What happens when a shelter built for yesterday’s needs must suddenly serve tomorrow’s challenges?

For Firefly Children and Family Alliance, it meant transforming not just their space but their approach.

When it became necessary to close their other shelter facility, Firefly faced a pivotal moment. Their 24-hour emergency shelter, already operating at capacity, needed to expand with purpose—to support more children with the care and stability they deserve.

Schmidt Associates partnered with Firefly to create a space that was not only larger, but also safer, more adaptable, and better suited to the complex needs of children in crisis.

Design Rooted in Mission

Firefly’s mission is to empower individuals and strengthen families. For children in their care, that begins with meeting basic needs—offering protection, restoring comfort, and creating a place where they feel they belong.

The original shelter, with shared sleeping rooms and only two dayrooms, could no longer meet the demands of a growing and diverse population. Working closely with Firefly, we reimagined the layout to reflect their trauma-informed philosophy and commitment to personalized care.

“Many of the youth who come through our shelter have unique needs. They come from different backgrounds, families, and environments.  With that in mind, we sought to create a space where every child feels safe and comfortable. Schmidt Associates has been critical in helping us see that vision through in our newly expanded shelter. We’re grateful for their partnership as we carry out our mission and help even more young people.”

— Tina Cloer, President and CEO, Firefly Children and Family Alliance

Together, we:

• Reconfigured office space into program areas that serve children directly
• Replaced shared bedrooms with private bedrooms to support each child’s need for comfort and independence
• Added a third dayroom to support different age groups more appropriately

Every design move was grounded in empathy and intention. Beyond increasing capacity, the layout was reshaped to better reflect Firefly’s trauma-informed care—prioritizing privacy, safety, and a sense of belonging. Spaces were tailored to the needs of different age groups and emotional states, ensuring the environment actively supports healing.

Support Without Disruption

That sense of intentional care extended beyond layout. The updated design also brought essential services directly into the shelter—helping children stay grounded in a stable, familiar environment as they receive the support they need.

The new layout includes:

• A medical office so health care can happen on-site
• Dedicated classrooms that support both structured instruction and creative exploration
• A sensory room that offers comfort during stressful moments

The sensory room was especially critical. It was designed to help children self-regulate—using color, light, and sound to reduce overstimulation and offer a place of emotional refuge.

“We asked ourselves, ‘How do we create a room that is actually calming—not just labeled as calming?’” said Asia Coffee, interior design lead. “We used acoustical wall panels in soothing blues, dimmable lighting, and materials that absorb sound. The space is designed to contain emotional energy in a supportive way.”

A Room That Adapts to the Moment

Just as the sensory room supports moments of stillness, the multipurpose teen room encourages engagement, social connection, and autonomy. It was designed to meet a wide range of needs while maintaining a sense of order and flexibility.

Whether used for gaming, watching TV, or simply hanging out, the space supports multiple activities without feeling chaotic. Key design elements include:

• Flexible furniture arrangements that define activity zones without limiting use
• Intuitive layouts that encourage personal choice while maintaining structure
• Durable finishes and youth-friendly selections that reflect both comfort and resilience

This approach gives teens the freedom to choose how they engage—while ensuring the space itself still feels purposeful and supportive.

Design That Communicates Care

Throughout the shelter, every detail was selected to send a clear, consistent message: this is a place where children are safe, seen, and valued.

Warm wood-look flooring gives the space a more residential character, while bold, cheerful accent walls brighten the environment and bring positive energy into daily experiences. Interior glazing balances staff oversight with children’s need for privacy and independence.

Even transitional spaces were designed with intention. A long hallway that once felt sterile and empty is now one of the most dynamic areas in the building, brought to life with a custom-colored wall graphic inspired by Firefly’s brand.

“That wall was a blank slate, and I saw it as an opportunity to do something unique,” Coffee said. “We custom-colored the graphic based on Firefly’s brand palette. It’s beautiful, dynamic, and layered with color—designed not only to lift the mood but also to be durable enough to handle everyday wear.”

In the dayrooms, activities like puzzles, board games, and esports create moments of joy and connection. These are not just common areas—they are spaces that encourage children to explore, interact, and begin to recover.

A Shared Vision for Change

Firefly’s values reflect a clear commitment to integrity, innovation, and meaningful impact—principles that align closely with the way we approach design at Schmidt Associates. This collaboration demonstrates how purpose-driven spaces can amplify the essential work already happening inside.

We were grateful to support Firefly Children and Family Alliance in creating an environment that carries their mission forward. This shelter is more than a roof overhead. It’s a resource that helps restore stability and introduces the possibility of healing.

To learn more about Firefly Children and Family Alliance and how they’re strengthening Indiana communities, visit fireflyin.org.