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September Milestone Report

In this issue, we highlight…


RAPID Fellowship & Survey: Bringing transformational data to our County.
Camp Collaboration 2026 Recap: Grantees announced, photos shared.

Best Place for Working Parents: Earn your designation today.

GROW WITH FTF

The Stanford Center on Early Childhood (SCEC) has convened the 2026 RAPID Community Voices cohort, including our own Kimberly Hendricks! As a RAPID Fellow, Kimberly will work with community leaders from across the country to co-create and implement surveys to inform OUR local decision-making.

DID YOU KNOW?

IN THE LOOP

2026 Challenge Grants provide $240,000 in Community Support


At the fifth annual Camp Collaboration, $240,000 was granted to four community projects.


Portage Hub - $125,000 to Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana (BGCGNWI) in partnership with CoAction, Mental Health America NWI, HealthLinc, Help Me Grow Porter County, Jacob's Ladder and Porter County CTE.


Building MOMentum - $85,000 to Three20 Recovery in partnership with Franciscan Health, Nurse Family Partnership, Dunebrook, Duneland Family YMCA, NWI Food Council, and Help Me Grow Porter County.


Go Baby Go - $20,000 to Valparaiso University in partnership with Kidworks and Jacob's Ladder.


Strategic Planning - $10,000 for the Porter County Children's Museum in partnership with Ivy Tech Valpo, Valparaiso University, Porter County Health Department, Porter County Public Library System, and Westchester Public Library.
Read About Grantees Here!
Camp Collaboration Photos

"Giving young children a chance to try things on their own, build early motor skills, and play in a space designed for where they are developmentally."


-Tristan Leonhard, Valpo Parks Director

BRAINWAVES

Let's learn together!

Be recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents®


Working Parents Powering Business: The Future of Workplace Success. Gain a competitive advantage with the new businesses designation through a 3-minute, online self-assessment!
Earn your Designation Today!

"Expert Voices" Professional Development


"Block Party!", an Expert Voices session featuring Linda Curley from Purdue Extension and supported by Early Learning Indiana.


This workshop will explore how professionals can encourage families to use blocks to support children in all facets of their development.
Register Today

LINK & SYNC

CLICK HERE to register

CLICK HERE to share your message

CLICK HERE for more information

CLICK HERE to drop in

Let’s link together and sync up! Here are some programs & events happening right now in the community.

Click on the bulletin board to learn more.
 

First Things First Porter County1401 Calumet Ave Valparaiso, IN 46383 US

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Check out our previous Milestone Reports!

6/30/2026-Milestone Report I Volume 4 I Issue 4

12/15/2025-Milestone Report I Volume 4 I Issue 3

09/24/2025- Milestone Report I Volume 4 I Issue 2

03/19/2025 - Milestone Report | Volume 4 | Issue 1

12/18/2024 - Milestone Report | Volume 3 | Issue 3

12/19/2023- Milestone Report I Volume 2 I Issue 2

03/03/2023 - Milestone Report I Volume 2 I Issue 1

12/14/2022 - Milestone Report | Volume 1 | Issue 3

08/23/2022 - Milestone Report | Volume 1 | Issue 2

04/26/2022 - Milestone Report | Volume 1 | Issue 1