Tangram and Ausome Indy Partnership

Brings Powerful support to parents and caregivers through united way’s power to the parent fund

By KATE MILLER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AUSOME INDY AND MADISON SCOTT, MARKETING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, TANGRAM

TANGRAM AND AUSOME INDY

are proud to announce that their collaborative mentorship initiative, made possible through the 2025 Power to the Parent Fund grant from United Way of Central Indiana, is already transforming the way Hoosier families impacted by disability connect, learn, and thrive.

The grant has enabled both organizations to deepen their mission of supporting individuals with disabilities and their families by focusing directly on parents and caregivers, ensuring they have access to the tools, resources, and community connections they need.

TURNING FUNDING INTO ACTION

Since launching earlier this year, the partnership between Tangram and Ausome Indy has been hard at work creating spaces for parents and caregivers to find encouragement, build meaningful relationships and community, and strengthen their own confidence in navigating the caregiving journey.

Pillars of the partnership include:

• A peer-led mentorship series, facilitated by an industry professional, that offers opportunities for learning and engagement while connecting caregivers with others who have navigated similar experiences. The series fosters meaningful relationships and creates a space to share knowledge, encouragement, and practical advice.

• Community events and interactive workshops that bring clients and families together to build connections, share valuable resources, and support advocacy and education, while fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Ausome Indy Executive Director Kate Miller shared her thoughts on the partnership, saying: “We know moms who are raising ausome kiddos struggle to find connection, understanding and authentic relationships with other moms and families. Moms who are navigating a new diagnosis, working to understand a child’s behaviors, or understanding how to advocate for their child often feel scared and isolated. Our mentorship connections reach moms during some of the most difficult seasons of their parenting journey, providing authentic connection with another mom who has had these experiences. We are proud to serve in this sacred space with moms who continue to show up for each other with a deep commitment to loving their children”

Echoing her sentiment, Tangram CEO/President, Sam Criss highlighted how the collaboration strengthens both organizations’ missions and extends their impact beyond individual programs. He noted that by working together, Tangram and Ausome Indy can address critical gaps in support for families while fostering a stronger sense of belonging within the community:

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to building a community where individuals with disabilities and their families feel a true sense of belonging, with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. Together, we’re creating meaningful connections that can make a lasting impact for both parents and youth.”

WHY THIS MATTERS

Caregiving can often feel like an isolating journey, especially for those raising or supporting a loved one with disabilities. Without strong networks and resources, families can face increased stress, burnout, and barriers to opportunities for both themselves and their children.

By combining Tangram’s decades of experience in disability services with Ausome Indy’s advocacy and familycentered approach, the initiative is already helping caregivers feel more confident, connected, and supported. Parents have reported making new friendships, learning practical tools, and feeling reassured that they are not alone.

One mentee states: “This mentorship has given me time with other women who truly understand the unique challenges of parenting an autistic child. Parenting a special child can often feel isolating. The small joys and wins that mean so much to us may seem insignificant to moms of neurotypical children, while the struggles and fears we face can feel too abstract for others to fully comprehend. My biggest takeaway has been the power of shared experience. Connecting with others who just *get it*, without needing to explain or justify, was incredibly meaningful. It reinforced how important it is to have a strong, understanding community, and I left feeling both seen and supported.”

Another mentee states: “I signed up to be a mentee because I’m at a point in my life where I feel like a failure to my kid. I don’t know what to do, how to cope. I am struggling to understand his behaviors and how to help him be successful in social settings at school.”

Even in its early stages, the partnership is showing measurable success:

• 65 caregivers have participated in peer-led mentorship sessions.

• More than 150 people have participated in and benefited from our community workshops and events.

• Parents report increased confidence, stronger connections to local resources, and a greater sense of community belonging.

These results demonstrate the power of combining local advocacy with established service expertise, and the difference it can make for families right now.

ABOUT TANGRAM:

Founded in 1985, Tangram is a nonprofit organization based in Indianapolis, Indiana, dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their fullest potential. Through a wide range of personcentered programs and services, Tangram provides support, resources, and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families in Central Indiana. With a focus on belonging, independence, and community integration, Tangram offers tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each individual, fostering a supportive environment that promotes personal growth and opportunities for meaningful engagement. By joining alongside other community partners, Tangram strives to create a more welcoming society where people of all abilities are valued and included.

Tangram offers a wide range of individualized services to meet the unique needs of the people we serve, such as community and residential support, behavior consulting, life coaching, transportation, health and wellness services, ABA, and much more!

ABOUT AUSOME INDY:

Ausome Indy is a local advocacy nonprofit organization committed to empowering families and individuals impacted by autism and other disabilities. Through education, outreach, and peer support, Ausome Indy fosters a sense of belonging while providing practical tools and resources to help families thrive. The organization creates spaces where caregivers can connect, share experiences, and build a stronger community together.