Family & Youth Services Bureau

05/15/2025

Top Sponsor Shout-Out for Chalk the Walk Porter County:
Jack & Carol Ronneau partnering with Hendren Custom Homes

They've been incredibly supportive of our FYSB programming and events over the years, and for that we are grateful. Their generosity has been such a gift and helps us meet needs right here in our local community.

Ronneau family, THANK YOU. You have a heart for kids and it shows! ♥

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For more details about Chalk the Walk, visit fysb.org/chalk-the-walk/

05/14/2025

We're grateful for Edward Jones - Financial Advisor Darby Straw, who not only is one of our generous sponsors for this year's Chalk the Walk Porter County but also serves as one of our FYSB board members. Thanks for all you do, Darby! We're so glad to have you with us again this summer. You have a heart for kids and it shows! 🫶

05/13/2025

Each summer, these four sponsors go the extra mile to ensure Chalk the Walk Porter County is a success. We are grateful for each of them! 🥰

BoyConn Printers helps us year-round, but they always step up and help with our printed signage for Chalk the Walk. They're amazing and we love working with them!

Porter County Public Library System hosts a table each year and is a valuable addition to the whole Chalk the Walk experience. Do you know about all the cool programs they offer? They do so much more than books! Stop by and check them out.

Valpo Velvet Ice Cream generously provides us with their delicious ice cream to help cool everyone down!

Memorial Opera House hosts a table AND also does a fun craft with the kids -- this year they're doing a penguin craft to help get the word out about the Penguin Project, a theatrical opportunity for "differently abled individuals." In July, the Penguin Project will be presenting The Music Man, Jr! More details here: https://www.memorialoperahouse.com/162/Penguin-Programming

What a beautiful, special community we have! THANK YOU for serving Porter County in such a meaningful way.

05/12/2025

🤩 We still have room for a couple more volunteer artists! Sign up today and we'll match you with one of our sponsors so you can create some amazing sidewalk art at Chalk the Walk Porter County on June 14th!

ARTISTS! Registrations are LIVE to volunteer as an artist for Chalk the Walk at fysb.org/chalk-the-walk/

Join us on Saturday, June 14th from 8-1. We already have sponsors asking to be matched with an artist! What a fun way to support a great cause 🎨

Tag an artist friend to join you!

05/08/2025

Join us in saying THANK YOU to Buchertech for being one of our premier Chalk the Walk Porter County sponsors again this year. They've been generous supporters for 10+ years, and we're so grateful!

We've attached a few photos of their sidewalk art from previous events -- aren't they great?! Carli Murkve will be their volunteer artist once again and we can't wait to see what she comes up with.

If you'd like to be a sponsor (or an artist!) sign up at this link:
fysb.org/chalk-the-walk/

Chalk the Walk is the annual fundraiser for Family & Youth Services Bureau, which serves NWI with programs such as CASA, Healthy Families, The Tot Shop, Clinical Services/Counseling, and more.

04/30/2025

Shout out to these Century 21 Circle - Valparaiso agents for becoming Chalk the Walk sponsors this year:

Justin Higer - Century 21 Circle
Karissa Hook, NWI Realtor
Miranda Ballesteros RE

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of Porter County kids and families 🥰 We're thrilled to have you on board!

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Stay tuned for more Sponsor Shoutouts. Want to be a sponsor and secure your sidewalk square? Register at https://www.fysb.org/chalk-the-walk

04/29/2025

Have you met Lauren? She's worked with FYSB in many capacities since 2018, including as a Behavioral Specialist, Project ATTEND Case Manager, and most recently as our Clinical Services Counselor.

She completed her Master of Social Work in 2021, obtained her LSW shortly afterwards, and then her LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) license in 2024.

She recently became engaged to her best friend, Alec, and in her spare time she loves playing the piano or ukulele and singing. She's been playing the piano since she was six years old! She enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, swimming, and playing video games. She also loves spending time with her cats, Kiwi and Mocha.

We're so grateful for all Lauren does for FYSB and our local youth... Thank you, Lauren!

04/24/2025

We love our Tot Shop! 😍 It's like a small boutique located just off our main lobby, and it serves families with children from newborn to age 5 (by appointment only). To learn more about how the program works, visit https://www.fysb.org/the-tot-shop.

04/23/2025

Shout out to Paul & Connie Knauff for being one of our amazing Chalk the Walk Porter County sponsors! We're grateful for them and their generous support of Chalk the Walk over the years. Paul also serves as one of our board members and has a rich history serving our local community as an educator and administrator. The Knauffs have a heart for kids and it shows!🥰

Thank you for all you do, Paul & Connie!

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Stay tuned for more Sponsor Shoutouts. Want to be a sponsor and secure your sidewalk square? Register at https://www.fysb.org/chalk-the-walk

04/22/2025

Have you met Kathy yet? If you've been to our Valpo office, then you've probably been greeted with her friendly smile!

Kathy has worked as our Front Desk Receptionist since 2006, beginning as part-time staff but making the switch to full-time in 2008.

Outside of work, she spends a lot of time with her grandchildren and enjoys attending their events in dance, track, orchestra, and band. She and her husband Tom also enjoy hiking and biking in state parks.

Kathy has been a committed member of our team for many years, and we're so thankful for all she does to keep our front office running smoothly... Thank you, Kathy!

04/21/2025

It’s National Home Visitors Week!
Join us in celebrating our incredible team members who serve in our Healthy Families program! They go above and beyond every day to support parents and children in our community, through personal home visits and more. Together, they made over 1,000 home visits last year. We’re so grateful for their dedication and heart—our community is stronger because of them! 🏡