Our Story:

Family Initiative began with a simple but powerful belief: children and families deserve to be seen, supported, and empowered, not just in moments of crisis, but throughout every stage of life. What started as a grassroots effort has grown into one of Florida’s most innovative autism‑support organizations, serving thousands of families each year. Below is the story of how it all began, and how it continues to grow.

A Decade of Impact:
How Family Initiative Came to Life

2015

A Vision Takes Root

Family Initiative was born out of the child welfare community, where co-founders, David Brown and Anjali Van Drie, saw firsthand how many children were struggling without answers. Countless children were undiagnosed, caregivers had nowhere to turn, and there were virtually no resources or services available to help families navigate autism, trauma, or developmental challenges.

Two social workers, driven by compassion, experience, and a deep commitment to families set out to change that.

Their first offering was small but mighty: a single community‑based social skills playgroup.

Families showed up. Word spread. The need was undeniable.

2016–2019

Programs Built Directly From Parent Needs

IMG_2042
RPmuvzfa
rbt kid
group circle

As more families connected with Family Initiative, one thing became clear: parents knew exactly what their children needed, they just didn’t have access to it.

Every program added during these years was created directly in response to what parents asked for, including:

  • Social skills groups for children, teens, and young adults
  • Caregiver support and education
  • Community partnerships with schools, agencies, and local organizations
  • Early developmental supports and family coaching

Family Initiative became known for its welcoming environment, evidence‑based practices, and unwavering commitment to meeting families where they are.

2020–2021

Launching the Autism Support Center

Autism-Support-Center-10
Autism-Support-Center-6
Autism-Support-Center-5
Autism-Support-Center-3
Autism-Support-Center-16
Autism-Support-Center-11

In response to increasing demand for early identification and intervention, Family Initiative opened the Autism Support Center in Cape Coral, now known as the Early Intervention Center.

This milestone created a centralized location for:

  • Free autism screenings
  • Early childhood programs
  • ABA and occupational therapy
  • Caregiver coaching
  • Family education

It marked a major step toward building a true continuum of care.

2022

Thrive Academy Opens Its Doors

Family Initiative launched Thrive Academy, a private autism‑specialty school designed to provide individualized academics alongside social, life, and workforce development skills.

What began as a bold idea quickly became a transformative reality. Thrive Academy has since expanded to a 4.5‑acre campus, serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

2023–2024

Statewide Expansion & Innovation

DSC07367
IMG_4033 (1)
Aerial 11 (1)
NAMI Collier 1

Family Initiative continued to grow across Florida, expanding clinical services, social programs, and partnerships.

Major initiatives included:

  • Mobile Sensory Response trailer
  • Emergency management and law‑enforcement partnerships
  • New community hubs and program sites
  • Increased statewide clinical reach

The organization strengthened collaborations with healthcare providers, school systems, child welfare agencies, and emergency response partners.

2025

A Year of Major Milestones

Family Initiative reached a major milestone: 5,064 children and families served, including 2,311 unique children and families across all clinical services and programs statewide.

This year also marked the opening of the Golisano Autism Community Hub, a purpose‑built space designed to bring together clinical services, social programs, caregiver supports, and community partnerships under one roof. The Hub became a central gathering place for families, clinicians, and community members, expanding access, reducing barriers, and strengthening the continuum of care across Southwest Florida.

915B36B7-9283-4035-9904-D6A4A8507BC1
9
611963761_1314098057426159_2852999595103737865_n
Casino Night 2025-170
DSC07597
Group Photo LCSO

2026

New Communities, New Possibilities

Family Initiative expanded into Naples, Babcock Ranch, bringing clinical services, social programs, and early‑intervention supports across the region to even more families.

Our Mission Today

Family Initiative exists to strengthen families, support autistic individuals, and build communities where every person is valued, included, and empowered to thrive.

Through clinical services, early intervention, education, social programs, and community partnerships, we continue to expand a continuum of care that meets families at every stage, from early childhood through young adulthood.

Our Future

The story of Family Initiative is still being written. With every new family, every new partnership, and every new community we serve, we move closer to a world where compassion and innovation meet, and where every child has the opportunity to thrive.