Thank you to the working parents community at Delta Faucet for collecting hundreds of school supplies at the Second Annual Summer End Celebration. We appreciate your suppor of us and our other nonprofit partner organizations.

MHP is partnering with Shelbyville Boys & Girls Club, and Firefly Children & Family Alliance to offer a FREE su***de prevention training on August 1st.

To register, visit 👉 ​http://ow.ly/HenM50K4rJI or call ☎️ 317-535-3325.

REAL PEOPLE, REAL STORIES & REAL IMPACT: Most recently a homeless family of three living in a shelter needed some immediate assistance. After exhausting local resources, the client's case manager turned to the fundraising department for support. Following is a note of gratitude from the case manager. "I just wanted to share that the Walmart trip, funded through donor support, meant the world to this family consisting of a single mom, 7-year-old daughter, and 13-year-old son! The kids were so excited to be able to buy clothes and shoes that had never been worn. They all picked out several new outfits and got some hygiene products as well. Afterwards, I took them out to Sonic and got some slushies for everyone. The energy this family had was like Christmas morning! I think the Walmart trip gave Mom a new wind because the very next week she filled out an application for child care assistance and had two job interviews. Most exciting, we just found out this week that she will be moving into an apartment provided by the housing authority! The whole family is so happy and grateful to have the support they need right now. So, I just wanted to express my gratitude. Our donors may not get to see it but the impact of donor's generosity goes so much deeper than just the money. They are helping people regain and retain their dignity." he said.

Special thanks to all our donors for helping us empower individuals to build stronger families and communities. Centier Bank Caterpillar NFP Pepper Construction Group

Schmidt Associates has been a supporter of Firefly Children & Family Alliance for decades. In fact, the building located at 16th & MLK was designed by this corporate partner company. Sara Hempstead served as a director on the board for many years and Lisa Gomperts serves today. Thanks to the entire Schmidt family of employees for helping us empower individuals to build stronger families and communities.

Visit https://fireflyin.org/support/our-partners/ to learn more about corporate partnership.

What is your role at Firefly?

I am a Home-Based Case Manager who serves children, youth, and adults. Case management work includes goal setting, teaching, and providing support as needed based on each client’s unique needs.

Share an impactful story that illustrates the importance of your work:

My time at Firefly has helped me understand the barriers that affect the vulnerable populations in our communities. Firefly is unique because its fundraising department offers financial support to help cover gaps in services. I just helped a mother apply for the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) to help with the tremendous cost of child care and the fundraising department provided a donated laptop, so now she can work from home until she finds child care she trusts.

Why do you choose to work at Firefly?

I’ve always wanted a career that allows me to make a positive impact on society. I developed this desire while earning my degree in Philanthropic Studies from the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, both at IUPUI.

Stephani fun fact:

I’m a mom to 15-year-old twin boys and a 3-year-old girl. Some of our best times together are spent going on walks, playing at the park, or simply being outdoors. We also love to have random dance parties. Each year Stephani participates in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and raises funds for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Special thanks to our corporate partners Huntington National Bank Sandler Trustpointe McGuire Sponsel Coast 2 Coast Concrete Chipping ALO Property Group Penske Honda and our many donors who help empower individuals to build stronger families and communities.

Looking for a fulfilling career opportunity? Consider exploring what Firefly Children & Family Alliance and YOU can do together to empower individuals to build stronger families and communities. Visit
https://fireflyindiana.hirecentric.com/jobs/217327.html
https://fireflyindiana.hirecentric.com/jobs/214921.html

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.

Client testimonies best demonstrate how Firefly Children & Family Alliance staff meet individuals where they are and stand beside them during life's darkest moments. We invite you to meet Rosie, Kim, Clayton & Jasmine, and Nate. Their triumphs are real and to be celebrated. https://youtu.be/u1eOJTe0cDQ

These corporate partners help Firefly to empower individuals to build stronger families and communities: Goelzer Investment Management Shelton Machinery, Inc. Miller Pipeline Katz, Sapper & Miller Image Pro's

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Our volunteers empower us to serve thousands of kids, families and people in need of basic items. Volunteers from Salesforce and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield served in the donation rooms this week. Their visit started with an agency overview and walking tour through the children's shelter. We appreciate each of you and your commitment to stronger communities.

EMPLOYEE FOCUS FRIDAY: Meet Tashia Weaver, one of our outstanding team members who was most recently promoted to Director of Prevention Services for our Muncie office.

Tashia is a collaboration proponent. She works closely with other community leaders to ensure children are safe and their basic needs are met. This Ball State University alum excels at leading and keeping her team motivated. We appreciate you Tashia and we are grateful that you choose to help Firefly Children & Family Alliance further its mission of empowering individuals to build stronger families and communities.

Special thanks to our corporate partners First Merchants The Jackson Group, An RRD Company AAA Exterminating, Inc. Indianapolis Colts and Managed Health Services - MHS that also help further our mission.

Each summer the Huntington National Bank ice cream truck swings by the children's shelter to pay a visit and pass out tasty treats. Given the recent temperatures, the timing was perfect! We appreciate the Huntington family of caring employees and the bank's commitment to stronger communities.

We are excited to announce the Books for Youth event!
It will take place Tuesday, July 19 from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. The event will be located at Haynes International in Kokomo, IN.
Come join the fun while meeting the Colts' mascot, Blue and the cheerleaders!

Thanks to & ALL OF YOU for the grant to support new beds in the children’s shelter. On Friday we welcomed Kathy Downey of Congressman Carson’s office, Jim Slaven, Corporate Responsibility Officer and 2 local State Farm representatives for a visit at the shelter. We appreciate all of you!

July is an opportunity to lift up the inherent dignity of persons with disability. We at Firefly Children & Family Alliance see you, we celebrate you, and we want you to shine! That is why we celebrate Disability Pride Month. While not a national holiday, it has been celebrated all around the country since 1990. This commemorates the date (July 26, 1990) when the landmark Americans with Disability Act (ADA) legislation was passed.

Jessica Ping-Wild has CHILD syndrome, a rare disease that causes limb underdevelopment or absence. Says Ping-Wild: “To me, Disability Pride is many things. It’s a chance for disabled people to declare their inherent self-worth, something that isn’t often done by individuals outside of the community. It’s a chance for the disabled community to come together, uplift, and amplify one another.” (https://bit.ly/USATodayarticle).

One thing we can all do: Use 'disability' instead of 'special needs'. Thanks to our many partners who join us in amplifying one another including BMO Harris Bank Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance American Health & Wellness Schmidt Associates & WestPoint Private Client Group

Employee Focus Friday: Firefly Children & Family Alliance has more than a New Name! It has added Michelle D. Williams to its leadership table as the VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Michelle began her career as a case manager at Family & Children's Services in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She honed her skills in social service while working with several nonprofit agencies, including Big Brothers Big Sisters . Michelle brings over 20 years of experience helping people navigate cross-cultural relationships and conflict.

"Adding Michelle to our leadership table reflects our commitment to honor all people’s unique potential through empathy and access,” Tina Cloer, President & CEO said. Michelle’s responsibilities include leading Firefly’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, a working committee of the Firefly Board of Directors comprised of staff, members of the Board of Directors and volunteers.

Michelle served at Anderson University as the Director of Multicultural Student Services before being promoted to the Cultural Resource Center Director and Assistant Dean of Students. She says it was during her time at AU that her love for teaching others to value and respect diverse cultures and people blossomed. After AU, Michelle moved to New England and served as the Dean of Students at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She is the co-author of “Diversity Playbook: Recommendations and Guidance for Christian organizations” and a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® through the Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC).

THANKFUL THURSDAY – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing EMDR is a psychotherapy treatment designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. Individuals who go through EMDR therapy learn to safely reprocess traumatic information so it is no longer psychologically disruptive to their well being. Thanks to a generous grant from the Indianapolis Colts Foundation, this 9-year-old received EMDR and is better managing difficult emotions linked to a strained relationship with dad.

Our name has changed but our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community remains the same. Being LGBTIQ is only one part of any person or community. At Firefly we recognize and respect the different parts of someone’s identity and circumstances and we understand that neither can be considered in isolation. Each person that Firefly encounters has their own unique experiences opportunities, and barriers. We appreciate this intersectionality that combines to create each whole person; we see you and we are here to support you.

Our mission: empowering individuals to build stronger families and communities
Our vision: Inclusive and healthy communities of thriving people
Our Values:
Inclusion, Innovation & Impact

EMPLOYEE FOCUS: We are pleased to welcome three of Firefly Children & Family Alliance’s summer interns, Sydney Gendron, Hanna Anderson and Kaed Stewart, to the development and communications team.

Sydney is a rising senior IUPUI majoring in journalism and minoring in graphic design. She says she looks forward to a career as a visual journalist after graduation and that she loves working alongside her fellow interns on various Firefly projects.

Hanna earned her B.S. in Sport Management from Lipscomb University. She plans to continue her studies Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in the fall and finish her NCAA Track & Field eligibility too. She says she loves knowing that her work at Firefly is positively affecting people’s lives.

Kaed is also a rising senior at IUPUI studying visual communication design and working to earn a certificate in nonprofit management. They work IUPUI LGBTQ Center as a student ambassador and serve as the vice president and public relations co-chair for the Alpha Omicron Charter of Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc.. Kaed plans to continue working in the nonprofit sector after graduating. They are enjoying the variety of the work at Firefly because no two days are the same.

Are you or someone you know looking for a multifaceted internship in development or communications? Contact us at [email protected].

May is Foster Care Awareness Month, join us in congratulating the thousands of young people in care in Indiana and beyond who have beat the odds, rose to the challenge and are on their way to a new normal.

Graduating high school is a big accomplishment, especially for those in the foster care system. For most, it’s a moment that will always be remembered. But for those in the system, it is uniquely different. That is because these young people make the journey without the support enjoyed by those who grew up with their biological family. And that is where Firefly Children & Family Alliance’s Older Youth Services (OYS) team comes into play. OYS case managers are life coaches to these young adults. They stand beside each of them as they traverse their paths to adulthood. Things like how to apply to college, how to write a resume, where to live after graduation and how to pay bills and manage a budget are among the basic life skills taught by the OYS team. Most of the young people entering the program have struggled to find a permanent outlet or support person in their life but that changes with the support of OYS. Navigating difficult situations such as inconsistent housing and lack of transportation become manageable with OYS support.

In addition to recognizing the graduates, we want to thank our entire OYS team. You make a difference EVERY SINGLE DAY! We are also grateful to The Jackson Group, An RRD Company BMO Harris Bank B&W Plumbing and Heating Company CLA Accelerent Shelton Machinery, Inc. and OneNFP for improving the lives of young people in foster care.

It’s National Foster Care Awareness month. The goal of foster care is to provide a temporary, safe, stable, nurturing environment when children cannot live with their biological families. But, these 2 kiddos were adopted today by their foster family of 4 years. Congrats to Bethany & Tim Muchmore for the addition to their family & thanks to our foster care case manager, Maddie Gass, for all her support to this family and so many others. Vishttps://fireflyin.org/programs-services/youth-placement/foster-care/ to learn more about foster care.

We accomplish more through the support of socially responsible partners including Huntington National Bank, ALDI USA, Delta Faucet, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Millennium Sounds and Goelzer Investment Management Learn more https://fireflyin.org/support/our-partners/

May is . At Firefly Children & Family Alliance we offer mental health services to adults, families & children. Visit http://ow.ly/HeAf50Ja2yc to learn more.

Special thanks to Needler's Fresh Market for including us in its Nourish Your Mind Day on 5/31. Stop by Needlers in Carmel & visit us. bit.ly/healthismorethanphysical

Each year, Firefly Children & Family Alliance provides temporary residence to more than 400 kids & teens. When these young people depart they do so with Comfort Cases Thanks to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield for hosting a comfort case team build with the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana.

It’s foster care awareness month & graduation season. Ticket To Dream Foundation &
Project Glimmer teamed up to celebrate the young people in our Older Youth Services program who are earning diplomas. Thank you Ticket to Dream & Project Glimmer!

This 500 Festival Princess, Elainy McCoy, spent her Monday this week sorting & organizing in our donation room. But that's not all, the Covington High School graduate and IUPUI senior also took some time to make the littles in residence feel special. We appreciate you Lainy.

Free Admission! Warren Performing Arts Center | 9500 E. 16th Street | Indianapolis | Noon - 5pm
Food giveaways while supplies last; food trucks; vendors; & community resource providers.