a statement from our founder
Garner Tullis, Executive Director
“Back in 2012, it became clear to me that the population of Valparaiso was becoming more and more diverse and that the economically distressed population was increasing more quickly than any other demographic. While volunteering at a local elementary school, I observed the vast differences in the academic and social skills among children entering kindergarten.
Our communities and families are facing so many issues including, but not limited to, substance abuse, affordable housing, and the number of single parent families. As I considered these problems, it struck me that prevention is the best way for Our Greater Good to respond. Our initiatives are focused on strengthening families and do whatever it takes to see that every child has great opportunities to reach their full potential leading to a fulfilling adult life. With this mission implanted deeply in our convictions, Our Greater Good has found or developed programs to come along side our schools and families to accomplish these goals."
Meet Our Staff
Garner Tullis
Having served at Bethel Church for 22 years and as Senior Pastor for 9 years, Garner launched Our Greater Good in 2014. It had become clear to him that the population of Valparaiso was becoming more and more diverse and that families in Porter County are facing many issues including substance abuse, affordable housing, and the challenges of being a single parent family. As he considered these problems, it struck him that prevention is the best way for Our Greater Good to respond. Our initiatives are focused on strengthening families and doing whatever it takes to see that every child has great opportunities to reach their full potential.
Natalie Wilson
Having volunteered with Our Greater Good from the beginning, Natalie officially joined the staff in 2019. Prior to joining Our Greater Good, Natalie was a physical therapist for the Porter County Schools serving developmentally challenged students throughout Porter County. She and her husband have 6 children: 4 biological and 2 adopted and lived with 33 teenagers in a children’s home in Northern Uganda for nearly a year. She knows the struggles of parenting and helping kids from hard places. She and her family were radically changed when they first took Parenting the Love & Logic Way back in 2007. Because of the change in her own family and because she has walked through trauma with her children and other kiddos, she is incredibly passionate about the vision and mission of Our Greater Good.
Lynette Green
Lynette joined the team in 2023 after partnering with Our Greater Good for several years through her role in Local Outreach at Calvary Church Valparaiso. She previously worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist for the Porter County Schools helping children and families overcome communication deficits. Her work in outreach and special education taught her the importance of consistent connection and community. Lynette and her husband raised their 2 young adult children in Valparaiso.