Lakeshore’s “Building Blocks” initiative is a comprehensive multimedia project dedicated to exploring the science of early childhood development and addressing the challenges faced by families in Northwest Indiana. Through television, radio, digital platforms, and community events, the initiative aims to elevate the importance of high-quality early learning and provide essential resources to families with young children.
The third episode of Building Blocks is set to premiere on April 30th, 2025 at 8 PM!
Donate to The Building Blocks Matching Fund
Lakeshore received a $100,000 matching grant from Legacy Foundation to support our Building Blocks initiative! All donations to this fund will be eligible for a $1-for-$1 match, and 25% of the funds will be invested in an endowment at Legacy Foundation to provide ongoing support for the Building Blocks program and Lakeshore's educational initiatives for many years to come. Donate Now!
Watch Building Blocks: The TV Show
Building Blocks | EP3 "Talking is Teaching"
explores common yet powerful ways to build the foundation of early childhood development. Consistent and positive interactions are key to strengthening bonds, building brain connections, and supporting social and emotional skills. Being mindful of everyday interactions can help parents make the most of being their child’s first teachers.
Watch & Listen Building Blocks: The Podcast
This podcast will take a deep dive into the early stages of childhood development and beyond. Host Dr. Mary Jane Eisenhauer of First Things First Porter County will converse with local experts, parents, and practitioners about the building blocks for brain and language development. Tune in to learn more about how Northwest Indiana is serving families and young children!
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In this heartfelt episode, host Dr. Mary Jane Eisenhauer talks with Mark Latta, founder of City Rising, about fatherhood, early childhood development, and the impact of community-led public health. Mark reflects on becoming a dad to his daughter and how those early parenting experiences led him to focus on maternal and infant health—especially in underserved areas. The episode explores how systemic and political forces—like zip codes and housing instability—affect families and why lasting change must come from within the community. Together, they imagine a world where every child is supported and every parent has what they need to thrive. -
In this episode of Building Blocks: The Podcast, Dr. Mary Jane Eisenhauer sits down with Payton Summers from Help Me Grow Porter County to explore the vital role of resource referral services in supporting families with young children.Summers shares insights on navigating the complex web of community resources, the importance of early childhood screenings, and how a simple phone call can make a world of difference for parents in need.
The Building Blocks initiative would not be possible without the expertise and guidance of co-producer Mary Jane Eisenhauer of First Things First Porter County, the support of the Legacy Foundation, Purdue University Northwest, Porter County Community Foundation, and Lakeshore Board Member, Susan Eleuterio and her husband, Tom Sourlis.
