Since we opened our doors in 2018, leaving a legacy in our community has been a core focus at Flourish. Whether it’s equipping the next generation of leaders or donating our time and talent to help a local nonprofit, we are deeply committed to doing work that matters. Through the Ivy Initiative, our community impact program, we get to do just that!
The Ivy Initiative enables us to support organizations aligned with our team’s passions by providing strategic marketing, event planning, social media support, video production, media outreach, and more at little to no cost. Each year, we select a nonprofit that inspires us and find ways to amplify its mission. In 2025, we were proud to partner with the Village of Promise (VoP), a local organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty for children and families in our community.
Inspired by the Harlem Children’s Zone, VoP was founded in 2011 to provide a holistic, cradle-to-career support pipeline for underserved children and families. Their work focuses on five key areas: education, health and wellness, economic empowerment, social-emotional development, and family support. By addressing the needs of the whole family, Village of Promise creates lasting change and brighter futures, a mission Flourish is proud to support.
We found an instant connection with the VoP staff from the very beginning. As Cheri Wilson, their Chief Advancement Officer, shared, “From the moment I met Megan, I knew it was a dream come true for Village of Promise. We desperately needed marketing and communications support to share our mission and refine our branding.”
Our collaboration with VoP went wide and deep. We evaluated their branding and communications strategy, surveyed stakeholders, and ultimately delivered a comprehensive report filled with strategic recommendations. Upon completion, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work implementing it all together.
Cheri said it best: “Flourish didn’t just provide full-service consulting; they truly became part of our VoP family.”
We assisted with press releases and internal communications, and even refined their mission, vision, and purpose statements. The result? A stronger, more confident voice for an organization that is changing lives every day. “Our messaging is stronger, our team is more courageous, and our community engagement is deeper than ever,” said Cheri. We’ll take that as a win!
One of the most memorable moments from this year’s partnership came early on, when our entire team visited the VoP Family Advancement Center to witness their work firsthand. What started as an introductory meeting turned into something truly special. “Having them walk through our space, meet our families, and see firsthand the programs we provide was incredibly meaningful,” said Cheri. “That shared energy gave us confidence that we were embarking on something transformational together.”
We couldn’t agree more.
The Ivy Initiative is one of the most meaningful ways we give back, and getting to support an organization as impactful as Village of Promise made 2025 a year to remember. As Cheri put it, “Their support gave us confidence, clarity, and a stronger voice. The outcomes continue to ripple through our community.” We were honored to tell VoP’s story a bit more when we interviewed VoP Co-Founder Bobby Bradley on our SheBoss podcast earlier this year; be sure to check it out if you haven’t already!
We’re beyond grateful to have been a small part of their big mission, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for VoP. Onward and upward!
For more information on the Ivy Initiative, click here! For more information on how you can support the VoP’s continued mission, check them out here and consider becoming a monthly donor!
Pictured: Dana Gillis, VoP’s former CEO
