NEWS
Supporting and Empowering Parents Navigating Resources
One project funded by the Lilly Endowment grant will strengthen support for expectant and new parents through an Enhanced Community Resource Navigator Cohort program. This initiative expands resource navigation services in communities where improved outcomes are most needed, focusing on the 46516 and 46528 zip codes. A shared learning agenda will guide data collection on the challenges and opportunities families face. Organizations already utilizing resource navigators will be invited to explore participation in this effort.Bright by Text is now Lantern!
As Bright by Text celebrates 30 years of service as an accessible village for parents, it’s being renamed Lantern, which “symbolizes the company’s role in guiding families and lighting the way to education, wellness, and connection. Like a lantern lighting the path, they aim to provide clear, reliable, and timely information to families to help every child thrive”. Parents can still access the same information through Lantern. To sign up, text the word “CHILD” to 274448 to start receiving Lantern messages today.
Launching Findhelp.org to Support Parents
findhelp.org is a web portal that simplifies searching for local community programs that offer free and reduced-cost services, helping support individuals with living a healthier life.
We’ve been working hard to develop the information on this amazing platform. We will officially launch it at our quarterly meeting, but you can take a look at Building Strong Brains findhelp. We welcome your input to make this a key resource for our community.
Our Success is Interconnected
This graphic highlights the three active pillars of Elkhart County’s coalition. A fourth factor of economic self-sufficiency is represented with a dotted line because this is outside the scope of Building Strong Brains, yet it significantly impacts the outcomes for families with young children.
As a coalition dedicated to improving early childhood outcomes in Elkhart County, we recognize that every component is interconnected, forming a unified early childhood system. We remain committed to identifying barriers, gaps, and opportunities to drive meaningful change and strengthen this system.
Transforming Early Childhood in Elkhart County
Lilly Endowment Inc. awarded a $7.5 million grant to fuel the progress of Building Strong Brains. The Community Foundation is the financial agent for the grant, which resulted from hard work by a number of community partners and amazing philanthropy in the early stages of the Lilly GIFT VIII process. (Read this press release for more information.)
This funding will strengthen support for children under age 6, through collective work in the areas of maternal and child health, early learning environments, and community resources for children and families with an overall goal of improving kindergarten readiness. We will continue the important work of ensuring every child is Born To Thrive In Elkhart County.
Stronger Families, Stronger Futures: Join CAPS’ Nurturing Care Groups
At Building Strong Brains, we believe that when families have the right support, children are better prepared to succeed. That’s why we’re excited to share a new opportunity for parents and caregivers in Elkhart County—CAPS’ Nurturing Care Groups.
What Are Nurturing Care Groups?
Nurturing Care Groups are volunteer-led support groups for expecting parents and caregivers of children from birth to pre-kindergarten. These gatherings provide a space where families can connect, share experiences, and learn helpful parenting strategies in a welcoming environment.
Why Join a Nurturing Care Group?
Raising children is easier when families have a strong network of support. NCGs help parents and caregivers:
- Build Relationships – Meet others in the community who share similar experiences.
- Learn Practical Skills – Gain knowledge about child development, health, nutrition, and parent-child bonding.
- Find Encouragement – Exchange ideas, reduce stress, and build confidence in parenting.
- Access Local Resources – Learn about available services to support your family’s needs.
Led by peer mentors with parenting experience, these groups create a setting where families can learn from one another in a relaxed, supportive way.
How to Get Involved
Join as a Parent or Caregiver — If you are expecting or have a child from birth to pre-kindergarten, you are welcome to participate. Groups meet in local venues, making it easy to attend. Fill out this form to apply.
Become a Peer Mentor — If you have experience raising children and want to help others, consider becoming a peer mentor. Mentors help guide discussions and create a welcoming space for families. Apply at this link.
Contact CAPS at 574-336-6128 or email mgarcia@capselkhart.org to find a group near you.
Triple P for Baby Group at Elkhart Public Library
Congratulating Candy Yoder
Candy Yoder will retire from her role as Chief Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at the end of 2024. Candy joined CAPS in 1989 as a program coordinator and served as president and CEO beginning in 2009. She joined the Community Foundation of Elkhart County in 2018, leading the grant committees in selecting areas of emphasis for grantmaking, including early childhood development and education.
Candy, with other community leaders, has been a driving force in the planning, development, and implementation of Building Strong Brains. She has shared her time, expertise, and commitment to better outcomes for children and families during her entire career. Candy’s next chapter will include a continued commitment to improving outcomes for young children and families in her new role as Senior Advisor to the Coalition. Join me in congratulating and celebrating Candy as she begins this new chapter with Building Strong Brains!
Listen to the Inspiring Good podcast featuring Candy on your favorite podcast platform or at this LINK.
Celebrating Progress and Looking to the Future
On November 13, the Building Strong Brains coalition convened at Goshen College to celebrate the collective progress and continue to identify ways to advance this important early childhood work. Teams shared about their current work and planning for next steps. Below are highlights shared by the teams.
Maternal and Child Health Action Team
Progress
Click here to learn more about Beyond the Blues.
Click here to learn more about Elkhart County’s Fetal-Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) being led by CAPS.
Quality Child Care and Early Learning Environments
Engaging and Growing the Elkhart County Family Child Care Network
The Family Child Care Network (FCCN) is growing in Elkhart County. In November, family child care providers gathered to enjoy a meal, celebrate their work, and learn more about early childhood programs and services, including those provided by CAPS, Maple City Health Care Center, and On My Way Pre K.
Thank you to Geminus for coordinating and facilitating these opportunities for sharing, learning, and networking. Thank you early childhood professionals for the work you do each day to support young children and their families in Elkhart County!
Quality Child Care and Early Learning Environments Action Team Next Steps
- Launch survey to learn about interest of early childhood and kindergarten professionals convening.
- Connecting with parents to learn about their experiences, to inform the work of shifting the early childhood system because “It takes a village to get behind parents so they can raise their children,” according to Dr. Dana Suskind.
Community Supports for Children and Families
Next Steps
- findhelp.org will launch in 2025! Thank you to the Community Supports for Children and Families Action Team for the researching, piloting, and planning of this exciting resource.
- Exploring indoor activity spaces for young children and families located in and close to Elkhart County
Join us in this effort
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©2025 Building Strong Brains