HISTORY
How We Began
The vision for Families Flourish of the Miami Valley began with a single, powerful question: “Does the Miami Valley need this initiative?” That question, posed by community leader Ro Nita Hawes-Saunders, launched a planning process nearly a year and a half in the making.
Ro Nita brought together a diverse task force of local leaders, advocates, and professionals to explore the need for a coordinated effort focused on helping families stabilize and thrive. The answer from the group was a resounding yes—the Miami Valley not only needed this initiative, but it was time to act.
Following that consensus, a Steering Committee was formed, made up of task force members and other committed individuals. The group took on the responsibility of shaping the future of the initiative, including selecting its leadership. From that process, Antoinette L. Hampton was named the Interim Executive Director—later becoming the organization’s first Executive Director.
With leadership in place, a founding Board of Directors was established. Some board members came from the Steering Committee, while others were brought in for their passion, perspective, and belief in the mission: to help families stabilize, grow, and ultimately flourish.
Families Flourish of the Miami Valley was built from collaboration, guided by intention, and fueled by a shared commitment to seeing families not just survive—but thrive.
How Families Flourish, Inc. Began
Families Flourish was created as a program called Move to PROSPER, an initiative of faculty in the City and Regional Planning program at The Ohio State University, with community members and organizations from across Central Ohio. The program began in 2016 under the leadership of Amy Klaben, who received support from Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing and Neighborworks America, as well as The Columbus Foundation, The Jewish Foundation, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University and United Way of Central Ohio to initiate a program to expand the availability of affordable housing beyond the Housing Choice Voucher program.
Families Flourish, Inc. Founder
Amy has over 30 years’ experience in affordable housing development and management. Discussions with Steve Heiser, Senior Advisor at SVN/Wilson Commercial Group, inspired them to talk with local landlords about their willingness to not only reduce rents for a short period but alter their applicant criteria so that they could participate in a privately provided rent support program.
Amy reached out to Dr. Rachel Kleit, who at the time was the Section Head and Professor of City and Regional Planning at Ohio State and affordable housing researcher, to be a partner in developing and evaluating what eventually became Families Flourish.
Our Champion
Ro Nita Hawes-Saunders, D.F.A.is a respected business and professional consultant, entrepreneur, and community advocate. She brings a wealth of experience as the founder of two radio stations—WROU and WRNB (Hawes-Saunders Broadcast Properties, Inc.)—and as the CEO and Executive Director of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. With a dynamic background in radio and television broadcasting, as well as leadership roles in both university and public school administration, Dr. Hawes-Saunders continues to dedicate her talents to creating a more promising and prosperous global community.
Our Leader
Antoinette Hampton is a mission-driven leader with over 30 years of experience in health and human services and the nonprofit sector, including more than 20 years in fundraising and 10+ years as a successful entrepreneur. As Executive Director of Families Flourish of the Miami Valley, Antoinette brings a passion for building stronger, more resilient communities by supporting families in achieving long-term economic stability.
The mission of Families Flourish deeply resonates with Antoinette’s own life experiences and professional journey. She understands firsthand the importance of access, opportunity, and support in helping families break cycles of poverty and realize their full potential. This personal connection fuels her commitment to equity, sustainability, and data-informed impact.
Throughout her career, Antoinette has led transformative programs, secured major philanthropic investments, and guided organizations through growth and transition with integrity and strategic vision.
She holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Behavioral and Social Science, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a nationally recognized credential that reflects her expertise and ethical leadership in the fundraising field.