Jena-Rae Maldonado for Portage Township Board

09/06/2026

Sometimes the biggest accomplishments aren't the ones that make headlines.
Recently, speed feedback signs were installed in an area where residents had safety concerns. While no project is ever the work of one person alone, I'm grateful to have been able to help advocate for this improvement and work alongside others to see it become a reality.
Local government is often about small, practical changes that make a difference in people's everyday lives. Seeing these signs in place is a reminder that when residents speak up and leaders listen, good things can happen.
Thank you to the residents who shared their concerns and to everyone who helped make this happen. Together, we're building a safer community for our families and future generations. ❤️🇺🇸

09/06/2026

Vote for the Dream Team for the Portage Township Board: Steve Bensing, Jena-Rae Maldonado for Portage Township Board, and Elect Keri McCoole for Portage Township Board

08/06/2026

My goal isn't just to win an election. It's to help build a community where every resident feels seen, heard, and valued.

08/06/2026

Are you facing food insecurity and need help feeding yourself or your family?
The Portage Township Food Pantry helps hundreds of families and individuals to put essential food on their tables.
The next Portage Township Food Pantry distribution will be held from 10 a.m. to Noon, Thursday, June 4 at the pantry, 3590 Willowcreek Road (adjacent to the North Porter County Government Center south of U.S. 6).
In addition to food, the pantry will also be distributing baby diapers, baby wipes and sanitary napkins. This is made possible through a partnership with the Portage Township Trustee office and the Porter County Health Department.
Those in need of assistance must contact the Portage Township Trustee’s office at 219-762-1623 to apply for a referral to the food pantry. There are documents required to verify residency and income.

08/06/2026

The Blue Envelope Program - a tool to aid communications between drivers on the Autism Spectrum and law enforcement - continues to grow in Porter County.
The program initiated by Portage Township Trustee Brendan Clancy's Portage Township Autism Action Coalition, launched Porter County wide in April 2025. Since then, 148 information packets have been distributed to Porter County residents.
The program includes a window sticker, contact card and blue envelope. Placed on the back window of a vehicle, the sticker alerts police during a traffic stop that the driver is on the spectrum. The envelope gives tips to both the driver and officer on how to interact with each other and is also a convenient place to hold a copy of your driver's license, registration, proof of insurance the contact card. The contact card provides information about the driver and a name and telephone number of someone police could contact if necessary.
The program packets are available at the Portage Township Trustee's office on Willowcreek Road; both the Valpariaso and Portage branches of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles; Porter County Sheriff's Office; Portage Police Department (Indiana); ; Police Department; Town of Porter Police Department ; Police Department ; Kouts Police Department and Burns Harbor Police Department
Also, the program has been adopted by the St. John, Dyer and Schererville police departments in Lake County; the City of Bloomington Police Department and the Marion County (Indianapolis) Prosecutor's Office.
Thank you to everyone who has helped promote this important and growing program.

05/06/2026

Join me as we celebrate America's 250th Birthday and make this parade one to remember! ❤️🤍💙
Grab your patriotic spirit, your comfy shoes, and come walk with Team Jena-Rae!
Send me a message if you'd like to join us in the parade and support Jena-Rae Maldonado for Portage Township Board.

02/06/2026

02/06/2026

❤️ What Makes Portage So Special? ❤️

In a world that often focuses on what divides us, I want to take a moment to celebrate what makes our community unique.

Portage is one of the most diverse communities in Porter County. According to recent Census data, our city is approximately 65% White, 21% Hispanic or Latino, 10% Black, and 11% identifying as two or more races.
❤️🤍💙
But Portage is more than percentages.
Portage is the family that moved here looking for a better future. It's the small business owner chasing a dream. It's the teacher investing in the next generation. It's the veteran, the factory worker, the first responder, the retiree, the pastor, the recovery advocate, and the volunteer who gives their time to make our community better.
We come from different backgrounds. We have different stories. We don't always agree.
And that's okay.
Because what makes Portage beautiful isn't that we're all the same❤️🤍💙 it's that people from different walks of life continue to come together, work together, and care about the place we call home.
Our diversity brings strength, perspective, culture, resilience, and opportunity. It reminds us that a strong community isn't built by everyone thinking alike. It's built by neighbors who respect one another, support one another, and share a vision for a brighter future.
I am proud to be a biracial woman raising my family, serving my community, and building relationships in a city that reflects so many different experiences and cultures.
Portage isn't perfect, but it is special.
And I believe our greatest days are ahead of us when we continue to focus on what unites us rather than what divides us.
I am proud to call Portage Township home. ❤️

01/06/2026

💜✨ Shelter Supplies Needed! ✨💜

Our shelter is currently running low on several essential items that help us provide a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for the families we serve. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference in the lives of local families experiencing housing instability.

We are currently in need of:

🧻 Paper Towels
🧻 Toilet Paper
🗑️ Garbage Bags
🧽 Cleaning Supplies (Floor Cleaner & Clorox Wipes)
🧺 Laundry Detergent
🧼 Hand Soap
🍼 Baby Wipes
👶 Pull-Ups

📍 Donation Drop-Off Location: Gabriel's Horn Shelter
🕒 Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

📞 Please call ahead before dropping off donations so our staff can be prepared for your arrival.

Your generosity helps us continue providing support, stability, and hope to families in our community. Thank you for helping us make a difference, one donation at a time. ⭐🏡💜