Westfield Family Network launches pilot to connect families caring for people with disabilities

Mindy Cooley and Patrice Smith, two leaders of the Westfield Family Network, presented a community-driven pilot to the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability on the group’s goals, survey results and early activities.

The network, funded through a Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities pilot running through September 2026, is “a peer led group of families that work together to support one another,” Cooley said. Patrice Smith described the group’s branding and outreach work, saying the network’s tagline is “all in for all abilities.”

The presenters said Westfield’s pilot is one of four in Indiana and that the project’s grant period runs through September 2026. Cooley said the network seeks to build social capital by linking families, schools, healthcare, city government and local nonprofits. “Families are connected and have meaningful relationships in their community, that they have a better quality of life,” she said.

Cooley and Smith summarized a June survey of 115 families conducted as part of the pilot. They reported that 31 percent of respondents rely only on themselves for support and that 90 percent reported fewer than two sources of support, including themselves. Their stated near-term objectives include brand and marketing work, reaching more than 500 families and building 10 or more cross-sector partnerships.

Smith, who identified herself as the network’s marketing and communications advisor, said leaders decided to prioritize branding and a modest, sustainable launch instead of “rushing into big events.” Smith said the team plans storytelling, a podcast and sustained community outreach. The presenters said they are working with the Westfield Mayor’s Council on Disabilities and that several network leaders also serve on mayor’s-council task forces for workforce development, community engagement, safety and accessibility.

Committee members asked about sustainability after the state grant ends. Cooley said the network is pursuing cross-sector partnerships, foundations and technical-assistance suggestions from the consulting group aligned with the Governor’s Council grant. “We don’t have that all nailed down yet, but that is coming quickly,” she said.

The presenters invited local offices and organizations to partner via resources, ideas or outreach and said they will repeat their survey two more times during the grant period to measure changes in family outcomes.

The committee meeting included questions about coordination with the statewide Family to Family network; Cooley said the statewide group is a partner and that she is presenting at its conference. Several committee members offered to help publicize the network and share resources.

The network’s leaders asked the committee to share information about the Westfield Family Network and to consider partnership opportunities with city offices, schools and nonprofits.