Building Blocks
Lakeshore’s “Building Blocks” initiative is a comprehensive multimedia project dedicated to exploring the science of early childhood development and addressing the challenges faced by families in Northwest Indiana. Through television, radio, digital platforms, and community events, the initiative aims to elevate the importance of high-quality early learning and provide essential resources to families with young children.
The first television episode of “Building Blocks” premiered in October 2024 and is available to stream below as well as on the free PBS Video App. The full six-episode series will be released in January 2025 and will cover critical topics such as brain development, maternal mental health, early intervention, and the effects of childhood experiences.
We are excited to announce the newest edition to this project, "Building Blocks: The Podcast."
This podcast will take a deep dive into the early stages of childhood development and beyond. Host Dr. Mary Jane Eisenhauer of First Things First Porter County will converse with local experts, parents, and practitioners about the building blocks for brain and language development. Tune in to learn more about how Northwest Indiana is serving families and young children!
Donate to Our Matching Fund!
Lakeshore received a $100,000 matching grant from Legacy Foundation to support our Building Blocks initiative! All donations to this fund will be eligible for a $1-for-$1 match, and 25% of the funds will be invested in an endowment at Legacy Foundation to provide ongoing support for the Building Blocks program and Lakeshore's educational initiatives for many years to come.
Thanks to Lakeshore board member Sue Eleuterio and her husband Tom Sourlis, donations made to Lakeshore's "Building Blocks" initiative will now be matched up to $30,000. That's a potential $60,000 donation to get Lakeshore closer to the goal of $100,000!
Watch & Listen Building Blocks: The Podcast
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Victor Garcia is President & CEO of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, providing logistical support and food to 120+ pantries, soup kitchens, and community organizations and programming focused on reducing food insecurity, increasing self-sufficiency, and impacting the social determinates of health. In 2023, the Indiana General Assembly recognized Victor for his service to the State of Indiana. -
Andrea has led MHANWI since 2018 after an impressive career in corporate marketing. The professionals at MHANWI are dedicated to strengthening our community by providing free programs and services in homes, group settings, and schools to prevent adverse childhood experiences, reduce infant mortality, and build strong families through early childhood development and parent education. -
Andrea has led MHANWI since 2018 after an impressive career in corporate marketing. The professionals at MHANWI are dedicated to strengthening our community by providing free programs and services in homes, group settings, and schools to prevent adverse childhood experiences, reduce infant mortality, and build strong families through early childhood development and parent education.
Watch Building Blocks: The TV Show
The Building Blocks initiative would not be possible without the expertise and guidance of co-producer Mary Jane Eisenhauer of First Things First Porter County, the support of the Legacy Foundation, Purdue University Northwest, Porter County Community Foundation, and Lakeshore Board Member, Susan Eleuterio and her husband, Tom Sourlis.