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 third episode of Building Blocks is set to premiere on April 30th, 2025 at 8 PM!
Donate to The Building Blocks 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. Donate Now!
Watch Building Blocks: The TV Show
Building Blocks | EP2 "Early Relational Health"
Relationships - nothing affects us more. Our early interactions with those closest to us inform our emotional and physical well-being throughout our lives. Building Blocks: Early Relational Health encourages parents to explore everyday opportunities to form strong, resilient attachments with their children and feel confident in their parenting role. When we strengthen relationships we strengthen families and, ultimately, our community.
Building Blocks | EP1 "The "Whole" Child"
Building Blocks explores the crucial first one-thousand days of childhood development. Filled with personal accounts and professional knowledge, episode one balances the ideas of relational health, physical health, cognitive development and early intervention; all contributing to the "whole child".
Watch & Listen 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!
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In this episode of Building Blocks, Dr. Mary Jane Eisenhauer welcomes Congressman Frank Mrvan to discuss critical issues surrounding maternal and infant health in Northwest Indiana. They explore the importance of early childhood development, the first 1,000 days of life, and programs aimed at lowering infant and maternal mortality rates. Congressman Mrvan shares insights from his time as a township trustee and his role in Congress, emphasizing the need for strong community support systems, efficient funding allocation, and policy advocacy. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on how investment in early childhood programs creates lasting benefits for families and the region. -
Jennifer Trowbridge, a dynamic advocate for community health and well-being, is President and CEO of CoAction, dedicated to housing stability and economic growth. Jen empowers families and individuals through thoughtful leadership and groundbreaking programs. Her expertise spans healthcare, social services, and strategic leadership, but her heart lies in the stories of the people she serves. -
Christy Jarka, Director of the Trojan Learning Center at Duneland School Corporation, is a dedicated educator. At the Duneland Early Learning Center, she is the Conductor of Possibilities where families with young children begin their journey playing, singing, learning and loving. Duneland Early Learning Center recently received a grant from First Things First to reach more families in Chesterton. Learn more about the Duneland Early Learning Center: https://www.duneland.k12.in.us/
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.
