Lakeshore Public Media is developing a program that will promote high-quality early learning and child development to audiences across Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland through Lakeshore’s television, radio, and digital platforms. The core of the program will be a five-episode television series to premiere in 2024 that covers the following topics: Birth Navigation/Maternal Mental Health, Home Visiting & Early Intervention, Everyday Moments, Family/Social Relationships, and Positive & Negative Childhood Experiences. With PBS’ reach to more families with young children in low-income families than any other children’s TV network, this series will help educate families while generating support for local nonprofit organizations.

The Northwest Indiana Symphony Society is expanding the Summer Music Festival to include at least 1 additional community and  provide funding for under resourced schools and students to attend and participate in the annual education concert.

Building off Legacy’s Neighborhood Spotlight initiative, Legacy plans on launching Community Heart & Soul in 2024. Through this national initiative, Legacy Foundation will work with 1-2 neighborhoods in Lake County to engage residents and develop a plan based on priorities identified by the community.

For more than 20+ years, South Shore Arts has built the “everykid” arts enrichment program to ensure every child in Lake County has access to, and the opportunity to engage in, creative and artistic activities at no cost. “Everykid” is the umbrella program for all youth outreach programs including art and literacy workshops delivered at no cost to over 100 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade classrooms throughout Lake County. South Shore Arts plans to reach children from under resourced families who historically have not had the financial resources needed to access art classes and summer camps at SSA’s art centers in Munster and Hammond.

In partnership with Boys and Girls Club, Methodist Hospital, City of Gary, State of Indiana, and Crossroads YMCA, this transformational project will feature programs and services from each of the major partners: The Boys and Girls Club will offer high quality before and after school programming and educational support. Methodist Hospital will have a clinic to provide critical healthcare services, and the Crossroads YMCA will provide high quality childcare, health and wellness, chronic disease programs, family programs, youth classes, and a community hub to help support kids, adults, and families. Funds raised, along with matching funds, will go to the Crossroads YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club. This initiative will create spaces and deliver programs that focus on talent development, entrepreneurship, economic advancement, education, and overall health/wellness.

All donations made to this fund will be eligible for a $1 – for – $1 match!