We Bloom honored with CareSource’s Community Impact Award

(Indianapolis, IN – Nov. 9, 2023) – We Bloom, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit with the mission of catalyzing health in communities, announced today they have been honored with a Community Impact Award and a $5,000 grant by CareSource, a nationally recognized managed care entity. We Bloom is the implementing organization for Recovery Café Indy and Discovery Café Indy, love-based peer recovery communities. The $5,000 grant from CareSource will enable We Bloom to expand their programs and continue providing essential support to those in need.

"CareSource recognizes the invaluable work of We Bloom in their steadfast dedication to supporting individuals on their path to recovery,” said Steve Smitherman, president of CareSource Indiana. “Their unwavering commitment to creating a safe, inclusive space for healing aligns perfectly with our mission to champion the holistic well-being of our members. We believe that every step towards recovery is a monumental achievement, and Recovery Café Indy exemplifies this belief through their radical hospitality and comprehensive support programs. Together, we are committed to breaking down barriers, fostering resilience and celebrating the transformative journey of every individual on their path to recovery."

According to the National Institute of Health, individuals in recovery require a foundation of at least two years of recovery to ensure long-term success. Recovery Café Indy plays a crucial role in offering the sustained support needed for individuals to regain access to housing, social services, healthy relationships, education and employment.

"We believe that every human being deserves love, regardless of their past trauma, mental and emotional anguish, addictive behaviors or mistakes made," said Caroline Durava, associate executive director for We Bloom. "Recovery Café Indy is a safe haven where we offer radical hospitality, Recovery Circles, community meals, educational classes and opportunities for Members to give back. We aim to help each individual reclaim their lives as someone worthy of giving and receiving love."

Recovery Café Indy's mission is deeply rooted in creating a community committed to love, support, equality, and inclusion, providing an environment that fosters recovery. Their work addresses the critical link between mental health challenges and substance use, particularly among low-income and homeless individuals who often face barriers to accessing necessary medication and services. This award from CareSource recognizes Recovery Café Indy's exceptional efforts in helping individuals break free from the cycle of homelessness, substance use and mental health challenges.

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About We Bloom

We Bloom is an Indianapolis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with the mission of catalyzing health in communities. As the Midwest Regional Catalyst for the national Recovery Café Network, we do this by opening Recovery Cafés; vibrant hubs that serve as gathering places where people can come together to enjoy a nourishing meal, access valuable resources, and receive invaluable mutual support. In addition, We Bloom has piloted the first-ever Discovery Cafés, a program designed specifically for youth ages 12-17. As the first-of-its-kind in the nation, this youth-oriented initiative builds upon the evidence-informed adult model, providing tailored support to empower and guide young individuals on their journey towards personal growth and recovery.

The Recovery Café model is based on the concept of radical hospitality and embracing everyone from all pathways to participate. This model offers a peer-led, peer-run community designed to foster ongoing, stable, and consistent support. This approach creates opportunities for connection and empowers individuals in recovery to move from surviving to thriving.

Members are dealing with various challenges related to substance use disorder, mental health, homelessness, poverty, financial insecurity, food insecurity, trauma, systemic racism, domestic violence, grief, loss, and justice-involvement. We provide a low-barrier, safe and inclusive space for individuals desiring to recover from anything that prevents them from living a healthy and fulfilled life. We believe we are all recovering from something, and we are invested in creating a healing community committed to love, support, equality, inclusion, holistic health, and wellbeing.

For more information about We Bloom and our mission, please visit www.webloom.org.

CareSource representatives presented We Bloom with a Community Impact Award and $5,000 check. (Shown Left to Right: CareSource Community Partner Specialist Adam Brainerd, Adam Teal - Recovery Cafe Indy Program Manger, Rhiannon Clayton - Cafe Manager, Deja Sanders - Discovery Cafe Indy Program Manager, Christina Rodriguez - Resource Specialist, Kevin Espirito - Catalyst Coach for Indiana Recovery Cafes, CareSource Life Services Manager Shannon Sleighter)