(gentle bright music) >> Paula: We wanted to create a safe space for the children within our community.

The gym came about because we wanted to create a safe space where families can come and be themselves and have a place where their children can learn, grow, and particularly have fun just within our community.

>> Robert: In South Lake County, there are a fair number of children in public schools who are on the federal free lunch program.

And our concern is how well these children eat over the weekend so that when they get to school Monday morning, they're ready to start learning immediately, that they don't fall behind the rest of the students.

(gentle bright music) >> Tiffani: Our mandate is to bring the game of golf and all its inherent values to those who would normally not have access to it.

We keep our lesson fees low.

We don't require any equipment at all.

We provide everything that they need, and then we offer scholarships.

All these things we do to make sure that socioeconomic is not one of those things that stops them from coming.

(gentle bright music) >> Jori: It's been a really cool journey to see people go from not being able to row or paddle to doing every trick in the book.

>> And balancing.

>> Balancing, oh yeah.

Try to make it fun for everyone.

Even if it's something that they don't feel comfortable with, I'll tell 'em, "Hey, just lay on your board and relax, because that is like the best."

>> Announcer: Centier Bank is proud to serve hometown community banking across Indiana.

For over 128 years, Indiana's largest, private, family-owned bank has been not for sale, and promises to keep it that way for years to come.

(gentle music) >> Dale: Doing as much as you can, as quickly as you can, is important to me.

Life is short, and the earlier we get started helping our community, the better off our community will be.

(gentle upbeat music) >> I have a very strong connection to other students.

Everyone makes an effort to help each other.

I'll remember the feeling of being here, the feeling that I was a part of a family.

(gentle upbeat music) >> Announcer: Ivy Tech offers more than 70 programs with locations in Michigan City, La Porte, and Valparaiso.

New classes start every few weeks.

Ivy Tech, higher education at the speed of life.

To get started, visit ivytech.edu.

>> Announcer: Family, home, work, self, of all the things you take care of, make sure you're near the top of the list.

NorthShore Health Centers offers many services to keep you balanced and healthy.

So take a moment, self-assess, and put yourself first.

From medical to dental, vision, chiropractic, and mental health, NorthShore will help get you centered.

You help keep your world running, so make sure to take care of yourself.

NorthShore Health Centers, building a healthy community, one patient at a time.

>> Announcer: Did you know that you can find all of your favorite Lakeshore PBS shows online?

Visit video.LakeshorePBS.org.

You can stream a large selection of shows, including "Eye on the Arts," "In Studio," and "Friends & Neighbors."

Missed the last night's episode?

No problem, Lakeshore PBS has got you covered.

Search for your show and find your episode ready to watch at any time.

Visit video.LakeshorePBS.org to stream your favorite local shows.

>> Announcer: As you travel across northwest Indiana and into Chicago, take Lakeshore Public Media, 89.1 FM, along for the ride.

With our newly expanded signal, we're with you from the southern corner of Michigan and into Chicago and, of course, across northwest Indiana.

From the dunes at Lake Michigan to the windmills of Wolcott, Lake Shore Public Media, 89.1 FM, is along for the ride, wherever you call home.

(gentle music) >> Announcer: Additional support for Lakeshore Public Media and local programming is made possible by viewers like you.

Thank you.

(gentle music) (gentle bright music) (gentle bright music continues) >> We wanted to create a safe space for the children within our community, and so the gym came about because we wanted to create a safe space where families can come and be themselves and have a place where their children can learn, grow, and particularly have fun just within our community.

We definitely saw a great need.

There are some places in our community in which families can go and attend and have fun, but there's limited timeframes.

So there's a sensory-friendly hour that may only be one day a week or a couple of hours throughout the day, and we wanted to create a space where families could come every day and not have to worry about a particular hour.

They could just come anytime of the day when the services are available.

How many places can you go and your kids can be themselves?

And that was one of the reasons we decided to go ahead and open the gym.

And our motto says, "Finally a place where you never have to say you're sorry."

And so we get a lot of parents come in, "Oh, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry," and it's like, you don't have to be sorry.

This is their space, we created this space for them.

Come in, let your hair down, and let the kids be themselves.

We have a arts and crafts area, and that area is for children to come in and, you know, whatever design or whatever's on their creative minds and hearts, they can come in and do that.

We have our gross-motor area, which includes our monkey bars, our rope wall, our rock wall.

We have a mobile slide.

And then, our favorite attraction, which is our zip slider, which the kids really like.

And our second favorite that has been voted by the kids is the trampoline, the indoor trampoline.

We also have an imagination station in which we have a kitchen area with pots and pans and play food.

We have houses that's fully furnished with beds and tables and chairs.

We also have a teen room where we have foosball tables, we have Jenga, we have a lot of board games in which the teens could actually participate in.

And so we also have a infant and toddler area for our little ones.

And then, we have all of our different swings in which we do try to feature new swings, a new swing alert every so many months.

(gentle bright music) I saw this building in a dream.

It was a vision that I actually had.

And God had showed me this building and everything inside this building was blue, and at the time I didn't know exactly what that meant.

And that was well over 2 1/2 years ago, and that's how this building came about.

To actually have seen it in a dream has been nothing but amazing, 'cause some days I come in here and I just stand like in awe, because this is exactly what I saw, you know, in the dream.

And I believe that we were planted here to have an impact on a lot of lives, a lot of families that are coming in.

So being able to create that and just knowing that it's much bigger than what we could imagine, it's been nothing but short of amazing.

(gentle bright music) The gym is for all kids, and so typical and neurotypical kids.

And so a lot of times we get people asking, "Is it just for children that have autism?"

We are a fully inclusive gym.

And so that's the thing, we wanna increase awareness and also inclusion at the same time.

For me, it's really been well worth it.

Every day when we can come in and the families can have a space where they can just come in and relax.

Next year, in 2025, I will have been a therapist for 25 years, and it doesn't feel like work.

I'm usually the first one here and the last one to leave.

And whether it be four hours or 12 hours, it both feels the same.

It doesn't feel like work.

And, for me, just to be able to impact a family, to be able to help a family, is just something that you can't replace.

And so at the end of the day, when we can help a child meet a developmental milestone, whether it be from a therapeutic approach or from a functional fun approach, I mean, it's priceless.

(gentle bright music) >> In South Lake County, there are a fair number of children in public schools who are on the federal free lunch program.

And our concern is how well these children eat over the weekend, particularly from the perspective of adequate protein and carbs, so that when they get to school Monday morning, they're ready to start learning immediately, that they don't fall behind the rest of the students.

So we're packing about 550 Buddy Bags per week for 17 grade schools in South Lake County, trying to help kids be fed adequately so it doesn't impair their educational progress.

(gentle music) >> It's a bag filled with good stuff and fun things.

It's not just food, it's an inspirational note that they can color.

Sometimes there's some school supplies, twice a year we put in a hygiene kit, maybe a little bag of candy around Halloween time and so on.

So it's a cool thing.

They get breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for two days.

It's something our recipients look forward to, get excited about.

We hear back once in a while from kids anonymously.

"I like, you know, the popcorn because I can share it with my little sister."

Or, "I don't particularly like the granola bar, but my mom does, so I give her the granola bar," you know, that kind of thing.

(gentle music) >> Robert: If the kids don't get enough protein, then their protein starts Monday morning at breakfast and lunch, and it's not until Tuesday that they've acquired enough protein that their brains really work well enough to learn, so they fall a day behind.

And I think one of the goals here is to have these children learn with everybody else so that they can break that habit of poor education, and poor jobs, low income for food supply.

It's really a cycle, and hopefully we can break that for at least some of these kids.

>> You know, teachers care about kids.

And they will tell you stories about certain kids who they know were coming to school hungry.

So, yes, they have firsthand experience and can tell you the need is there.

And sometimes I have a hard time convincing people that, yes, there's a need in Crown Point, or, you know, we're in Lake Central schools, there's a need in Schererville, or, you know, yes.

You know, just because it's not obvious, doesn't mean there's no need there.

(gentle music) >> We have 17 wonderfully dedicated volunteers.

They can pack 550 bags in a little bit over an hour's time.

It's a remarkable experience.

I mean, these volunteers are dedicated to being on their position on the line every Tuesday when we pack Buddy Bags.

>> It's funny, we could probably get away with about eight volunteers.

But, as you saw, we have about 20, so we're not gonna turn anyone away.

>> Robert: Many of them have been in education as teachers, and I think they understand what it's like for a hungry child in a classroom, not learning as rapidly as the rest would.

>> They're wonderful, they really are.

They're enthusiastic and dedicated, and will do anything that needs to be done, you know, even if that's sweeping the floor.

Yeah, it's like, "Give me more," you know, "is that all we have to do?

What's next?"

People are jealous of our volunteers.

>> We could use any kind of volunteer.

I mean, for the people who have green thumbs, we have gardens that they can work in.

There's some carpentry that gets done around here all the time.

Clerical work, yes, there's a little bit of something for everyone here.

Most of us get here a little bit early, just for a little time spent with each other.

It's really developed some wonderful friendships here that it's more than just a job.

We come here for some fellowship with one another.

(gentle music) >> It's one thing to write a check, but to do something hands on and know you're affecting people in your community in a positive way, I think it's just good people doing good things.

(gentle music) (birds chirping) (club whooshes) (gentle mellow music) >> Our mandate is to bring the game of golf and all its inherent values to those who would normally not have access to it.

We keep our lesson fees low.

We don't require any equipment at all.

We provide everything that they need.

And then, we offer scholarships.

All these things we do to make sure that socioeconomic is not one of those things that stops them from coming.

>> My freshman year of high school, I saw golf on TV one day and I decided I wanted to play it.

And my dad took me to the driving range and I was terrible.

I tried out for the high school team, I was on junior varsity, and I was terrible.

And I had a coach, he said, "Look, kid, you stink.

But I have a friend who just started a golf program in Hammond, so you need to go and see him and take lessons this summer."

I said, "Okay."

That place was actually here, came here every single day and took golf lessons, and by my senior year I was all-conference.

So lessons actually helped.

(gentle mellow music) This is a game of life.

(gentle upbeat music) Golf teaches you a lot of different things and perspectives as far as when to call penalties on yourself.

You have to be a person of integrity to actually play.

It's a game that has really transformed my entire life.

>> Perseverance, yes, I think golf has helped me to persevere more in my school work.

My favorite thing about being in the First Tee is I like being able to interact with people that like to golf.

I would explain the First Tee to 'em as a learning opportunity, learn how to golf and be able to learn the core values that help us here at the golf course and at home.

>> You have those nine core values in your life, I guarantee you're gonna live a good life, a good, full, healthy life.

We try and instill that in the kids as young as four, and make sure that they take it on the golf course and off the golf course.

(gentle bright music) >> Brandon is by far the best golf instructor ever.

The kids nicknamed him the GOAT.

He really believes in the individual kid.

I've seen him show up at six o'clock in the morning to help kids from 6:00 AM until 9:00 AM, and then run to programming that we may have in Schererville or Crown Point, and then drive to Highland, and then come back here at the end of the day and help another kid who needs help with a lesson.

So, I mean, his dedication and commitment to the kids is just phenomenal.

I couldn't ask for a better program director.

(gentle bright music) >> We service kids all across Lake County.

And you go to some of the other areas of Lake County where golf isn't as prevalent, you always hear, "That's a rich white man sport."

You know, "You have to have money to play."

"You gotta belong to a country club."

We try and expose kids as young as four years old to our program so they can understand that golf is for everyone.

>> We're still breaking down the stigma that girls can golf, minorities can golf, you don't have to be rich to be able to play the game of golf, and there are a lot of values that come along with it, and golf's one of those games that you can play for the rest of your life.

Kids don't care, they don't care where you're from, or how much money's in your account, or how much you weigh, you know, or how much hair you have, they don't care at all.

If you show them that you are a genuine, sincere, caring person, and that you're only interested in their success, then it gives them a place to feel safe and nurtured and it helps boost their confidence.

And that's exactly what we want in our world, is the world to be run by people that are confident and assured, but also willing to hear the thoughts and perspectives of others.

That's one of the things that First Tee curriculum does and that Brandon does with leading the coaching staff.

He really does set the example.

>> So we create a family atmosphere here.

One thing that we really tried to create was making sure that the kids understand that when they age out, we're still here for them.

We have kids of close to 30 now and they still call us.

You know, they'll stop by, and they all have different careers now.

One's an EMT one is an architect.

So it's pretty cool to see you've helped develop these kids in some form or fashion, and they still have an attachment to you.

That's a pretty cool thing.

(gentle bright music) (gentle mellow music) >> Hey, I'm Lynn Spinks.

A year ago, my personal trainer recommended I try ROWSUP.

Today, I finally get to.

I am out in Cedar Lake today with Jori Rietveld, who is a certified trainer, a paddleboard trainer.

Jori, this is more than paddleboarding.

Help me out, what's going on?

>> It's a fitness class that I teach on paddleboards where we focus on building a stronger core and keeping balance.

And we do a bunch of exercises on our board, and I incorporate yoga into that.

And some days we go out and paddle around, and we have a good time.

>> Lynn: So tell me about your personal training and your group training.

>> Jori: Over the years, I've taught a little bit of everything.

Some Spin, and boot camps, and yoga, and just a little bit of everything.

And I've just found my niche, I just absolutely enjoy people out on the boards, overcoming their fears, and helping them to do something new.

(gentle upbeat music) >> What kind of fears do you encounter?

>> People are often afraid of falling in.

We're in the water, so it's okay to get wet, right?

We just get back up.

ROWSUP stands for reps on water stand up paddleboard.

But also I feel like a lot of times when we're down, we need to rise up.

And like when we fall, we can get back up.

>> I love that, and I just thought it was because you have to row the paddleboard.

I'm excited to get started.

(gentle upbeat music) >> Lift your hips up in the air, right?

Good job.

And look through your legs.

Soft knees, yeah, you don't wanna lock your knees.

(gentle upbeat music) >> What kind of people typically sign up for one of your classes?

Are they like these ultra-elite athletes that already can contort themselves like a pretzel?

Or is it me?

>> I have people of all athletic ability out here.

It's been a really cool journey to see people go from not being able to row or paddle to doing every trick in the book.

>> And balancing.

>> Balancing, oh yeah.

(gentle music) >> It's like I've got a false sense of security.

I'm like, "Well, let me lean back a little bit."

>> Loosen up, see, that's what I make people do.

I make 'em relax and enjoy themselves.

The main thing on these boards is to be relaxed, because if you're on the board and you're tense, you'll fall in.

So when we get to the standing stage, which is right around the corner.

>> There's a standing stage?

>> Oh yes.

>> Okay.

>> You're gonna remember to keep those knees soft and just be relaxed.

Because if you tighten your muscles and a wave comes, you're gonna meet the water fast.

>> Okay.

Now I will tell you I am a little nervous.

I have done all kinds of athletic stuff.

I've done gymnastics, all the things, and my knees are shot.

Like, after a long day of walking or too many stairs, they ache.

But this is water, so how is that gonna help somebody like me that has those aches and pains?

>> I do accommodate aches and pains.

Take it down one more time, all right, guys?

Depending on what the exercise is, I will come up with different modifications, and so we try to make it fun for everyone.

And even if it's something that they don't feel comfortable with, I'll tell 'em, "Hey, just lay on your board and relax, because that is like the best."

And everyone says that when they are laying down on the board, they're like, "Oh yeah, this is my favorite exercise."

I'm like, "That's why you came, right?"

So if there's something you don't wanna do, just lay down, take a nap, enjoy the sunshine.

>> It is really nice.

>> Yeah.

>> Lynn: I think it's awesome that anybody can do this with you.

>> Yes, yes.

I have had even someone that was paralyzed.

She came to one of my indoor paddleboard classes and I designed the whole hour workout to be a seated workout.

And she was so excited, and it was just so cool to see someone, that has no ability to move her legs, get on that board and make the dream happen.

It was like, "This is what we're here for."

>> It's truly ROWSUP.

>> Yeah, I just absolutely get so excited seeing people do things that they thought was impossible.

(gentle music) ♪ Ooh ♪ ♪ Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh ♪ (gentle music) (gentle music continues) (gentle music continues) (gentle music continues) (gentle music continues) (gentle music fades) >> Announcer: Centier Bank is proud to serve hometown community banking across Indiana.

For over 128 years, Indiana's largest, private, family-owned bank has been not for sale, and promises to keep it that way for years to come.

(gentle music) >> Dale: Doing as much as you can, as quickly as you can, is important to me.

Life is short, and the earlier we get started helping our community, the better off our community will be.

>> Almost every single professor I've had I'm on a first-name basis.

By building that relationship with faculty, I was able to get involved with research.

It's one thing to read about an idea in a book versus physically doing it and seeing results.

(gentle upbeat music) >> Announcer: Ivy Tech offers more than 70 programs with locations in Michigan City, La Porte, and Valparaiso.

New classes start every few weeks.

Ivy Tech, higher education at the speed of life.

To get started, visit ivytech.edu.

>> Announcer: The Crossroads Chamber is transforming Northwest Indiana's business landscape, one connection at a time.

Experience the power of networking within our diverse community, and forge lasting relationships that can drive your business forward.

>> Announcer: Family, home, work, self, of all the things you take care of, make sure you're near the top of the list.

NorthShore Health Centers offers many services to keep you balanced and healthy.

So take a moment, self-assess, and put yourself first.

From medical to dental, vision, chiropractic, and mental health, NorthShore will help get you centered.

You help keep your world running, so make sure to take care of yourself.

NorthShore Health Centers, building a healthy community, one patient at a time.

>> Announcer: Additional support for Lakeshore Public Media and local programming is made possible by viewers like you.

Thank you.

(gentle music) (gentle bright music) (gentle bright music continues) (gentle music)