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If your family needs help with food, housing, child care, health care, or counseling, 211 is a strong first stop. Families in the South Bend area can use it to connect with local services and get guided support.

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CommunityOS is an I&R, Disaster, and Public Health client database and case management system.

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The public library offers free books, story times, homework help, digital resources, and events for children from babies through age 12. It is also a great place for families to find reading support and safe learning spaces.

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Find everything you need at St. Joe County Public Library! We connect members of our diverse community to learning, resources, culture, and each other.

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Families with young children can look for preschool, early learning, developmental screening, and kindergarten readiness support through local early childhood organizations and school programs in the South Bend area.

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Adoption Resources

Adoptions of Indiana
Adoptions of Indiana is a full service adoption agency. We provide services such as adoptive preparation/home studies, adoptive education, matching, placement, post-placement supervision, and ongoing adoption education and support to adoptive families, adoption options counseling to expectant parents, pre and post-placement counseling and support services to birth families, search and reconnection services to adult adoptees, and community adoption education.

Adoption Support Center
880 Monon Green Blvd
Suite 101
Carmel, IN 46032
(317) 255-5916 (call or text)

On Your Feet Foundation
On Your Feet is not an adoption agency, but rather a partner for birthparents and agencies that supports all their needs. The emotional, financial and educational resources you need for post-placement success can all be found through On Your Feet.
The primary resources offered by On Your Feet include:

A supportive community of birthparents.

Financial, educational and career coaching for birthparents.

Supportive retreats for birthparents and adoptive parents.

Discussion facilitation between birthparents, adoptive parents and agencies.

Referrals to qualified therapists.

The Indiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics ("INAAP") is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focusing on issues related to the health and well-being of all Hoosier children. With over 900 pediatrician and nurse practitioner members throughout the state, INAAP strives to be the go-to resource for questions related to children's health, as well as for issues related to the practice of pediatrics.

Offered to low-income families in Elkhart, Marshall and Saint Joseph Counties, the BABE Store provides basic supplies, such as diapers or clothes, in exchange for coupons participants earned from doctor visits or child development classes.

B.A.B.E. Store (South Bend) Facebook Page
Check here for events, updates, and additional resources from the South Bend B.A.B.E

Beacon Community Impact works with community partners to collaborate on health related issues. For maternal and infant health, they focus on programming to reduce the infant mortality, as well as to improve health for mothers and infants.

Brain Train has activities designed to meet the needs of families with children from infant through the age of five. For anyone who has a child under 5 years old and who is not already enrolled in Community Partners, DCS, or Healthy Families.

Brighter Futures Indiana offers information to empower families in their search for the highest quality learning experiences for their children in partnership with The FSSA Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning and Early Learning Indiana.

The generosity of the people in our community allows The Christ Child Society of South Bend to carry on its 73-year mission of helping children. Each year, CCS clothes thousands of children from birth through age twelve at their Clothing Center. A referral form is required in order to receive clothes.

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federal program that provides reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children and adults who are enrolled for care at participating child care centers, daycare homes, and adult day care centers. 4Cs provides reimbursements for meals served to children and youth participating in after school care programs, children residing in emergency shelters, and adults over the age of 60 or living with a disability and enrolled in daycare facilities. 4Cs contributes to the wellness, healthy growth, and development of young children and adults in the United States.

Count The Kicks was created based on public health research in Norway that demonstrated a 30% reduction in stillbirth by teaching pregnant women how to monitor fetal movement during the third trimester of pregnancy by doing kick counts on a daily basis.

Counting kicks is a simple way to monitor your baby's well-being using a free app. Expectant parents should begin counting at the start of the third trimester.

Apply online for On My Way Pre-K and other child care assistance in Indiana.

Early Childhood Alliance is a non-profit organization serving the early education needs of children across northern Indiana. Our services include: on-site early care and education in two accredited learning centers; sponsorship of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a program of the Department of Education; a wide range of Family Support programs; and early childhood education advocacy through our work with businesses and other service agencies in communities of northern Indiana.

East Coast Migrant Head Start Project provides services to families who work in the production and harvesting of tree and field crops, nursery crops, eggs and poultry, fish and other seafood, trees and the care of farm animals.

East Coast Migrant Head Start Project provides Migrant and Seasonal Head Start and Early Head Start services. The programs help prepare children for school success. They support the mental, social, and emotional development of children from six weeks old to kindergarten. They offer:

Educational Services

Family Services

Disability Services

Health & Dental Care

Balanced Meals

Play and Learning Experiences

Hannah's House is a faith-based agency offering a continuum of shelter, staff support and programming for the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of pregnant and parenting single/homeless young women.

Head Start is a school readiness program that provides children ages 0-5 from low income families in St. Joseph and Elkhart Counties with the skills they need to succeed in kindergarten. Their staff are trained to honor the parents' role as their child's most important teacher.

Healthy Families helps parents of newborn babies or expectant parents by offering support and information about child development and what to expect as a new parent.

La Leche League of South Bend is a community of mothers helping mothers as they explore all topics of breastfeeding.

The St. Joseph County Health Department conducts free lead risk assessments in homes with children under the age of 7, homes where pregnant women reside, or homes where a lead-poisoned child has already been identified. To schedule a lead risk assessment or to get more information about lead poisoning, contact the Health Department at (574) 235-9582.

Free Lead Screenings are offered by the St. Joseph County Department of Health for children ages 6 and under. Please call 574-235-9750 Ex 8 to find a location near you.

Environmental lead is an issue that will not be eliminated. ND LIT strives to work with the community members, community organizations, and the government to provide citizens with the knowledge and skills to help solve this issue together. It is important for all members of the community to work together in order to control lead. Visit their website to apply for a free lead screening kit to determine if there is lead present in your home.

On Your Feet is not an adoption agency, but rather a partner for birthparents and agencies that supports all their needs. The emotional, financial and educational resources you need for post-placement success can all be found through On Your Feet.

The primary resources offered by On Your Feet include:

A supportive community of birthparents.

Financial, educational and career coaching for birthparents.

Supportive retreats for birthparents and adoptive parents.

Discussion facilitation between birthparents, adoptive parents and agencies.

Referrals to qualified therapists.

Paths to QUALITY™ is Indiana's statewide rating system for early care and education programs. It is a free resource to help families make informed decisions and to help early care and education providers improve the quality of their programs.

Are you currently pregnant?

Have you experienced conflict in your relationship with a partner? The University of Notre Dame BRAVE Lab is conducting a research study evaluating the Pregnant Moms' Empowerment Program. Participation will include:

Attending a 5 week in-person support group.

Participating in 4 virtual interviews over the course of about 1.5 years.

Completing brief monthly phone surveys.

Answering a set of short daily questions when your child is 1 yr old.

Earning up to $400 or more plus several BABE Store Coupons.

For more information, please call or text the Pregnant Moms' Empowerment Program at 574-383-9402.

Becki Fulmer, MA
PMEP Program Coordinator
BRAVE Psychology Lab
University of Notre Dame
574-631-0958

By participating in the Family Development program, families are equipped with access to the following resources:

Referrals for assistance

Career and job-seeking guidance

Vocation training

Finance and budgeting lessons

Complete basic education

Housing and home ownership guidance

Childcare resources

Nutrition information

Home care and management training

Parenting skills sessions

Time management skills courses

Confidence training

More information:
Phone: 574-284-2060

RETA (Reason to Act) is a faith-based, pregnancy clinic and family resource center located in downtown Elkhart, Indiana. Established in 1985, we provide free, confidential help by appointment, Monday through Friday. Although based in Elkhart, you do not need to live in the city to qualify for most services.

116 W. Jackson Blvd.
Elkhart, IN 46516

Office: 574-522-4888

OFFICE HOURS | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday - Friday

Email: reta@retaforlife.com

A Rosie Place for Children is Indiana's only licensed, not-for-profit, specialty hospital dedicated exclusively to serving the growing number of families with children who are medically fragile.

Day center for women and children. Offer employment assistance, educational services, and physical and mental health services.

574-234-7795

SAMP Program is for pregnant mothers living in the South Bend Community School district. Taught by certified teachers and professionals, it offers a variety of courses, including Child Development.

Talking with your baby from birth is important for getting your baby off to the best start - for school and for life. Learn about how you can help your baby just by talking! Our 8-session Talk With Your Baby (TWYB) program is designed for parents, parents-to-be, grandparents, and caregivers of children birth to age three of all backgrounds and income levels. Due to generous support from various agencies, we are able to offer our classes free of charge.

Tech Crossinghelps preschoolers and their families build computer literacy and technology skills for kindergarten readiness. Designed for low-income families in St. Joseph County with children ages 3-5, the program offers:

A free Khan Academy account for interactive learning

Support from Tech Crossing staff as your child's online teacher

Tools and materials to develop tech and developmental skills

Goal-setting to boost confidence and independence

WIC provides supplemental foods, health care referrals and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding postpartum women and to infants and children who are found to be at nutritional risk.

Help clients dealing with domestic violence. Offers parenting classes, addiction treatment, inpatient & outpatient counseling.

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Early Childhood Resources – St. Joe County Public Library

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Many local nonprofits, schools, and faith-based organizations help families with meals, food pantries, clothing closets, school supplies, and emergency support. This can be especially helpful during school breaks and times of transition.

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clothing programs in South Bend, in | findhelp.org

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clothing programs and help in South Bend, in. Search 20 social services programs to assist you.

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PBS Kids offers free educational games and videos for younger children. It supports reading, math, science, and social-emotional learning through familiar characters and child-friendly activities.

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Welcome to the official PBS KIDS Channel on YouTube. PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime.

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Starfall is a popular learning website for early readers. It includes phonics, songs, and simple math activities that work well for preschool through elementary grades.

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Starfall Education: Kids Games, Movies, Books & Music for K-5 and above

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At Starfall, children have fun while they learn - specializing in reading, phonics & math - educational games, movies, books, songs, and more for children K-5 and above.

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Khan Academy Kids provides free lessons, stories, and activities for younger learners. Families can use it at home for reading, math, and early learning practice.

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This site is a fun option for children who love animals, science, and geography. It includes videos, articles, and games that can build curiosity and background knowledge.

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Parents and caregivers often need support just as much as children do. Look for trusted parenting resources that offer child development tips, behavior support, routines, and ways to build strong family habits.

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HealthyChildren.org - From the American Academy of Pediatrics

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Family wellness includes emotional health, stress management, and access to counseling when needed. Local schools, clinics, and community groups may offer support for children and caregivers.

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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

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Mental Health Coping Resources for Parents

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Talking to children about mental illness can be an opportunity for parents and caregivers to provide their children with information, support, and guidance.

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Schools can connect families to social workers, counselors, after-school programs, meal programs, and special education resources. Reaching out to your child's school is often an important first step.

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Located in north central Indiana, South Bend Community School Corporation (SBCSC) is the largest school system in St. Joseph County, and the fourth largest in the state of Indiana. Established in 1867, we are home to over 16,000 students and employ over 3,000 people.

Our employees, families, and community partners instill a passion for lifelong learning, and by working together, we will maintain our focus on children, ensuring excellence, equality, ethics, and engagement for all of our children and their families.

We do everything we can to give students in the school district what they need to graduate ready for college, career, and life in our rapidly evolving global economy.

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Located in north central Indiana, South Bend Community School Corporation (SBCSC) is the largest school system in St. Joseph County, and the fourth largest in the state of Indiana. Established in 1867, we are home to over 16,000 students and employ over 3,000 people.

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Indiana families can explore the state's 529 plan to save for future education costs. These plans can help families prepare for college, and learning about them early can make long-term saving feel more manageable.

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Start saving for your child’s future education with Indiana’s 529 Direct Plan. Discover tax advantages and flexible investment options. Secure their tomorrow today!

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Saving for the future is not only about four-year college. Families can also explore career pathways, apprenticeships, technical education, and trade school options that match a child's interests and goals over time.

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Engage Families & Learners - Advance CTE

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Engaging Families and Learners Advance CTE has become a national leader in Career Technical Education (CTE) messaging research and support for state and local leaders to communicate effectively with all learners and their families. While enrollment in CTE programs has remained resilient in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, enrollment is still too stagnant given CTE’s importance to our nation’s […]

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Family budgeting, saving habits, and goal setting can help children build strong money skills. Even simple conversations about needs, wants, and saving can prepare children for future planning.

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Just for Parents and Kids | Office of the State Treasurer

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Teaching your children about money and how to manage it for their financial future is a job many parents want to tackle, but are unsure of where to begin. The State Treasurer’s Office has organized links on this page as a starting point for parents who want their children to become financially literate. Keep in mind that teaching these skills to your children is a process. Six key topic areas to build upon are: setting goals, earning money, spending money wisely through budgeting, understanding the value of money as you save and invest, using credit responsibly, and protecting assets. You can also teach your children, even if your own money habits aren’t perfect. Together, you can develop skills the whole family will benefit from.

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Elkhart offers libraries, museums, youth programs, and community events that families from nearby areas may also enjoy. It can be a good place to look for weekend learning and enrichment activities.

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The Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum

Wanna see their eyes light up? Tell the kids you're taking them to the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum in Elkhart. Inside you will find decades worth of memorabilia for DC, Marvel, and other exciting universes. If they've only seen the movies and recent TV shows, they'll get a super lesson in superhero history, as The Hall has a collection including comic books, shows, and movies from back in the day.

Old and cool

They really wore that? Those questions answered, and more, at the Elkhart County Historical Museum.

No Ordinary Gardens

Linton's Enchanted Gardens is a bit of a wonderland for kids, who can ride the Enchanted Railroad, try their hand at gem mining, or take a paddle boat out for a spin on the lake.

Enjoy a carriage ride and mini golf at Das Dutchman Essenhaus

Make a day of it with the family at Das Dutchman Essenhaus. Take a carriage ride through the property, enjoy a session of mini golf, and top it off with multiple dining options, including menu, buffet, and family-style. Don't for get the pie!

Discover the beautiful Wellfield Botanic Gardens and six outstanding Elkhart County Parks including Indiana's oldest gristmill at Bonneyville Mill

The great outdoors doesn't get any greater than in Elkhart County. With miles of riverways, dozens of trails, and challenging golf courses, there's something to do outside anytime of year to fuel your endorphins, clear your mind, and inspire your soul.

Wellfield Botanic Gardens features over 20 themed garden areas, including a Children's Garden and Japanese "Island Garden." Wellfield's 36 gorgeous acres include 18 acres of lakes, streams, waterfalls and other water features...fun for the entire family!

Explore More Things To Do

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Mishawaka families can explore parks, library events, camps, and community programs for children. Nearby opportunities may provide more choices for play, learning, and family engagement.

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Family & Children’s Center is one of northern Indiana’s major non-profit human services agencies. We serve thousands of children and families throughout the region through our programs and services.

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Indianapolis has many major museums, cultural sites, and educational programs for children. Families visiting the city can find excellent hands-on learning opportunities across many subjects.

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Chicago offers world-class museums, zoos, libraries, and cultural institutions that can inspire children of all ages. It is a strong option for day trips or extended family learning experiences.