Little Green Thumbs ABA

10/21/2025

We love to work on fine motor skills using everyday objects in play. Here are some additional ideas: https://www.theottoolbox.com/tripod-grasp-fine-motor-skills-everyday-items/

10/15/2025

The Porter County Health Department is now offering Autism Elopement Kits to families with children on the spectrum who have a history of elopement.
The kits are free of charge and include an Autism elopement prevention tips fact sheet; exterior door locks and window alarms; tile tracking device and wearable tile band; social stories and visual aids and emergency response cards.
Applications are available via the QR code on their attached flyer or on the department's website at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/dd057390aa68485b97008058b1c58f2c?portalUrl=https://PorterCoGov.maps.arcgis.com

Fore more information, contact Carrie Honeycutt, care coordinator, County Health Department at 219-465-3525 or via email at Carrie.Honeycutt@portercountyin.gov

10/15/2025

08/29/2025

Window clings, for families with children on the autism spectrum, are now available at all police stations in Porter County.
The program was initiated by Portage Township Trustee Brendan Clancy to raise awareness of autism and assist families and first responders.
Each family may receive up to three clings free - one for each vehicle and one for their homes. They are to be placed on a window or door which would be readily seen by a first responder in case of an incident to which first responders would respond.
The clings alert the first responders that a child on the spectrum lives in the home or may be in the vehicle.
Clings are available at:
County Sheriff's Office
Portage Police Department (Indiana)
Harbor Police Department
Town of Porter Police Department
Chesterton Police Department
Hebron Police Department
Kouts Police Department
Police Department

08/21/2025

07/15/2025

We've shared this resource before, but it's worth highlighting again. It's an excellent safety guide for children swimming in both lakes and pools. One key takeaway is how the color of a swimsuit can significantly impact visibility in the water—some colors make it much easier to spot a child, while others can blend in and become harder to see.

This serves as an important reminder: no matter where kids are swimming, active adult supervision is always essential.

07/14/2025

We’re proud to sponsor Touch of Dutch again this year! Only 8 of us could be there in person for the photo, but the rest of our team joined in spirit (and on Google Meet 😄). Grateful to be part of such a fun and community-centered event! Stop by our booth on August 9 for bubbles, free sensory toys, and to say hello!

🌱 A BIG thank you to our BRONZE sponsor — Little Green Thumbs ABA! 🌱

They’re growing more than just gardens — they’re growing confidence, skills, and smiles for kids across the region! 💚 Through their unique Pediatric ABA therapy and Social Skills Groups, Little Green Thumbs helps children bloom — all while getting their hands dirty in the garden! 🪴👧👦

We’re so grateful to have their continued support at the Touch of Dutch Festival this year. From the tiniest sprouts to our tallest sunflowers, thank you, Jennifer and staff for helping our community grow! 🌻💚

07/03/2025

🎉✨ New This Year: Parade Quiet Zone! ✨🎉

We’re excited to make the Touch of Dutch Parade more inclusive for everyone! At the end of the parade route, we will have a designated Quiet Zone — a space with no loud music, sirens, horns, or flashing lights. This area will start at the Railroad tracks and go until the end of the parade (around Fieldhouse Ford). Thanks to the Jasper County Public Library and the Stars and Stripes Division Sea Cadets we will have people along this area to help keep things quieter.

This area is ideal for:
✅ Individuals with sensory sensitivities
✅ Families with young children
✅ Anyone who simply prefers a calmer environment

Help us spread the word and let’s make this year’s parade fun and comfortable for ALL members of our community! 💙

The Touch of Dutch Parade will take place on Saturday, August 9th in DeMotte, IN. The route will start from Ace Hardware and go south to about Fieldhouse Ford. Belstra is in charge of the parade activities this year. We have the best volunteers!! 🩵

If you want to be part of the parade, registration is still open at www.demottechamber.org/touch-of-dutch/parade

06/16/2025

☀️ Free Parenting Support Groups This Summer

Parenting can be rewarding—and exhausting. You don’t have to do it alone.

This summer, join our free weekly support groups for parents and caregivers of all kinds. Whether you’re parenting solo, co-parenting, part of a blended family, fostering, or just figuring it out day by day—this space is for you.

Here’s what to expect:

✅ Judgment-free conversations

✅ Real-life tips and shared experiences

✅ Support from people who understand

Join us!

🗓 Weekly sessions Tuesdays, 7-8pm at Family House

💬 Free and open to all parents and caregivers