Whole Family Well-Being

Phase One - Complete
10/1/24 - 12/31/24

Family leadership summits: GCPD hosted three summits in Phase 1 to gather input from the community on how to best improve Whole Family Well-Being & Advocacy across Indiana. Visit to learn about what family leaders and families across the state had to say, and the recommendations they developed.

Phase Two - Ongoing
1/1/25 - 9/30/26

One of the two recommendations has been implemented! In 2025, a pilot for locally led family peer support organizations was launched in four Indiana communities. These Family Networks focus on increasing local community capacity to support families experiencing disability while also helping families build and maintain relationships, expand their social networks, find relevant resources and support, and experience a sense of belonging. Learn more about these local Networks here.

Initial results reinforce the power of this work:

Whole Family Well-Being

Phase One - Complete
10/1/24 - 12/31/24

Family leadership summits: GCPD hosted three summits in Phase 1 to gather input from the community on how to best improve Whole Family Well-Being & Advocacy across Indiana. Visit to learn about what family leaders and families across the state had to say, and the recommendations they developed.

Phase Two - Ongoing
1/1/25 - 9/30/26

One of the two recommendations has been implemented! In 2025, a pilot for locally led family peer support organizations was launched in four Indiana communities. These Family Networks focus on increasing local community capacity to support families experiencing disability while also helping families build and maintain relationships, expand their social networks, find relevant resources and support, and experience a sense of belonging. Learn more about these local Networks here.

Initial results reinforce the power of this work:

Indiana Consortium of
Family Networks (ICFN)

What is the ICFN?

GCPD hosted three summits in 2024 to gather input from the community on how to best support their mission of Whole Family Well-Being & Advocacy. Full and brief summaries, as well as explanatory infographics, can be found below in English and Spanish.

Who makes up the ICFN?

Greater Together Family Network – Gary
Contact: KaTrice Williams – Iwilliams.greatertogether@gmail.com

Marshall Starke United for All Abilities – Marshall and Starke Counties
Contact: Linda Hollan – llcholland@gmail.com

Southwest Community Family Network – Evansville
Contact: Mike Nevins – rnevins@iu.edu

Westfield Family Network – Westfield
Contact: Mendi Cooley – mendi@coolabilities.org

WHY IFCN?

What does ICFN do?

ICFN’s primary service is to connect family networks of individuals with disabilities with practical resources and emotional support to navigate the complex needs they encounter throughout daily life. ICFN can provide peer support, advocacy training, and community partnerships that can improve family well-being and reduce isolation.

Why does ICFN’s mission matter?

Creating a statewide, sustainable system of family networks can:

• Increase family empowerment and leadership
• Strengthen inclusion and accessibility in local communities
• Expand family advocacy at both personal and system levels
• Reduce isolation and support whole family well-being
• Create long-term infrastructure that lives beyond the grant period

What has ICFN accomplished?

Year 1 Findings:

• 726 families were connected to an affiliated Family Network
• 94 community partners engaged with affiliated Family Networks
• Families connected to networks displayed increased connection to others with similar experiences, saw significant increase in support available, and see broader possibilities for their loved ones