Dunebrook, Inc.

08/27/2026

We are grateful to Michigan City Farmed & Forged Market for highlighting Dunebrook and the meaningful connections made through this partnership. Meeting families where they are, sharing helpful resources, and creating fun experiences for children are all part of our work to help every child and family be safe, healthy, and happy.

If you’ve visited our Michigan City market, you’ve likely seen our incredible non-profit partner, Healthy Families, Dunebrook. But their work goes far beyond a market booth; they work to protect, empower, and support children & families across LaPorte County.

Through their Healthy Families program, Dunebrook provides free home visits to parents from pregnancy through early childhood, offering guidance and resources so parents feel confident and supported. Through their Child Advocacy Center (CAC), they provide a safe, child-friendly space for kids who may have experienced abuse to share their stories and receive compassionate care alongside law enforcement and child protective services.

Beyond crisis response, Dunebrook focuses heavily on prevention. Their K-12 body-safety education gives local students the language and confidence to recognize unsafe situations, while empowering parents and teachers to form a protective network around every child. They also champion the power of unstructured, joyful play—knowing it’s fundamental to how children build confidence, problem-solving skills, and emotional health.

For Dunebrook, partnering with Farmed & Forged is all about building genuine community relationships! Being at the market allows them to meet families where they are, break down barriers, and make support approachable for anyone who needs it.

📲 How You Can Help Today:
A gift to Dunebrook directly funds school safety programs, family home visits, & essential resources for children in crisis.

💳 Donate Online: Give directly at zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-dunebrook
🤝 Volunteer: Check out their volunteer page to get involved as an individual or group.
📲 Follow & Share: Connect with Dunebrook on Facebook and Dunebrook, Inc. on LinkedIn to help spread awareness!

Every dollar helps ensure local children feel safe, supported, and heard.🤍

08/27/2026

Sometimes connection starts with just 10 minutes.

Between school, work, activities, dinner, and everything else competing for our attention, family life can get busy.

Try setting aside 10 minutes of uninterrupted time with your child today.

-Put the phone away.
-Let them choose what you do.
-Listen without trying to fix or teach.
-Give them your full attention.

It could be reading a book, taking a walk, coloring, playing a quick game, or simply talking about their day.

It doesn't have to be elaborate to be meaningful.

Small moments of connection can help build strong relationships.

08/24/2026

Did you know Dunebrook can help individuals and families navigate health coverage?

Understanding health insurance options and completing an application can sometimes feel overwhelming. Dunebrook's Covering Kids & Families program is here to help.

Our team can provide free assistance with Indiana health coverage options, help with the application process, and connect individuals and families with information and resources along the way.

It's one more way Dunebrook works to help families in our community be safe, healthy, and happy.

Want to learn more or know someone who could use help? Contact Dunebrook at 219-874-0007.

Please share this post. Someone in your circle may need to know this resource is available.

08/22/2026

MORE THAN A RACE: WHAT ARE DRAGON BOATS?

Dragon boat racing has a history that stretches back more than 2,000 years to ancient China. Today, it has grown into a worldwide sport and tradition centered around teamwork, determination and community.

A dragon boat is a long, narrow boat decorated with a dragon’s head and tail. Teams move together to the beat of a drum, working in rhythm to carry the boat across the water.

And you don’t have to travel far to experience it.

On September 12, the excitement, tradition and incredible sight of dragon boat racing will be right here in La Porte at Stone Lake during Dunebrook’s Dragon Boat Family Festival.

But for Dunebrook, it has always been about more than the race.

Dragon boat racing represents people coming together, working toward a common goal and showing what can happen when a community moves forward together.

Teams from businesses, schools, organizations and groups of friends will take to the water, but every boat is racing for the same purpose: helping Dunebrook continue strengthening families and creating a community where Every Child and Family is Safe, Healthy and Happy.

Whether you’ve seen a dragon boat race before or have no idea what to expect, come experience it for yourself.

One boat. One team. One community. Right here in La Porte.

September 12, 2026
Stone Lake, La Porte

08/19/2026

We are excited to welcome Kimberly Smith, MSW, as Dunebrook’s new Executive Director!

Kim brings more than 30 years of nonprofit experience and more than 25 years of leadership experience serving children, families, and communities throughout Northwest Indiana.

A Northwest Indiana native, Kim has dedicated much of her career to early childhood prevention, parent education, family support, and nonprofit leadership. Her experience, strong community connections, and commitment to children and families make her a wonderful fit for Dunebrook.

Please join us in welcoming Kim to Dunebrook!

We look forward to this next chapter as we continue working toward our vision of Every Child and Family: Safe, Healthy, Happy.