The INSPIRE program, launched in 2019 by LCFS in collaboration with Community Health Network and Paramount Schools of Excellence (PSOE), aims to address the complex needs of families in the community by utilizing a 2-Generation (2Gen) approach. This model focuses on both children and their parents simultaneously to create lasting, positive change. INSPIRE focuses on strengthening families by improving education, employment, health, and social connections. The program empowers families to achieve sustainable growth in all aspects of their lives.
The program has expanded over time, serving families from PSOE, Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township (MSD-LT), and Trinity Lutheran Church & School (TCLS). Aside from the school partners, INSPIRE collaborates with organizations like Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, Fifth Third Bank, and Indiana Legal Services to offer a range of support to families, including education, employment development, economic advancement, and health services. These partnerships provide essential resources that help families break the cycle of poverty by improving education, health, and social connections.
Following the 2Gen Approach, in 2022, INSPIRE introduced the Inspiring Indianapolis Youth (IIY) initiative, which provides enrichment and support to youth in the families served by INSPIRE. The IIY program promotes social skills, mental health, substance misuse prevention, and positive parent-student-school relationships. It is free programming to active INSPIRE families at Paramount Englewood and Paramount Brookside. The IIY initiative benefits from the involvement of teen apprentices through Employ Indy’s Modern Apprenticeship Program. These apprentices play a key role in program design and implementation, guiding youth through enrichment activities and serving as mentors.
To join the INSPIRE program, families must reside in Marion County and have school-aged children. Referrals can be made through PSOE, MSD-LT, TLCS, or other INSPIRE partner organizations. Families not connected to any of these partners can contact the Intake Specialist, whose contact information is provided below. Additionally, families with students enrolled at participating IIY sites are eligible for youth enrichment services, subject to availability.
For more information, contact our INSPIRE Coordinator, Alexis Gladstone.
Learn more about INSPIRE by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deNU5899ZXM
Learn more about the Inspiring Indianapolis Youth initiative by watching this video: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/801784370
