Because Every Child Deserve a Village.

Supporting students, families, and educators in the Elkhart Lake–Glenbeulah community—one backpack, one warm coat, one classroom grant, one act of care at a time.

I was at a breaking point. I couldn’t afford winter coats for my kids, and the heating bill was overdue. ElkhartCares stepped in without judgment. They gave us warmth—and dignity. I’ll never forget it.

Local Parent

Fund A School Social Worker

Support students in crisis through one-on-one mentoring.

What We Do

Every program we offer starts with the same belief: when neighbors look out for one another, the whole community thrives.

Identifying Need

ElkhartCares partners with the school district to identify needs early. Teachers see their students every day, so they notice when a child has dirty clothes, shoes that don’t fit, lacks school supplies, comes to school hungry, or has a special need. With total confidentiality, these teachers, along with school faculty and counselors, alert us when a student could use a helping hand—and we work quickly to meet that need.
We also receive applications directly from families in the community, ensuring that we can help not only through the schools, but also by supporting households in crisis.

We are so blessed to live in this area, and it’s often difficult to recognize the need for these and other services in our community. However, these needs—and, at times, even such things as the bare necessities—are far greater and more pervasive than we want to believe, which can be hard for our community to understand.”

Deb Blain, Founder of ElkhartCares (In loving memory, her vision continues to guide our mission today.)

Student Support

Confidential assistance for students facing hardship — covering essentials like school fees, clothing, transportation, housing, and holiday or back-to-school needs — ensuring every child has what they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

After my dad passed away, my household was struggling just to keep up with bills. I felt guilty when my shoes were too tight or my clothes didn’t fit, and I didn’t want to ask for money for things like my Chromebook fee or field trips. When ElkhartCares helped me, it lifted such a weight off my shoulders and let me focus on learning.

Family Assistance

Emergency aid for housing, utilities, transportation, and basic needs.

I was able to meet with a volunteer and we got school supplies and clothes for the kids. I wanted to say thank you to everyone at ElkhartCares. What a true blessing for my family.

Struggling Parent, Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah School District

Literacy & Learning

From classroom grants to summer reading, we give students and teachers the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

The classroom grant was a game-changer for the struggling students in my class. It gave me the tools to meet them where they were—and helped them feel seen, supported, and capable. The difference was immediate.

Local Educator

Scholarships & Enrichment Support

Helping Students Dream Bigger and Reach Further

ElkhartCares provides scholarships for technical schools and training programs—helping students pursue affordable post-high school education and prepare for good, supportive jobs.

Meet Rylee – Building a Future in Welding

Rylee, a Technical School Scholarship recipient, is on her way to earning a degree in Welding—a skill she hopes to use to build a long-term career in the trades. With ElkhartCares’ support, she was able to cover tuition and materials costs that otherwise would have been out of reach. Rylee’s story shows how investing in education opens doors and changes lives.

Free-for-Families Community Events

From holiday magic to community celebrations, ElkhartCares brings joy, connection, and belonging to every family.

Veterans Day Luncheon

A beloved tradition where students serve, honor, and learn from local veterans—sponsored annually by ElkhartCares

Supporting Student Success Year-Round

From backpacks and books to college credits, technical school scholarships, sports team support, and musical instrument funding, ElkhartCares helps students thrive in and out of the classroom.

ElkhartCares Received the Elkhart Lake Impact Award

In addition to the heartfelt stories we hear every day, ElkhartCares was honored to receive the “Impact Award” for our dedication to improving lives in our community. This award celebrates the measurable difference we make through programs like housing support, scholarships, and essential aid—made possible by our generous donors, volunteers, and community partners.

Meet Saylor Salm

Once a scholarship recipient. Now our Volunteer Executive Assistant, helping kids succeed.

Why Give to ElkhartCares?

100% of your donation goes directly to community support
Local impact, immediate results
Transparent and volunteer-powered

Safe. Tax-deductible. Immediate impact.

Delivered literacy backpacks and funded grand prizes for summer reading
Covered sports fees, instruments, and uniforms so no child missed out
Replaced a broken washer/dryer to help a student arrive at school clean and confident
Sponsored multiple scholarships for technical school, GED testing, and college

Since 2018, ElkhartCares has

Awarded dozens of teacher and student grants
Supported hundreds of families with emergency needs
Ensured that students have access to books, food, enrichment, and opportunity

Seven Years of Local Impact

Since 2018, ElkhartCares has provided vital support to local students, families, and educators—ensuring our community thrives together.

Since 2018, ElkhartCares has been meeting real needs in the Elkhart Lake–Glenbeulah community—helping students, families, and educators thrive. From scholarships and classroom grants to family emergency support and beloved traditions like the Veterans Day Luncheon, every act of care adds up to lasting change.

Get Involved

Whether you give your time, your talents, or your donations—there’s a place for you here.