Porter County Community Foundation

06/18/2026

STEWARDSHIP
Myrna Newgent learned the power of generous acts from her father. A World War II veteran, he continued his public service after the war by joining the volunteer fire department and helping to build the local firehouse and establish the rescue service. Born and raised in Virginia, Myrna and her husband, John, moved to northwest Indiana when he was hired as a civil engineer with American Bridge Company.

Inspired by a botany class she took at Indiana Dunes National Park, Myrna became curious about the local environment. When she retired from her job with the Social Security Administration, she had time to enjoy nature, walking around Miller Beach and looking for the plants she learned about in class.

Myrna soon became involved with Shirley Heinze Land Trust, an organization that preserves and restores natural areas in northwest Indiana. She joined the board and served as president for thirteen years. Myrna’s dedication to this work was fueled by her belief in the mission, her love of being outdoors, and the generous spirit passed on to her by her father. John supported her work, volunteering alongside her and offering his engineering skills.

After John passed, Myrna decided to establish the John and Myrna Newgent Stewardship Program Endowment Fund through the Porter County Community Foundation to provide perpetual support for the stewardship of Shirley Heinze Land Trust properties. “My involvement and commitment to Shirley Heinze Land Trust is my way of making the world a better place,” Myrna said. “Endowment giving provides the opportunity for me to help protect the biodiversity we have here for generations to come.”

PCCF is proud to manage this fund and ensure that Myrna’s efforts to support the long-term health and restoration of natural land in northwest Indiana will continue forever.

06/16/2026

Daybreak Shelter received a Porter County Community Fund grant to support its volunteer-driven transportation program. The organization provides short‑term shelter, warmth, and dignity‑centered support for individuals navigating unhoused living situations.

To learn more about our grant programs and the local organizations they benefit, visit pccf.gives.

06/12/2026

Along with dedicated community partners, First Things First is making Porter County the best place to be a baby.

For Immediate Release: First Things First Porter County Selected for
The Stanford Center on Early Childhood 2026 RAPID Community Voices Cohort

VALPARAISO, IN – First Things First Porter County (FTF), a leadership initiative of the Porter County Community Foundation, has been selected for the Stanford Center on Early Childhood(SCEC) 2026 RAPID Survey Project Community Voices cohort. First Things First Porter County is the first organization in Indiana to be selected to participate with RAPID. The Porter County Community Foundation is the first community foundation in the country to lead a RAPID project.

First Things First Porter County plans to harness RAPID data to better understand families’ experiences in Lake and Porter Counties, particularly amid recent childcare funding cuts, to strengthen advocacy efforts, and create a more complete and compelling narrative to share with local and state legislators.

Organizations partnering with FTF across Northwest Indiana to co-design and implement surveys include Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, Crossroads YMCA, Duneland Family YMCA, Duneland School Corporation, Geminus, Help Me Grow Porter County, Merrillville Community School Corporation, One Region Northwest Indiana, Portage Township YMCA, and Valparaiso Family YMCA.

“First Things First is honored to be selected for this important data gathering and storytelling project that will accelerate our communities' efforts to understand the needs of families with very young children,” said Dr. Mary Jane Eisenhauer, FTF Executive Director. “We cannot do this work alone, and we are eager to collaborate with partners who are critical to the success of our RAPID surveys.”

Following a tremendous response to the 2026 call for applications and a rigorous review process, the SCEC selected FTF alongside five other organizations to join this growing network of RAPID Community Voices collaborators: United Way of West Alabama, Early Matters San Antonio, Wisconsin Early Childhood Association and Waupaca County, THRIVE Family Health & Education Center (Durham County, NC), and Oneida Reads.

RAPID Community Voices aims to collaborate with local organizations and leaders to implement place-based surveys over two years. The purpose of Community Voices is to (1) promote data-informed programs, advocacy, and policymaking at a community level and (2) build the capacity of public, private, and nonprofit community-based organizations to efficiently and effectively gather and act on the voices of and data from parents, families, and/or child care providers.

Together with more than 70 community partners, First Things First Porter County is changing the culture around prenatal – 3 by developing a community-wide agenda, building a seamless ecosystem of support, and advocating for polices that support babies. Learn more at www.firstthingspc.org.

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06/10/2026

The grant application for the Women's Fund of Porter County is now open. Nonprofit organizations serving Porter County may apply for up to $25,000 for programs that demonstrate positive outcomes in improving the lives of women and children. Learn more and apply at https://pccf.gives/womensfund/ by July 15 at noon.

06/04/2026

KEEPING UP
For a long time, Eva* was 'flying under the radar.' She was the quiet student teachers worry about most—struggling just enough to stay behind, but not enough to be noticed. Lacking confidence and easily overwhelmed by frustration, she often found herself in tears.

Parents as Teachers of Porter County is an early childhood, parenting, and family education program that provides consistent and nurturing support to children like Eva. Through the Extend program, teachers identify kindergarten students who are behind in social and emotional readiness and developmental and academic milestones including recognizing letters and numbers, using scissors, and gripping a pencil. The students receive targeted remediation to close gaps and improve long-term academic outcomes. A 2025 Community Fund grant provided $10,000 to support this important work.

“Investing in early intervention isn’t just about helping individual children—it’s about strengthening the fabric of an entire community,” said Jill Stricker, the organization’s director. “These children are our future students, neighbors, and leaders, and when they struggle in their earliest school experiences, the entire community feels the ripple effects.”

Everything changed for Eva when she joined the Extend program. Today, the tears are gone, replaced by a bold voice and the courage to ask for help. No longer just keeping up, Eva has become a cornerstone of her classroom, meticulously finishing her projects and stepping up to mentor her peers with newfound grace.

Your philanthropy has helped Parents as Teachers of Porter County expand programming and reach more students. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of children and families in our community.

*Name changed to protect confidentiality.

PAT Of Porter County

06/02/2026

The Hebron Country Pantry received a Porter County Community Fund grant to replace inefficient refrigerators and freezers. The organization provides a variety of fresh, frozen, and shelf stable items to community members who need them. The new appliances will reduce energy costs and provide safe and reliable food storage.

To learn more about our grant programs and the local organizations they benefit, visit pccf.gives.

05/28/2026

NEO Education received a Porter County Community Fund grant to purchase new devices for teachers. The updated equipment will allow teachers to better serve their students. The organization prepares adult students for the High School Equivalency test and a variety of career opportunities.

To learn more about our grant programs and the local organizations they benefit, visit pccf.gives.

05/27/2026

We are thankful for Shive-Hattery and their investment in the future of Porter County. As a Corporate Partner, their support helps us strengthen our community through lasting generosity and leadership.

05/26/2026

The Valpo Parks Foundation received a Porter County Community Fund grant to support a strategic planning process that will strengthen partnerships and ensure long-term sustainability. The Valpo Parks Foundation brings people and community resources together to enhance and sustain the highest quality park facilities and programs.

To learn more about our grant programs and the local organizations they benefit, visit pccf.gives.

05/21/2026

We congratulate the 2026 Porter County Lilly Endowment Community Scholars— Ashlyn Gentry, Sophia Ho, and Katherine Newbanks— as they finish high school and look ahead to the next chapter. Their families, special guests, and PCCF board members recently gathered to celebrate.

Ashlyn Gentry, a Portage High School senior, has demonstrated a commitment to academics, extracurricular activities, and church. Her compassion, ability to connect with others, and communication skills will serve her well as she pursues a career in public health. Gentry plans to attend Indiana University (Bloomington).

Sophia Ho, a senior at Valparaiso High School, channeled her passion for her community into launching the Valpo Daylist with WVLP, a radio show created to bridge the gap between young people and the rest of the community. She is intellectually curious and a leader among her peers. Ho will study engineering at Purdue University (West Lafayette).

Katherine Newbanks, a Chesterton High School senior, has demonstrated leadership and resiliency. She is an outstanding musician with a strong work ethic who lifts up those around her. Newbanks plans to study psychology at Valparaiso University and aspires to advocate for children and families as a guardian ad litem.

Portage Township School Corporation, Chesterton High School, Valpo HS 411