INDIANAPOLIS — With a waiting list of as many as 100 Central Indiana men per month, the nonprofit Fathers and Families Center (FFC) is announcing its $5.5 million campaign with the goal of doubling the number of fathers and families it serves with its life-changing programs. Fathers and Families has already raised $3.9 million for its “Vision for the Future” campaign thanks to gifts from Eli Lilly and Company Foundation (Lilly Foundation), United Way of Central Indiana, and others. To donate, visit ffcindiana.org
Fathers and Families Center equips fathers and strengthens families across Central Indiana by providing services focused on education, employment, and family stability. Numerous studies show that when a father is involved in their child(ren)’s life, they earn better grades, are healthier emotionally, and are less likely to commit a crime.
In 2025, Fathers and Families served 1,225 men. The Vision for the Future campaign will fund additional staff and a move to a larger space, eventually allowing the organization to serve more than 2,400 annually. For every man served, an average of two children receive the benefit of a more engaged, effective father.
The majority of dads FFC serves are divorced or never married, unemployed or underemployed, and at least half are justice-involved men. All of them participate voluntarily. While any father 16 or older can participate, the average age is 30-35. FFC provides all services at no cost to the men. This is crucial given that participants’ incomes average less than $12,000 when they enroll.
To expand its programming, Fathers and Family is moving from 2835 N. Illinois St. to Brougher Plaza at 2830 N. Meridian St., where it will lease space and have access to spacious, shared areas.
Since it began in 1999, Fathers and Families Center has served more than 27,000 fathers.