United For La Porte County

Your Local United Way Since 1957

Since 1957, United Way of La Porte County has mobilized the caring power of our local community to bring supports and services to La Porte County that help everyone thrive.

The local dollars we raise here, stay here. And we leverage the power of the worldwide United Way network to bring more and new resources to La Porte County every day.

We collaboratively work with local partners to improve the health and well-being of everyone in La Porte County, to help young people realize their full potential, to build pathways to financial stability and strength, and to address urgent needs today for a better tomorrow. No other organization in La Porte County can fundraise for, activate, and mobilize the resources our community needs for quick action and lasting impact like United Way can. Because we are better together. And we stand United for La Porte County.

We are your local united way

TO SUPPORT LOCAL IMPACT

our mission

We serve as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation in La Porte County to achieve equity, financial stability, educational advancement, and personal well-being for our youth, families, and neighbors.

our VIsion for La Porte County

We envision La Porte County to be a place where all people benefit from equitable access to the supports and opportunities they need to achieve their full potential.

Our LOCAL Impact

United Way of La Porte County mobilizes the caring power of our community into action so all can thrive. We help neighbors strengthen their resilience by advancing health, youth opportunities and financial security.

Improving access to nutritious food and quality education helps people overcome barriers to good health. 

We help children get off to a good start and empower youth to reach their full potential. 

We help hardworking families make ends meet and connect them with opportunities to achieve a more secure financial future. 

Resilient communities are ready for any challenge — we work with our neighbors to help all residents prosper.

Uniting for Action

Our La Porte County Funded Partners

Catholic Charities of LaPorte County
Catholic Charities provides and advocates for the physical, emotional, and social needs of the poor and vulnerable in Northwest Indiana, meeting them right where they are with the help they need, and creating hope for a brighter future regardless of their religious or ethnic background.

Citizens Concerned for the Homeless
The mission of CCH is to provide emergency shelter, related rehabilitation and growth services, and opportunities to build a skill set to maintain sustainable self-sufficiency for homeless and disenfranchised individuals within LaPorte County. Citizens Concerned for the Homeless, Inc. operates Sand Castle Shelter for Homeless Families, Grace Learning Center, the Keys to Hope Community Resource Center and CCH’s Food Rescue Initiative.

Dunebrook
Dunebrook advocates for and empowers children and families through education, collaboration, and positive support.

Family Advocates – CAYA
The Community Youth Advocate (CYA) Program provides youth in  La Porte County volunteer-based mentoring and advocacy that fosters positive academic and personal growth.

“The collaboration between United Way and Family Advocates is a powerful example of the power of community partnerships.  United Way provides a wide variety of opportunities through education, resource connection, developing leadership skills and team building and organization growth. The United Way partnership demonstrates how teamwork is the most effective tool in our shared goal of serving the community.”
— Family Advocates
“The United Way has been instrumental in helping the La Porte County Family YMCA provide enriching youth programs that support our mission of nurturing young minds and fostering a
sense of community. Through their generous funding and partnership, we’ve been able to offer impactful programs at low to no cost that build confidence, teach valuable life skills, and encourage healthy lifestyles among our youth.  We’re grateful for United Way’s commitment to helping us shape the future of La Porte County’s youth”
— La Porte County Family YMCA

Imagination Station Child Development
The mission of Imagination Station Child Development is to foster a nurturing environment where children can explore, learn, and grow through imaginative play, promoting their holistic development as confident, creative, and curious lifelong learners; aiming to provide high-quality early childhood experiences that inspire a love of learning in every child.

LaPorte County Family YMCA
The LaPorte County Family YMCA mission is to create a healthy spirit, body, and mind for everyone through community programs & resources. LaPorte County Family YMCA operates branches in La Porte, Michigan City, and Long Beach.

“United Way of LaPorte exemplifies a community-focused organization, not only by fundraising but by actively collaborating with local agencies to address and meet the unique needs of the community. This partnership-driven approach ensures that the resources they gather directly impact and improve the lives of community members. Their commitment goes beyond financial support, extending to a shared responsibility and active involvement in making a positive difference.”
— Open Door Adolescent Health Center

North Central Community Action Agencies (NCCAA)
North Central Community Action Agencies (NCCAA) strives to enable economically disadvantaged people to become self-sufficient and less dependent on public assistance.

Open Door Adolescent Health Center
|The goals of the Open Door Adolescent Health Center are to reduce student absenteeism, minimize the interruption of education for health reasons and to improve students' access to comprehensive health/mental health services and education.

Meals on Wheels LaPorte County
Meals on Wheels LaPorte County seeks to be a collaborative leader by expanding services to our clients, allowing them to continue living independently, with dignity and self-respect.

Nest Community Shelter
Nest Community Shelter delivers temporary emergency shelter for the homeless men and women (including women with children) in our community, providing not just shelter but food and other resources.

Safe Harbor
Safe Harbor is an out-of-school time program which inspires excellence in leadership and academic skills of students through collaboration with families, school officials and community partners. Safe Harbor provides an educational environment that is inclusive, engaging, holistic, and culturally responsive for all Michigan City students.

Salvation Army of La Porte
The Salvation Army, La Porte Corps serves thousands of clients each year by offering vital services, at no charge, in a way which extends dignity and respect, to some of the most disadvantaged people in La Porte and the surrounding areas.

Salvation Army of Michigan City
The Salvation Army, Michigan City Corps serves thousands of clients each year by offering vital services, at no charge, in a way which extends dignity and respect, to some of the most disadvantaged people in Michigan City and the surrounding areas.

Stepping Stone Shelter for Women
The mission of Stepping Stone Shelter is to provide shelter, support, and advocacy services for individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

“Stepping Stone Shelter is proud to partner with United Way of La Porte County.  This invaluable partnership combines resources, expands outreach and strengthens our programs and support network for survivors.  Together we create a safer community, empower individuals to rebuild their lives and foster hope and resilience for children and adults in the face of difficult circumstances.”
— Stepping Stone Shelter

Youth Service Bureau of LaPorte County
The mission of Youth Service Bureau of LaPorte County is to empower today’s youth to be tomorrow’s caring and responsible adults. Youth Service Bureau of LaPorte County operates Teen Court, School Buddies, and Kids on the Block.

TO SUPPORT LOCAL IMPACT

For immediate help and access to essential community resources, dial 2-1-1 or 866-211-9966 or visit in211.communityos.org to connect to local resources in La Porte County.

2-1-1 is a free and confidential service that connects you to a community resource specialist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

leadership

Kris Pate
President and CEO

Dave Sisk
Director of Corporate Engagement

Jennifer Hilberg
Administrative Assistant

Crystal Williams-French NJIPSCO
Gina Alber Ivy Tech
Don Fehrs Retired Principal Risk Management and Research
Kimberly Williams Michigan City Area Schools
Cris Clagg Harbour Trust
Todd Connor Veterans for All Voters
Yolanda Davis Centier Bank
Bill Gertner Horizon Bank
Kevin Gould Horizon Bank
Matt Hannon GAF
Katie Jasnieski Swanson Center
Dr. Wendel McCollum Michigan City Area Schools
Melissa Mitchell  HealthLinc
Erik Nelson LEAP
Chris Pellerin Blue Chip Casino
Kelly Woloszyn 1st Source Bank
Dr. Sandra Wood La Porte Community School Corporation

EX OFFICIO MEMBERS
Angela Nelson Deuitch, Mayor of Michigan City, IN
Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins  Retired Michigan City Area Schools Superintendent

UNITED WAY Board of Directors

Signature Events

Gathering in celebration of our collective impact and shared love for our community is just one of the ways we Live United in La Porte County. Hosting several signature events throughout the year, United Way of La Porte county celebrates our community and raise funds for our impact programs with fun and exciting experience that bring us together. Because, when we celebrate, UNITED IS THE WAY.

Reports & Releases