Elizabeth* and her husband worked hard, but their income could not cover their household’s monthly expenses and medical bills. With three children to raise, one with a condition requiring frequent travel for medical appointments, they struggled to get ahead.

For more than forty years, Hebron Country Pantry has provided relief to food insecure community members, like Elizabeth, who select from a variety of fresh, frozen, and shelf stable items in a comfortable, store-like environment. A ministry of the Hebron United Methodist Church and various organizations and individuals, the pantry has grown to meet the increased need over time, serving an average of 170 families each month. A $10,000 grant from the Porter County Community Fund supported the replacement of outdated and inefficient freezers and refrigerators, reducing utility costs in a space provided through a partnership with the Boone Township Trustee.

An army of over fifty passionate volunteers serve in a number of ways—from scheduling clients and volunteers, picking up and distributing food, stocking shelves, and cleaning, to providing emotional support. “We couldn’t do it without the volunteers,” said pantry director Joyce Steinhilber. “They have become like a family.”

“Sometimes when I feel down, I come in here in the morning and leave more joyful. It lifts the spirit,” added Pastor Wayne Williams. “The volunteers know the people and make an impact.”

The pantry reduced the cost of feeding her family each month, and Elizabeth was able to focus on other expenses, including switching to a more reliable car. Beyond that, she has connected with the volunteers, finding support and friendship.

Your gifts to the Porter County Community Foundation make grants to local organizations like the Hebron Country Pantry possible. Thank you for helping to fulfill a critical need in our community.

*Name changed to protect confidentiality.

Pictured: Joyce Steinhilber and Pastor Wayne Williams

Dave Milligan loved this community. He grew up in Northwest Indiana and returned to his roots in his retirement years. In between, he attended Louisiana State University on a boxing scholarship, served in the Korean War, and built a life in Northern California with his wife of thirty-eight years, Marion.

In 2014, Dave established an endowment fund benefiting VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana, an organization that brought comfort at the end of Marion’s life. Over the next five years, he established four more funds that provide ongoing support to local nonprofits that serve children and adults. He also created the Dave and Marion Milligan Community Endowment Fund, which benefits many local organizations through PCCF’s Community Fund grant program.

Dave spent time talking with our staff about the benefits of starting endowment funds, and he ensured his estate plan included gifts to each of the funds he established. In this way he made a lasting commitment to his community.

These philanthropic gifts will forever benefit the local causes Dave cherished. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to support my community in a special way,” he reflected during a visit to PCCF.

We are honored to steward endowment funds like the ones Dave created and contributed to during his lifetime and through his charitable estate plan. Because of his generosity, the causes that were closest to Dave’s heart will continue to benefit forever.

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 children and adults with disabilities through equine-assisted therapy. Since 1978, the organization has provided a safe and enriching environment for individuals with a wide variety of diagnoses to participate in fun, educational, and therapeutic programs.

“During lessons, participants work with their equine partners, building horsemanship and practical skills for living and leading healthy lives,” said Dorota Janik, Executive Director. “Carriage driving gives our students a riding alternative, which opens up the world of horses to those who may be unable to ride.”

Sarah became the first to participate in the therapeutic carriage driving program when Reins of Life introduced it after years of preparation and training. Her experience transformed when she transitioned to carriage driving, where she was much more at ease. While instructors had previously negotiated with her to ride a little further, the opposite became true when Sarah drove a carriage, asking for more time at the end of the lessons.

Your philanthropy has helped Reins of Life expand and strengthen its therapeutic carriage driving program by supporting the purchase of a four-wheeled carriage. Thank you for being a part of this life-changing work.

Photo: Dorota Janik, Reins of Life Executive Director

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 and mental health disorders through holistic support, creative programming, and peer mentorship. Through five core pathways— art, music, nutrition, fitness, and faith— the organization combines creativity with practical tools and applications to support individuals in their recovery journeys. A 2025 Porter County Community Fund grant for $8,683 is supporting Bringing Arts to Life, an initiative that provides new avenues for expression through music, culinary arts, and 3D design.

“A big part of recovery is connecting people with their passions,” said Allen Grecula, Executive Director. “There is a critical need for recovery programs that extend beyond abstinence, offering opportunities for skill-building, self-expression, and social connection. Bringing Arts to Life responds to this need by creating a safe, welcoming space where participants can rebuild confidence, discover new talents, and take pride in what they create.”

John started participating in Three20’s programming and connected with staff and others in recovery. “I started feeling like the old John again,” he said. “I was personable and outgoing, but I lost it for a long time. After getting involved with Three20, I started to see that guy again. It probably saved my life.”

Your support of the Porter County Community Fund helps provide impactful opportunities for individuals in recovery. Thank you for being part of this work.

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.

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.