Families Flourish
Families Flourish, a Central Ohio nonprofit evolved from Ohio State University's pilot "Move to PROSPER" program, empowers low-wage-earning families through a three-year holistic support initiative offering affordable housing in better neighborhoods and life coaching focused on financial stability, health, education, and housing, resulting in significant income and credit improvements, with 83 families served since becoming an independent 501c3.
Families Flourish is an innovative nonprofit in Central Ohio that empowers families to pursue their goals and aspirations by addressing barriers and fostering self-confidence. The organization serves families headed by low-wage-earning parents through a three-year holistic support initiative, providing affordable rental housing in neighborhoods with access to better schools, safer environments, and employment opportunities.
These families often represent a broader segment of the Central Ohio population—economically vulnerable, living in challenging environments, and receiving limited or no public assistance due to funding shortages or benefit cliffs.
Pilot Program
Originally known as the “Move to PROSPER” (MTP) program, the pilot was initiated by Ohio State University’s City & Regional Planning Program and community partners. The goal was to develop a nationally replicable model to improve residential and financial stability for low-wage-earning parents with 1-3 children (ages 2-12 at program start).
In collaboration with OSU, Families Flourish developed a life coaching model for parents, focusing on trauma, problem-solving skills, and navigating complex systems. The coaching centers on four key pillars:
- Financial capability and stability
- Improved health outcomes
- Education and career goals
- Housing stability
Families Flourish selected OSU to develop an evaluation framework to quantify the program's impact. Ten families participated in the pilot, moving into new homes in August 2018 and graduating in July 2022. Results included:
- 58% average income increase ($17,000)
- Over 110-point increase in credit scores
- Health and wellness improvements
- Children thriving at or above grade level in school
Scaling Beyond the Pilot
Now a fully independent 501c3 nonprofit, Families Flourish limits each three-year class to about 16 families, despite receiving hundreds of applicants. Since becoming independent, 83 families have joined the program.
Streamlining Data Collection and Reporting
During the pilot, Families Flourish lacked reliable data-tracking and reporting software, relying on spreadsheets and paper records. To automate and simplify outcome tracking, they implemented SureImpact’s case management and impact reporting software, tailored to their evaluation framework. This allows for easier measurement of individual and family outcomes and demonstrates value to funders and stakeholders.
Families Flourish also partnered with Measurement Resources for ongoing performance management support, helping interpret SureImpact insights. The centralized platform has streamlined programs and decision-making, and affiliates are now required to use both SureImpact and Measurement Resources.
Building Strong Donor Relationships
Donors increasingly require proof of lasting impact. SureImpact enables Families Flourish to communicate the impact of investments in health, child development, financial security, employment stability, and income. The platform also helps the organization listen to families and meet their unique needs.
SureImpact and Measurement Resources continue to partner with Families Flourish, OSU, and other mission-driven organizations to drive lasting community change.
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