Family Services

A major component of Head Start programming is Family Services. We strive to provide comprehensive services not only to Head Start children, but also to their families. In our program, every family will have their own Family Advocate.
Your Family Advocate will provide family visits, create goals with family members, plan family events, and connect your family to community resources! They work closely with teachers to develop plans of action and determine ways to make Head Start programming even better! Let them know what they can do for you!
Your Family Advocate will help you achieve your goals, support your volunteer and education opportunities, and help navigate local community resources. For example, if you currently have a part-time job, but want to further your education through a vocational program…ask your Family Advocate for assistance! They will help locate vocational programs or direct you to where to go to obtain your GED, etc.
Family Goal Setting for Head Start Children
Each year, your Family Advocate will complete a Family Partnership Agreement (FPA) with you. The FPA is a goal-setting process so the Family Advocates have an idea of your interests, strengths, and needs. They can help you reach your goals, whether it be to get a new job or find ways to volunteer in your community. Within the first 60 days of school, your Family Advocate will set up a family visit at home, at school, or in a safe place in the community to start your FPA. After that, they will follow-up with you monthly to see how things are going. However, you can always contact them sooner if you need something!

Head Start Father/Father-figure Engagement
We acknowledge, respect, and promote the unique identity of each child and family composition. In the instance that a family structure is composed of a father or father figure, research indicates that positive adult male figures are important to kids’ growth and development! Our Head Start program wants our fathers and father figures involved in our programming, events, and children’s education! If you are a father or father figure, we want YOU engaged. We offer opportunities year-round for father engagement and would like to hear from you about how you want to be involved.

Our Family Services Staff

Cheryl Matthews

Nedra Jones

Lourdes Upton
Our Locations
Imagination Station
Located in the heart of the Edgewood Neighborhood in Michigan City.
Head Start
Niemann School; Home of Head Start of LaPorte County
Head Start
Bethany Lutheran Church; Home of Head Start of LaPorte County
All Sites Are Equipped With
- Closed circuit monitoring of every room
- Secured entry system
- Radio Communication System
- One-touch emergency call buttons
- Strict adherence to licensing, health, and fire regulations
- ADA accessible and developmentally appropriate fenced-in playgrounds
- Comprehensive staff training on safety drills, emergency procedures, and active supervision.
Ready to Help?
We need your support! With your gift, Paladin will continue our work to protect the rights of people with disabilities and support their full inclusion and participation in the community. May we count on you today?