VOLUNTEER IN OUR COUNTY

Our organization was founded in 1996. Since then, we have been working to help our community’s young people, especially those who need us most, reach their full potential as productive, caring responsible citizens.

The CASA Program of La Porte County speaks up for children who have been abused or neglected by empowering our community to volunteer as advocates for them in the court system.

The vision of all Habitat for Humanity organizations around the world is “a world where everyone has a decent place to live.” Habitat for Humanity’s role in realizing that vision is expressed in its mission: “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.”

We are a committed organization that generates local, state, and national partnerships to address vital health needs in La Porte County. We have turned a $25,000 designation into millions of dollars to provide health related services across La Porte County for the last 16 years. We are unique in that we are the only Healthy Communities in Northwest Indiana and one of a few in the entire state. Beginning as an initiative in 1996 we have expanded to include tobacco cessation programs and have worked towards insuring kids and families. We also educate and chair the Healthy Communities Coalition of La Porte County, an interactive council composed of health care providers, social services, wellness organizations, and employers representing La Porte County.

The vast majority of people incarcerated at a Department of Correction facility will become our future neighbors. For this reason, it is in society’s best interest to provide opportunities for incarcerated persons to learn from past errors in judgement as well as learn new skills to help them be successful upon release. This is where YOU can make a difference by volunteering at one of the twenty-one correctional facilities across Indiana. Volunteers play a vital role helping soon to be released persons make the transition from incarceration to being a productive member of society. Please continue to explore the information located on the IDOC Volunteer website to see where YOU can help make a difference in an incarcerated person’s life.

PADS is an acronym for Public Action Delivering Shelter. We modeled our program after other PADS programs across the country. Interfaith Community PADS (ICPADS) is a faith-based nonprofit organization delivering 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. We strive to show God’s love through compassion, understanding and dignity.

Junior Achievement has 109 local JA Areas across the nation, and together we are the nation's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA's programs—in the core content areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy—ignite the spark in young people to experience and realize the opportunities and realities of work and life in the 21st century.

We provide animal control services for all unincorporated areas of La Porte County, and we also operate the county animal shelter. We are dedicated to citizen safety, animal rescue, and encouraging responsible pet ownership through education and reduced-cost spay/neuter vouchers. We enforce municipal ordinances and laws governing animal control and protection, and provide a safe and caring environment for stray animals in need. While our primary goal is to reunite lost pets with their owners, we are also committed to finding responsible, loving homes for as many animals as possible.

The La Porte County Historical Society was organized January 30, 1906. The realization of a need for this organization came about with an awakening of interest in La Porte County history following the publication of the monumental work by Rev. E. D. Daniels’ published history of the county. The Supt. of Schools expressed the value of such a society and the work it would do to gather and preserve materials about the county’s history.

The mission of the La Porte County Park and Recreation Board and Department is to preserve, protect, and manage natural, cultural, and recreational resources within a diverse and balanced park system. We will provide educational opportunities through facilities and programs for all citizens of La Porte County to further their awareness and enjoyment of those resources.

La Porte County Public Library is the center of community life with a focus on reading, lifelong learning and public involvement. The Library exceeds our community’s needs and expectations through innovative services and partnerships. We are known for exceptional customer service. Our locations, both physical and virtual, are centers of excellence, serving as gathering places, and providing high quality materials. We recognize the diversity of our community, and create an accessible, friendly environment for all. We support initiatives and efforts that positively impact the quality of life for all people in La Porte County.

We deliver practical, research-based information that enhances lives and livelihoods. We will be a leader in providing relevant, high-impact educational programs that transform the lives and livelihoods of individuals and communities in Indiana and the world.

In collaboration with numerous partners, affiliates and citizens, the La Porte County Soil & Water Conservation District has developed and assists in the implementation of several state-approved watershed management plans within La Porte County, including those for the Trail Creek Watershed and the Galena River Watershed. In 2013 work began on developing a comprehensive state-approved management plan for the Kankakee River Watershed, addressing the southern portion of the County.

The history of the La Porte Little Theatre Club, started in 1925, its a 200-seat community theatre that aims to provide quality theatrical experiences to northwest Indiana audiences and actors. In 1954, Thelma Wilson, a charter member of the club, bequeathed a large sum to the theatre allowing the club to purchase the former church building at the corner of third and "A" st., which to this day is our home. This theatre survives by continued support from our wonderful patrons and dedicated volunteers!

Salvation Army Programs are led by Salvation Army Officers. These officers are responsible to lead by assessing needs, delivering programs and directing ministries for our local community. From serving food to balancing the books, they function as the Executive Directors and the Pastors for the La Porte Salvation Army.

La Porte County Meals on Wheels is busy providing meals to support home-bound senior citizens and people with disabilities allowing them to continue living independently in their own homes, with dignity and self-respect. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday. Special diets are available as ordered by the recipient's physician. Keeping seniors in their homes, where they want to be, through one of the most successful social solutions in America. At the core of Meals on Wheels La Porte County is a nutritious hot meal, companionship and a watchful eye on the health and safety of our seniors.

Northwest Health - La Porte volunteers are one of our most valued resources. Volunteers work across the organization and give their time, talents and skill to our hospital, patients and families.

Serve as determined advocates for children, persons with disabilities, seniors and their families to provide supports and opportunities to learn, grow and enjoy a meaningful life.

Dunebrook’s mission is to advocate for children and to provide positive family support and education. Since founding in 1989, we have helped thousands of children, parents and families strengthen their relationships with one another. We offer a variety of programs for families including Nurturing Families, Healthy Families and Maternal Infant Early Childhood. We are also a child advocacy center providing a child-focused, child-friendly community partnership dedicated to pursuing the truth in child abuse investigations and victim advocacy.

In this digital information age, literacy is no longer optional for those seeking career or personal success. La Porte County residents with limited literacy skills face substantial hurdles. However, we’re here to help! READ La Porte County, Inc. is a United Way agency with a mission to increase the reading, math, English and digital literacy skills in the community through tutoring and through advocacy.

Join us to help your neighbors beat unbearable challenges—financial peril, homelessness, drug addiction, disability, hunger and more. Our Mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of Northwest Indiana to advance the common good.