Community-based Programs

We offer a wide range of services, including:

Child Mental Health Initiative
Diagnostic and Evaluation Services
Family Preservation Services
Home Based Family Centered Casework Services
Home Based Family Centered Therapy Services
Parent Education
Parenting/Family Functioning Assessment
Substance Use Disorder Assessment
Transition from Restrictive Placements (TRP)
Tutoring/Literacy Classes
Visit Supervision - Therapeutic Supervised Visit
Visit Supervision - Traditional

Have a question? Contact our Home Based Coordinator, Brandon Waterbury, at hbcoordinator@lutheranfamily.org.

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.

Have a question? Contact our INSPIRE Coordinator, Alexis Gladstone, at inspireadmin@lutheranfamily.org.

Pando Aspen Grove of Community Heights (Pando) is a Permanent Supportive Housing program that provides both housing and an array of voluntary supportive services to young adults who are at risk of homelessness.

The Pando facility is located at 5626 E. 16th Street, Indianapolis, IN. It offers 30 one-bedroom apartments to serve people ages 18-24, with a special focus on those aging out of the child welfare/foster care system. The program includes an on-site food pantry, as well as supportive services to assist tenants with educational and employment goals, accessing healthcare and legal aid, and helping them connect with others in the community to build "social capital". Programming is completely voluntary and will include social/recreational activities, nutrition/cooking classes, and budgeting and financial management.

Pando has an on-site food pantry, but the shelves are looking bare! We need your assistance to "pack the pantry" and fill up those empty shelves. Donations can be dropped off at Pando. Please contact our Tenant Relations Specialist to make arrangements. We can also coordinate a pick-up at your church or business!

Have a question? Contact our Program Manager De'Aundre Williams at programmanager@lutheranfamily.org.

In partnership with Cornerstone Lutheran Church and casework agencies around the Indianapolis area, we provide a Christmas shopping experience for families seeking holiday assistance. This program is referral by caseworker only. If you are someone interested in receiving holiday assistance please contact your casework by November. To arrange a donation or volunteer group for Christmas Store, contact us at xmas_store@lutheranfamily.org.