July Communicator 2026
Summer Adventures Start Here
There's still time to make the most of summer with special savings on hotels, flights, cruises, and more.
Summer Celebrations
Planning a summer gathering? Save on everything you need to host the perfect event, from catering and food delivery to home décor and entertaining essentials.
International Self-Care Day
Celebrate International Self-Care Day with special discounts on wellness and everyday self-care essentials.
Free Code to Dunes Arts Theatre this summer!
Use code EDUCATION26 to claim tickets to any mainstage show at www.dunesARTS.org.
Our mainstage shows are for ages 16+ but we also have a scholarship for free tuition to our Youth Program for students ages 8-18.
FREE Teacher Days at the Indiana Dinosaur Museum!
Indiana and Michigan state licensed teachers can get FREE admission to the Indiana Dinosaur Museum and South Bend Chocolate Company during one these selected Teacher Days!
- Tuesday, July 7th
- Thursday, July 30th
- Saturday, August 8th
Preschool–12th grade educators can receive one free adult admission ticket by showing a valid school teacher/staff ID at the kiosk. No registration required.
Spend your school break exploring museum exhibits and planning future field trips for your students.
Family and friends are welcome to join you! Additional tickets may be purchased online or at the Box Office.
We can’t wait to see you at the museum! For any questions, call 574-233-2577.
Are Video Games Harmful or Helpful? Are Processed Foods All Bad?
Wednesday, July 15th, 2026 • 11:30AM CST / 12:30PM EST
Registration Required: https://franciscanhealth-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6RtXzyrIQXSNO2tktmjAyg
This webinar examines the debate over whether video games are helpful or harmful. It highlights common concerns such as excessive screen time and potential behavioral effects, while also exploring research-supported benefits like problem-solving skills, social connection, and stress relief. The session emphasizes that the impact of video games depends on factors such as content, time spent playing, and individual differences, encouraging a balanced and informed approach rather than viewing gaming as entirely positive or negative.
What are processed foods. The difference between processed and ultra-processed, and why it matters.
Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, churches (for non-religious purposes), schools,
educators, and local governmental entities such as townships or fire districts. Full details and
application information are available at uflc.net.
About Unity Foundation
Since 1992, Unity Foundation of La Porte County has served donors, nonprofits, and local communities. As La Porte County’s community foundation, it manages nearly $60 million in assets, administers more than 400 charitable funds, and has distributed nearly $29 million through direct grants and scholarships. Unity Foundation’s mission is to strengthen La Porte County now and forever by building permanent endowments; providing leadership; offering philanthropic vehicles for everyone; and being a catalyst for social and economic vitality. For more information, please visit uflc.net or call 219-879- 0327.
Renewal Grants for Indiana K-12 Educators
The Lilly Endowment is accepting applications for its Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program. This program supports educators throughout Indiana by providing resources that allow them to take time for meaningful renewal. The Endowment believes that through new experiences, exploration, and reflection, educators can generate renewed energy in their careers, innovative approaches to teaching and educational leadership, and thoughtful ways to encourage students’ creative thinking. The Endowment expects to award approximately 150 grants, each totaling up to $15,000, in 2027. The application deadline is 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, September 8. Four information sessions will be held in 2026 on April 14, May 7, August 6, and August 11.
To learn more or register for one of these sessions, visit the Lilly Endowment website. Contact Lilly Endowment staff at teachercreativity@lei.org with any questions.
Volunteer Tutors Needed!
They're hoping to find a few dedicated people to spend a couple hours after school helping local students with their studies. While tutoring may be needed for all ages, the greatest need right now is for elementary-age students.
Tutoring will take place in their fully equipped office, located at 228 W. 4th Street. This facility is set up with all necessary resources, including computers and printers, to ensure a productive and effective learning experience.
If you are interested, or if you know of anyone in your network who might be able to help, please reach out directly to Executive Director, Jackie Dermody, with any questions or to express your interest: 219-363-3509 (Cell) or jdermody@lpcasa.com.
Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County
Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County is hiring several additional program leaders for the school year. Rates start at $15/$16 per hour. These staff members work directly with youth, facilitating programs and activities. Positions are available at our Clubs at Pine and Springfield elementary schools, as well as our Westcott Club at the Elston building. Club hours run from the time school ends to 6:00 PM daily.
Visit https://www.bgclpc.org/join-our-team/ for details and to print an application. Questions? Please contact Sally Riffer, Chief Operations Officer at sriffer@bgclubmc.org or (219) 873-2298. Thank you for all you do to help us build Great Futures!
