Our initiatives focus on strengthening families and helping children in Porter County reach their full potential. All initiatives are delivered FREE OF CHARGE to families, children, parents and educators.

1. Growing great kids:

Early childhood Activities guide

This activity guide provides parents activities to stimulate their child’s brain development, specifically targeting verbal and literacy skills. Activities are broken down in 12-month increments from birth to age 5 and can be done with everyday household items. Guides are available in English and Spanish.

02. lunch buddies

Students who need a consistent adult presence are matched with local adult volunteers to provide an additional safe, supportive, caring environment to learn and grow. Buddies usually meet weekly with a child during the child’s lunch/recess time at school. Lunch Buddies stems from a 20-year study which found that the common denominator that helps kids avoid at-risk behavior is having a significant, consistent, caring adult relationship in their life.

03. BOYS TO MEN GROUP MENTORING

Boys to Men USA Mentoring Program was created to guide boys on their journey to manhood through group mentoring. This evidence-based, after-school group mentoring program is proven to transform the lives of teenage boys, support them through their adolescence and prevent at-risk behavior. Groups match up to 12 boys with 3-4 caring and consistent adult mentors. Groups meet weekly after school beginning in the child’s 6th-grade year and continuing through middle school, the transition to high school and on to graduation.

04. Girls to Women Group Mentoring

Girls to Women Mentoring Program (GTW) was created to guide girls on their journey to womanhood through group mentoring. This evidence-based, after-school group mentoring program is proven to transform the lives of teenage girls, support them through their adolescence and prevent at-risk behavior. Groups match up to 12 girls with 3-4 caring and consistent adult women. Groups meet weekly after school beginning in the child’s 6th-grade year and continuing on through middle school, the transition to high school and on to graduation.

05. pARENTING THE lOVE & lOGIC WAY

Since kids don’t come with an instruction manual, these classes equip parents with the character, compassion and problem-solving skills to lead strong and loving families. Classes meet virtually each week for six consecutive weeks. The course and workbook are FREE. Click the “Love & Logic” tab at the top of the page to view upcoming classes.

06. Nine Essential Skills of a LOve & Logic Classroom

This program is open to all educators in Porter County. The course is designed to help teachers manage and maintain a peaceful, positive and effective classroom. Today’s educators face a dizzying array of challenges and this course offers practical, proven tools and techniques to help effectively manage today’s classroom. Click the “Love & Logic” tab at the top of the page to view upcoming classes or contact Garner Tullis via the button below to schedule for your school or group.