Founded in 2017 on a single unifying principle that we are all recovering from something, We Bloom creates multiple pathways for people to gain and maintain recovery from trauma and the results of trauma—including substance use disorder, mental health, homelessness, poverty, financial and food insecurity, systemic racism, domestic violence, grief, loss, and more—by equipping communities with the training, consultation, resource sharing, and technology necessary to create optimal conditions for all to thrive. Our vision is, and has always been, to co-create communities of healing, love and justice.
Among efforts like launching a BIPOC Health Equity Initiative that provides the tools and experiences for individuals to become Peer Recovery Coaches, we bring our mission to life by opening Recovery Cafés and Discovery Cafés as the Midwest Regional Catalyst for the national Recovery Café Network. These love-based, peer-recovery communities are informed by research that affirms how a consistent network of support is an essential component to achieve long-term wellness. We are equally committed to making a lasting, local impact. By operating our Recovery Café Indy for adults and Discovery Café Indy for youth, we walk alongside those on their recovery journeys so they can become the best versions of themselves possible. Last year alone, We Bloom served over 2,975 people in taking steps to recovery by providing welcoming and safe spaces, connections to employment, warm meals, and affirming guidance.
As a direct result of our successes, We Bloom is running out of room. We have insufficient space for programming and are quickly exceeding our office capacity. To continue offering our services effectively, we must transition into our new home. The We Bloom Center for Growth, located in an ideal space between Stadium Village and the Old Southside Historic District, has been purchased and renovations have begun. This expansion will enable Recovery Café Indy and Discovery Café Indy to operate concurrently, addressing a longstanding challenge for our programs. Historically, our rented locations separated our youth and adult Members, which has impeded the growth of Discovery Café Indy. By housing all our programs under one roof, we will remove barriers for families and allow access to comprehensive support.
Our target funding audience includes philanthropic foundations focused on youth development, mental health, substance use recovery, and community health. Corporate social responsibility programs from companies committed to supporting mental health initiatives, youth programs, and community development are also a key audience. We aim to secure funding from government agencies at local, state, and federal levels that provide grants for mental health services, substance use prevention, and community support programs. Healthcare organizations, including hospitals, healthcare systems, and insurance companies that recognize the value of community-based support in improving health outcomes, are another important target. Educational institutions with programs focused on mental health, social work, and public health, as well as community foundations and trusts dedicated to improving local communities through grants and partnerships, align well with our needs. Additionally, we seek to collaborate with other nonprofit organizations with aligned missions that might co-fund or collaborate on shared goals.
Our immediate funding need is $2,000,000 to cover the development and establishment of the third floor of the We Bloom Center for Growth. This funding is crucial for building and furnishing a dedicated space for Discovery Café Indy, which includes implementing necessary infrastructure to support the program’s activities and services, hiring and training staff, including Peer Recovery Coaches and support specialists, developing and executing a comprehensive outreach plan to engage youth and families in Marion County, and ensuring the sustainability and long-term impact of the Discovery Café Indy program.
The “Discovery Café Indy – Build a Home for Youth to Heal” initiative will create a dedicated space within the third floor of our future We Bloom Center for Growth to house our Discovery Café Indy program in perpetuity.
Operated by We Bloom and its staff, Discovery Café Indy is a vibrant, safe, and judgement-free hub where Marion County youth aged 12-17 who are recovering from substance use disorder, mental health challenges, homelessness, poverty, food and financial insecurity, trauma and grief, systemic racism, domestic violence, and justice-involvement can congregate to share nourishing meals, access valuable resources, and receive enriching connection to others. By supporting the expansion of Discovery Café Indy within our new building, you will walk alongside youth as they take steps on their recovery journeys and will enhance the program’s impact by:
This project is a component of our $7 million Capital Campaign to establish Indiana’s new home for healing, the We Bloom Center for Growth. This building, located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, will provide a safe and judgement-free environment spanning 13,000 square feet. Not only will this extended space strengthen our capacity to uplift Members with the care, connections, and supportive relationships they need, but housing our operations centrally in Marion County will offer convenient access to public transportation and essential services. The Center will enable We Bloom to serve more people through our Recovery Café Indy and Discovery Café Indy programs, launch more Cafés as the Midwest Regional Catalyst of the Recovery Café Network, and conduct more community trainings, gatherings, and events.