Hilltop Neighborhood House celebrated their 20th Anniversary of working with Valparaiso Community by hosting their sold out 20/20 Vision Event. Five outstanding community leaders were recognized for their service and contributions to the field of early childhood education and support services throughout Porter County Community.
Winners posed with Hilltop Alumni Isabella Redmond, Wyatt Probst & Lincoln Probst.
Mayor John Costas of Valparaiso presented by Robert Ordway, Hilltop Board Member
Dr. Ric Frataccia, Superintendent of Valparaiso Community Schools presented by Stacey Schmidt, Hilltop Board Chair
Kaye Frataccia, Program Manager of Empower Porter County presented by Amy Osburn, Hilltop Director
Dr. Stacey Schmidt, Superintendent of Porter Township Schools presented by Pat Swanson, Hilltop Volunteer
Sharon Kish, President of United Way presented by Jennifer Wright, Hilltop CEO
Immanuel Lutheran Church, United Way of Porter Count, Porter County Community Foundation, Valparaiso University, and Hilltop staff, past and present Hilltop Board members were also recognized for their years of service.
The mission of Hilltop Neighborhood House is to empower families to succeed through: 1)Education, by focusing on affordable access to the highest quality early childhood development and education enrichment programs; 2) Supportive Services and Referrals, by providing or connecting families to services that enhance stability and that address priority or critical needs; and 3) Advocacy and Collaboration, thru nurturing relationships and initiatives with other community organizations to extend or expand programs on behalf of families.
Hilltop programs and services currently include: 1) Early Childhood Education and Childcare Program (ages 0-5 years), targeting low income families who are working or going to school. 2) A free “After School and Summer Program”, for school aged children that includes, tutoring, free meals and recreation (ages 5-18). 3) A full service Food Pantry Program, which serves over 600 individuals each month who are food insecure and living in Valparaiso’s city limits. 4) And an Adult Education Program, GED, Computer, CPR/First Aid, Childcare Professional Trainings, etc.
Hilltop is proud to have been active in the Porter County Community for the past 20 years and is looking forward to 20 more. For more information about Hilltop or if you know of a family in need of support call 219-477-4222.