​Flourish began with a deeply personal experience—one of loss, love, and resilience. On Father’s Day in 2007, after miscarrying baby Loftus at 13 weeks, Allison was driven to create something meaningful from her grief. She founded the H.O.P.E. ministry, with a mission to support families who had experienced miscarriage or stillbirth. Through care packages and notes of encouragement, H.O.P.E. provided comfort to over 300 families in Olmsted County, helping them navigate the first year after loss.

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As Allison walked alongside these families, she realized that the need for emotional and mental health support went beyond what she could offer through H.O.P.E. With a desire to do more, she made a life-changing decision at the age of 35: she would go back to school to pursue a Master’s in Counseling and Psychology. On her first day of class, Allison boldly declared her intention to open a counseling center dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of moms, particularly in pregnancy and postpartum care.

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Upon graduating, with little more than a few hundred dollars and a heart full of determination, Allison founded Flourish. The early days were challenging—balancing multiple jobs just to keep the doors open, often working late into the night, and facing many moments of doubt. But the story of Flourish isn’t just about one woman’s dream; it’s about a community coming together.

 

Throughout her journey, Allison was supported by remarkable individuals who, at crucial moments, offered her the encouragement and love she needed. These people saw Allison’s worth even when she struggled to see it in herself, and they reminded her that she was worthy simply for being who she was. In return, they asked only that she pay it forward—to help someone else along their path.

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And that’s why Flourish exists today. It’s a place where one person helps another, and that person helps someone else, creating a ripple effect of kindness and support. At Flourish, we believe that every person is lovable, worthy, and significant, and we’re here to help you discover that truth within yourself. Together, we can build a community where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.