NEWS
Supporting parents in Elkhart County
At the Building Strong Brains Annual Summit on November 11, eight parents took the stage and candidly discussed what it takes to raise children in Elkhart County today.
Moderated by Paul Shetler Fast, executive director of Maple City Health Care Center, the parent panel brought together families with very different stories—military and international backgrounds, longtime residents, and families who arrived in one hectic weekend, single parents and married couples, children with complex medical needs, and children waiting on evaluations.
What they shared was not neat or simple. It was real, layered, and full of both strain and hope.
The real challenges parents face
Summer described how she knew her daughter needed more time after preschool. When she asked for a chance to repeat kindergarten, she was told no.
“She just needed time and repetition,” she said.
After searching, she found a school willing to offer a transition year. The experience showed her that many children benefit from an intentional bridge between preschool and kindergarten—and that families often have to fight for it.
Starting over without a safety net
Brian discussed leaving the military as a single father and relocating to Indiana without knowing anyone.
“I didn’t know what I was going to do,” he said.
Within months, people from the community stepped in, remembered him from earlier events, and offered support that helped him and his daughter begin again.
Moving a family in a weekend
Josefina moved from Ohio to Elkhart with her children in a single weekend after a Friday job interview turned into a Monday start date.
“With no family here, just friends, I had to trust the process,” she said.
She now volunteers with nurturing care groups through CAPS to support other parents facing housing, financial, and mental health struggles.
Navigating medical and educational systems
For Erica, an immigrant parent, faced the challenge of a language barrier, however, the greatest challenge has been trying to move through both the health and education systems while facing long wait lists for autism evaluations and therapy.
“We’re helping our son learn English and Spanish,” she said. “And we’re learning how the systems work so we can support him.”
Grace, an international student who became pregnant during her junior year of nursing school, described the stress of navigating Medicaid enrollment, healthy pregnancy resources, and medical appointments.
“You have to know somebody to tell you where to start,” she said.
Sara shared the shock of learning that her newborn had a cleft palate, followed by sleep apnea and aspiration concerns. Maple City Health Care Center and specialists at Riley Hospital for Children guided her through each step.
The cost of parenting alone
Penelope spoke about the financial strain of single parenting without consistent child support.
“There are days when I’m up at night thinking, ‘How are you going to pay the next bill?’” she said.
Her background in finance helped her prepare for maternity leave, but childcare and legal costs continue to weigh heavily.
Wanting to work and wanting to be home
Katja, a nurse at Goshen Hospital, described the tension between wanting to be at home with her baby and wanting to continue her career.
“I want to do it all,” she said. “But the system doesn’t make that easy.”
Her family earns just above the limit for some forms of assistance, leaving them in a gap where help is hard to access.
Where parents found support and hope
As they shared their challenges, the parents also highlighted the people and organizations that helped them find their footing.
Organizations that opened doors
Brian pointed to three kinds of support that helped him transition out of the military: a local mission that helped him when he was experiencing homelessness, Triple P parenting programs that offered practical tools, and the Veterans Administration, which helped him adjust to civilian life.
Josefina called CAPS “the greatest thing that could ever happen in my life.” They provided car seats when her twins arrived early, as well as frozen meals, classes, and navigation of resources. “If they can’t supply something,” she said, “they connect you to the next best person.”
Erica said Oaklawn, Center for Healing & Hope, and Golden Steps helped her family move forward after her son’s diagnosis. She later helped start a Spanish-speaking parent group for families raising children with autism.
Grace named WIC, her church, CAPS classes, and Triple P among her strongest supports.
“You can find help, but you have to gather it from many places,” she said.
Sara shared how Maple City Health Care Center’s pregnancy group gave her community before birth, and how Riley Hospital for Children made care easier by coordinating multiple specialists in one visit. WIC’s wellness program also provided check-ins throughout pregnancy and beyond.
Penelope discussed pouring her energy into various classes and support programs, including the Women’s Care Center, RETA, the Family Resource Center, Nurse Family Partnership, WIC, Healthy Families, and Healthy Babies. Her weekly writing class at RETA became a source of relief and connection.
Katja said that Penelope became one of her greatest resources, sharing what she learned and connecting her with programs that helped her navigate her daughter’s hemangioma diagnosis.
Words of Advice From the Parents
Paul closed with a simple lightning-round question: What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Their answers were clear:
- Trust your instincts and speak up for your child.
- Ask for help, even when it feels uncomfortable.
- Build several support systems, not just one.
- Have courage, even when the process is slow or complicated.
- Prepare yourself mentally and pause for a moment to gather your resources.
- Allow yourself to grieve when things do not go as expected.
- Don’t let ego get in the way of reaching out.
Listening to parents, strengthening our community
The parents who spoke at the Building Strong Brains Annual Summit and participated throughout the day showed what strength looks like in everyday life. They described the challenges they face, the people who support them, and the ways they continue to move forward through uncertainty.
Their stories are guiding Building Strong Brains as we work with partners across the county to improve access to early childhood resources, reduce fragmentation, and make it easier for families to find the support they need.
Elkhart County is home to numerous individuals and organizations eager to lend a hand. When parents are heard, supported, and connected, children grow up in stronger, steadier homes—and the entire community benefits.
Building a Culture of Hope: Highlights from the 2025 Building Strong Brains Summit
More than 100 educators, caregivers, health professionals, parents, policymakers, and community partners gathered at Goshen College on November 11 for the second annual Building Strong Brains Summit. After more than three years of coordinated, countywide collaboration, the coalition came together once again to learn, connect, and strengthen its shared commitment to helping every child in Elkhart County be born to thrive and ready to learn.
This year’s theme, ‘Building a Culture of Hope,’ was illustrated throughout the day by speakers, interaction among attendees, and a celebration of the joint work.
Dr. Kim Boynton’s Remarks: Helping children thrive
Dr. Kim Boynton, BSB’s director, opened the summit with a heartfelt and science-grounded reflection on the importance of early childhood. She reminded attendees that the first years of life shape the architecture of a child’s brain and that every smile, soothing word, and moment of safety contributes to long-term well-being.
Kim is leaving her role as coalition director at the end of 2025 to pursue a role in higher education. As she opened her final summit as director, she emphasized that consistent, responsive care doesn’t just help children survive—it helps them thrive. These early interactions shape not only individual development, but also the long-term health of our community.
Kim also spoke about hope as a learnable, measurable practice, not simply an emotion. When hope is woven into professional practice—classrooms, clinics, homes, and community programs—children and families begin to see possibilities for their future.
A story she shared illustrated this beautifully. A student who struggled with trust spent months testing limits in school. His teacher remained steady, greeting him by name each morning and ending each day with, “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Eventually, he told his mother, “I have to go. My teacher is waiting for me.” That quiet moment captured the essence of what this work is about.
Reflecting on her time leading the coalition, Kim noted the strong partnerships built, the research translated into action, and the shared language now shaping community practice. As she steps down, she expressed confidence that the next phase of Building Strong Brains will deepen relationships and reach more families across Elkhart County.
Dr. Jessica Herzog-Hall’s Keynote: HOPE Framework
Dr. Jessica Herzog-Hall led an interactive workshop focused on the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) Framework, offering a research-based look at how Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) strengthen lifelong resilience. Herzog-Hall, a trauma-informed educator, walked participants through the four building blocks of HOPE: relationships, environment, engagement, and emotional growth. She shared practical tools for co-regulation, self-regulation, and building supportive connections with children and families. Her workshop illustrated how simple, everyday practices can nurture well-being and counteract the effects of adversity, giving attendees strategies they can use immediately in their organizations and communities.
Breakout Sessions: Putting Ideas Into Practice
Throughout the afternoon, attendees participated in breakout sessions facilitated by local partners and practitioners. These sessions focused on practical strategies for nurturing hope, strengthening relationships with families, and applying brain science in daily interactions with children.
Breakout discussions were lively and collaborative, with participants sharing what they’ve learned in their own organizations and exploring new opportunities to work together.
Dr. Amber Selking’s Keynote: The Power of Mindset and Belief
The afternoon keynote was delivered by Dr. Amber Selking, whose work focuses on performance psychology, motivation, and the science of belief. She spoke about how communities can build cultures where children see themselves as capable, valued, and supported.
Her message reinforced the summit’s theme: hope grows when caring adults create environments that foster safety, encouragement, and trust for children. She offered practical insights on how mindset and connection influence resilience, and how every interaction—big or small—helps shape a child’s sense of what is possible.
Moving Forward Together
The 2025 summit affirmed the strength and momentum of the Building Strong Brains coalition. With insights from both keynote speakers, hands-on learning in breakout sessions, and the participation of partners from across the county, the day reinforced a shared vision for helping all children grow in environments filled with safety, connection, and possibility.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Planning Committee
As we reflect on the tremendous effort behind Building a Culture of Hope, we want to extend our deepest appreciation to our dedicated planning committee. This event would not have been possible without the passion, collaboration, and unwavering commitment each member brought to the table.
From shaping the vision to refining the details, the committee poured countless hours into creating a meaningful experience for our community. Their thoughtful insights, creativity, and determination ensured that every element of the summit reflected our shared mission: to uplift young children, strengthen families, and build a culture rooted in hope and resilience.
To our planning committee—thank you for your leadership, your teamwork, and your belief in the power of this work. Your contributions made this summit not only successful but truly inspiring.
Planning Committee Members: Paul Fast, Maple City Healthcare; Natalie Buroker, Crossroads United Way; Leah Plank, HEA/Triple P; Shin Yee Tan, Oaklawn; Vonnie Trumble, Community Foundation of Elkhart County; and Brian Replogle, Patty Rose, and Holly Landis, who are Building Strong Brains staff members.
Building Strong Brains Annual Summit
The Building Strong Brains Coalition invites parents, partners, and community members to gather for our Annual Early Childhood Summit. Together, we’ll explore how positive experiences build resilience and shape the future for children and families across Elkhart County.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Location: Goshen College Fellowship Hall, 1900 S. Main St., Goshen, IN 46526
Breakfast and lunch provided. Registration is open.
Keynote: Jessica Herzog-Hall
The HOPE Framework (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences)
Jessica Herzog-Hall, MSW, is a trauma-informed leader and educator dedicated to advancing community resilience and healing. She earned a master’s degree in social work from Indiana University School of Social Work in 2021 and holds a graduate certificate in applied educational neuroscience from Butler University. As director of the ACEs Indiana Coalition at the Indiana Youth Services Association, Herzog-Hall led statewide initiatives to educate, equip, and unite organizations around adverse childhood experiences and the science of resilience. She now serves as chief executive officer of Together We Flourish LLC, expanding her mission to help communities thrive by promoting positive childhood experiences and the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) Framework as tools for lifelong well-being. She is a certified ACE Interface master trainer, a healing-centered engagement practitioner, and trained in mind-body medicine. Herzog-Hall is deeply committed to equipping communities with the knowledge and practices needed to build trauma-informed, resilient, and HOPE-centered environments.
Key Takeaways:
- Ordinary interactions, like consistent caregiving and community support, can have extraordinary impact.
- HOPE shifts the focus from deficits to strengths, highlighting what helps children thrive.
- The framework is practical and applicable across healthcare, education, child welfare, and community services.
- Attendees will leave with tools to embed HOPE principles into their daily work, creating environments that foster connection, belonging, and emotional safety.
Parent Panel
The voices of parents and caregivers will take center stage in this powerful session. Panelists will share their lived experiences, challenges, and the supportive relationships that helped their families thrive. Their stories will bring the HOPE Framework to life, reminding us of the importance of resilience and community.
Breakout Sessions
– HOPE Framework Deeper Dive
Jessica Herzog-Hall, ACEs Coalition Director
A chance to go deeper with the keynote speaker, exploring practical ways to apply HOPE principles in different settings.
– The ABCs of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health: Attachment, Brain-Building, and Community
Cassie Eberly, Infancy Onward
Learn how attachment, healthy interactions, and community-wide supports shape infant and early childhood mental health.
– Family Friendly Workplaces in Elkhart County
A collaborative discussion on developing a family friendly workplaces in our community. This proposed initiative focuses on:
- Supporting pregnant employees in accessing timely prenatal care.
- Creating supportive return-to-work environments for new mothers.
- Empowering fathers to take part in their children’s health care.
Participants will help shape strategies to promote a culture of HOPE and family well-being across workplaces in Elkhart County.
– Closing Keynote: Dr. Amber Selking – Building Championship Mindsets
Dr. Amber Selking, performance psychology expert and founder of the Selking Performance Group, will close the summit with an inspiring keynote on the power of mindset and resilience. Drawing on her work with elite athletes and Fortune 500 leaders, Dr. Selking will share practical strategies to:
- Cultivate mental toughness.
- Lead with purpose.
- Build cultures of excellence.
Her message will empower us all to raise strong, resilient children and create communities where families thrive.
Continuing Education
Participants can earn 3 hours of CEUs (Keynote, Parent Panel, and Breakouts) offered by:
Welcome Our New Staff Members
Patty Rose serves as the Assistant Director of Early Childhood Health and Community Supports for the Building Strong Brains Early Childhood Initiative. In this role, she works closely with Coalition leadership to lead and advance maternal and child health efforts, facilitate action teams, and strengthen community engagement throughout Elkhart County. Patty brings more than a decade of experience from Purdue University’s Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering, where she supported communities across Indiana in reducing health disparities and improving outcomes. Earlier in her career, she worked in Health IT at Goshen Physicians and is a Certified Community of Change/Strategic Doing Practitioner, skilled at tackling complex challenges through collaboration.
Holly Landis is the Operations Coordinator for the Building Strong Brains Coalition, partnering with the team to keep daily operations running smoothly and effectively. Holly holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Indiana University and an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan. Her professional experience includes serving as Town Manager for Wakarusa, working in engineering services at Zimmer Biomet, and providing customer service support at Everence Financial. She also contributes her time as a board member for The Center, reflecting her commitment to supporting community well-being.
With Patty’s arrival, Brian Replogle’s role will shift to focus on quality childcare and early learning environments. That’s a big job to tackle a big issue as we change this system together. That action team is busy and we are thrilled that Brian can focus on these issues
Welcome Patty and Holly!
Supporting Families, Finding Resources
The launch of Findhelp was successful and continues to expand into Elkhart County. Initial data indicates a successful launch and growth in resource connections.
Findhelp.org is a web portal that simplifies easily searching for local community programs that offer free and reduced-cost services, helping support individuals with living a healthier life. To learn more, visit Building Strong Brains Findhelp.
The data below is exciting, but even more exciting are the stories we are hearing about how this information is being used to help others. If you have such a story, reach out to Brian Replogle at brianr@inspiringgood.org.
Quarterly Convening Recap
Building Strong Brains partners gathered June 10 at the Goshen College Fellowship Hall for the quarterly convening. The meeting brought together more than 70 participants to reflect on recent progress, share insights, and plan for the work ahead to help every child in Elkhart County thrive.
Updates highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Family Voice team, which continues to elevate parent and caregiver perspectives in shaping early childhood priorities. The new cohort of community resource navigators, representing 11 partner organizations, was also recognized. These navigators will provide valuable information about the challenges families face and help strengthen connections to resources.
During the working lunch, participants took part in a collective storytelling session, sharing examples of progress and opportunities within the coalition’s shared work.
Partners left the convening with a renewed sense of purpose and connection, ready to continue working together to build a stronger early childhood system for all families in Elkhart County.
Lilly GIFT VIII Projects Launched
Thanks to the generous GIFT VIII funding awarded by Lilly Endowment in December 2024 and the dedication of BSB partners, several new collaborative projects are launching in spring and summer 2025, building on the many efforts already in progress.
Head Start Boot Camp
This eight-week summer program focused on kindergarten readiness skills for children who remain on the Head Start waitlist in May and will enter kindergarten in the fall. This program launched in May and expects to serve about 100 children, with priority for families living in the 46516 and 46528 zip codes. Learn more: http://headstartesj.com/
Nurturing Care Groups
This approach builds on community strengths and lived experience by engaging parents and caregivers as volunteers to offer education and support. Volunteers share information about child health, safety, connection, and maternal well-being, creating a supportive network for pregnant women, new parents, and caregivers. Learn more: https://capselkhart.org/
Community Resource Navigator Cohort
This initiative expands resource navigation services for families in communities with the greatest needs, focusing on the 46516 and 46528 zip codes. A shared learning agenda helps gather information about what helps or hinders families in getting support. Read more below about this cohort launched in May 2025.: https://buildingstrongbrains.
Case Management
Expanded case management supports families with children from prenatal to age 2. The goal is to increase prenatal visits, provide safe sleep education, reduce low and very low birth weights, and offer breastfeeding support. Learn more: https://elkhartcountyhealth.
Early Childhood Mental Health Services
This effort expands direct mental health services for young children at risk of removal from preschool programs. It includes training and consultation for childcare staff, along with direct support for families through mental health guidance and resource navigation. Learn more: https://thesourceelkhart.org/
Driving Action for Impact
On May 14, 2025, BSB launched a cohort of 25 community resource navigators representing 11 partner organizations. These front-line navigators will share insights about the challenges young parents face, highlight resources that help address those challenges, and document gaps between what families need and what is currently available. This group will meet monthly to choose training topics, exchange tips, and learn from one another.
Information and ideas from this project will be shared across the coalition, and action teams will be encouraged to explore ways to address the gaps that emerge. RETA and Goshen College will help facilitate the monthly gatherings.
We are grateful to the dedicated individuals and organizations who have committed to this work. Their time and expertise will help strengthen our shared efforts to support young children and families in Elkhart County.
New Prenatal Voucher Program
The Health System Alignment Team collaborated to create a prenatal voucher program for uninsured women. With a goal to improve maternal and infant health, this initial strategy will remove the financial barrier for early and adequate prenatal care. This voucher is available to families through a community resource navigator from one of 11 community organizations. We are excited to see how this strategy will improve the outcomes for babies in our community.
Highlights from the 2024 BSB Data Walk
At the March convening, the BSB Data Support Team hosted a data walk featuring results from the 2024 Visible Network Labs survey. This survey gathered feedback from BSB member organizations about how they view BSB and how they connect with other groups in the coalition.
The network maps on display showed the many connections among partners, helping us see areas of strength and places where we can build more ties.
Highlights shared included:
- BSB brings together many sectors from across Elkhart County, with cross-sector partnerships happening throughout the community. There is still room to invite more voices from industry and rural areas.
- Member organizations value BSB’s role in bringing people together around a shared vision for early childhood and in strengthening trust and collaboration, especially through action teams.
- Many partners want more tools and resources to shine a light on the work of other organizations and create new opportunities to work together.
The first survey offered a helpful look at how our coalition works together. Since fall 2024, more groups have joined. We look forward to repeating the survey in fall 2025 to measure our progress and keep building connections for children and families.
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