Category: Stories
At Ease
Sarah participated in therapeutic riding lessons at Reins of Life for years. She loved being at the barn and around the horses, but lessons on horseback were a struggle because of her fear of heights. She required additional support and encouragement to get through each lesson. Reins of Life improves the quality of life for […]
Summer Message
In the thirty years since the creation of the Porter County Community Foundation, you have demonstrated generosity in ways we never could have predicted. As we celebrate this milestone, we are taking a moment to reflect on the past, look ahead to the future, and, most importantly, thank you for your role in transforming our […]
Recovery
After losing a close friend and mentor to cancer, John turned to alcohol to cope. It became an addiction that compounded his problems and led to isolation. Seeking support and a way forward, John learned about Three20 Recovery Community from his godmother and decided to explore further. Three20 Recovery empowers individuals recovering from substance use […]
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 […]
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 […]
A Message from Bill
Thirty years ago, a group of people in Porter County made a quiet decision that would change thousands of lives: they decided to invest in their own community, permanently. They could not have known what that decision would become. They simply believed Porter County was worth investing in, and they acted on that belief. You […]
Rebuilding
Keisha* left an abusive relationship and took refuge at a shelter for women, but her four children were not able to join her there. Instead, they stayed with a family member. The time apart was difficult and impacted their connection to each other. After six months, they were reunited at The Caring Place, where they […]
Spring Message
Imagine being three years old. You don’t know it yet, but the world forming around you right now — the voices, the touch, the stories read at bedtime, the feeling of being safe and seen — is quietly, powerfully building the architecture of who you will become. Eighty percent of brain development happens before a […]
Cherished
John and Sue Peyton moved from Ohio to her hometown of Valparaiso in 1979. John ran the family business. Sue spent twenty-two years teaching biology and chemistry at Boone Grove High School. Together, they raised two sons. Sue died in 2016. Now retired, John reflects on the community he has called home for nearly five […]
Bond
Sarah* and her husband wanted to grow their family. When she found out she was expecting, it felt like a dream. Unfortunately, she faced postpartum mental health issues out of her control and made choices that jeopardized her baby’s safety. A court order for supervised visits brought her to Family House. Family House supports parents […]
