Resources

Social Services Staff

VCS Social Services Staff Contact Information

Food Resources

Valparaiso Community Schools Nutrition Services
Valparaiso Community Schools Backpack and Snacks Sign Up
SNAP Website
Summer Sun Bucks
Local Food Banks
Division of Family Resources Pandemic EBT Information: www.in.gov/fssa/dfr

Technology Help Desk

Academic Support

Community Resources

Best Practices in Safe Possession & Storage of Firearms (IDOE | Indiana State Police)
- Pursuant to Indiana House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1177, the Indiana Department of Education and the Indiana State Police developed the above resource, “Best Practices in Safe Possession & Storage of Firearms” for all Indiana schools to annually disseminate to their families.
To access local services dial 211 or go to 211.org.
Find Help in Porter County
CoAction: 1-800-826-7871

Crisis Support Services

Telephone/Call

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 9-8-8

National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888

Teen Dating Violence/Domestic Violence: 1-800-799-7233

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

Text

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 9-8-8

Suicide Prevention: Text “Start” to 678678

Crisis Text Line: Text “IN” to 741741

National Human Trafficking Hotline: 233733

National Domestic Violence Hotline: Text “Start” to 88788

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: Text “Loveis” to 22522

Sexual Assault: “Home” to 741741

Say Something Anonymous Reporting System

SSARS may be used to report concerning behaviors such as threats, harassment, or other safety issues. Students can submit anonymous tips through the Say Something Anonymous Reporting app (Say Something SHP), the website (saysomething.net), or by calling 1-844-572-9669. Students also have the option to share screenshots of concerning social media posts.

Local Resources

Porter- Starke Services- Crisis Line 219-476-4523
Valpo PD non-emergency number 219-462-2135
911 for emergencies

Resource & Support Message Archive

December 30, 2020

Good afternoon Valparaiso Schools Community,

One week from today we will engage in our extension of eLearning Wednesdays. We understand that for many of you, this will require the addition or extension of child care services for your family. If that is the case, we want to support you in meeting that need.

Our community partners, Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA, will continue their child care services during the second semester eLearning Wednesdays. All families are welcome to utilize these flexible child care programs that allow students to attend for a full or partial day with health protocols in place. Both of these agencies support students in completing their weekly eLearning assignments on-site, and parents at home with their children on Wednesdays may also consider this option. Free transportation, breakfast, and lunch are provided. For more information or to register your student for child care with these partners, please access the links below.

Valparaiso YMCA Flyer

Valparaiso Boys & Girls Club Flyer

Fee assistance associated with child care for Wednesday eLearning is available to families. There are no prerequisites to requesting fee assistance, and financial support may be applicable to child care facilities beyond Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA. Also, families with unique child care circumstances specific to the needs of their child should reach out to VCS for support in developing an individualized plan. Click here to contact VCS about child care fee assistance and additional support and resources.

Click here to access the additional support and resources page on the VCS website.

We welcome the opportunity to further serve you as we embark on our second semester of the school year. Thank you for your continued partnership.

April 9, 2020

Updated April 9, 2020

Dear Valparaiso Community Schools Families,

As we find ourselves in a time that is confusing and challenging for all of us, please know that the Valparaiso Community Schools social services team is here to support you. Now, as much as ever, it is critical that each of us attend to the social, emotional, and physical well being of the children in our care. As we collaborate in that endeavor, we would like to offer the following resources to you.

Parent Resources for Talking to Children about COVID-19

Talking to Children About COVID-19: A Parent Resource - National Association of School Psychologists and National Association of School Nurses
Talking with Children about Coronavirus 2019: Messages for Parents, School Staff, and Others Working with Children - Center for Disease Control
HealthyChildren.org - American Academy of Pediatrics

Community Resources

To access local services dial 211 or go to 211.org.

Current Food Resources

Valparaiso Community Schools Free Breakfast and Lunch: Valpo Schools will be serving a 10 free “Take and Bake” meals, including 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches, weekly to all children 18 and under. To participate, go with your children to Valparaiso High School between 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Fridays. Please enter through the Vale Park Road entrance only. (Backpacks and Snacks will be available at the same location.)
Hilltop Food Pantry: This pantry is open Thursdays and Fridays 9:00-11:30 a.m. at 606 Union Street. Direct questions to (219) 477-4222.
First United Methodist Church Christian Food Pantry: This pantry is open Mondays and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at 7 Chicago Street. Please bring an I.D. Direct questions to (219) 465-0207.
Immanuel Lutheran Food Pantry: This pantry is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at 1700 Monticello Park. Please bring an I.D. Direct questions to (219) 462-8207.

Academic Support

Testing Preparation

Crisis Support Services

Text Crisis Hotline (text HELLO to 741741)
The Trevor Lifeline (866-488-7386)
Suicide Hotline (800-273-8255)
Porter-Starke Services (219-531-3500)
Valpo PD (219-462-2135)
If you are experiencing a true emergency, call 911.

We also understand that you may have questions about how to proceed with school affairs while your child learns from home, and we want to reassure you that counselors and social workers will be doing their best to accommodate you in the coming weeks. During this time of extended eLearning, our team will continue with student scheduling, Naviance planning, junior class meetings, and other student touch points via technology. We will be available by phone and email Monday-Friday during regular school hours, and we will continue to contact parents immediately with any concerns. If there is anything we can do for you, please do not hesitate to reach out to us using the contact information linked below.

We are committed to supporting you during this time. Please do not hesitate to let us know how we may do so.

Very sincerely,

Erin Hawkins

Director of Social Emotional Learning

Valparaiso Community Schools

[email protected]

(219) 531-3070 ext. 5306

Click here for VCS social services team contact information.