CARE Elkhart

06/01/2026

As we celebrate the 10th year of CARE's College Support Program, our goal is to equip at least 150 college-bound students with dorm essentials, personal hygiene items, and the supportive CARE community they'll need to thrive in college.

From June 1 – July 1, you can help make a difference through our Virtual In-Kind Donation Drive.

🛒 Shop our Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3PUJZMF3H9X7U?ref_=wl_share

📦 All items purchased from the wishlist will ship directly to CARE, making it easy to support local students as they prepare for college.

Every item donated helps a college student start their journey prepared, confident, and supported.

05/21/2026

✨ DREAM Academy End-of-Year Celebration ✨

What an incredible evening celebrating our DREAM Academy students and the bright futures ahead of them! Our 2nd–5th grade students came dressed as who they DREAM of becoming — teachers, artists, doctors, NFL players, soccer players, veterinarians, actresses, dance instructors, cheerleaders, and even college basketball coaches! 🏈⚽👩🏽‍⚕️📚🐾🎭💃📣🏀

Each student proudly shared how their chosen profession connects to the meaning of the DREAM acronym and how those values will help them become the very best they can be.

Their confidence, creativity, and big dreams reminded us that the future is full of promise. We are so proud of each of our students for dreaming big, working hard, and believing in themselves!

Thank you to all of our tutors for pouring into our students throughout the year.

💫 The future starts with a dream… and our DREAM Academy students are well on their way!

05/20/2026

We would like to thank the Elkhart Lady Lions Basketball team members for coming and making our DREAM Academy students' field day extra awesome.

05/20/2026

Yesterday, our DREAM Academy students had the exciting opportunity to learn about the beautiful mural being created on the Benham underpass and even add their own personal touch! 🎨✨

This experience allowed our students to be part of something meaningful in our community while expressing their creativity and leaving their mark on a project that will inspire others for years to come. We are so proud of their enthusiasm and artistic spirit!

04/29/2026

🎉 C.A.R.E. University Alumni Spotlight 🎉

Today we proudly celebrate Johnnie Allen Jr., a shining example of what purpose, passion, and perseverance look like!

From Elkhart to becoming a doctoral candidate at Florida State University, Johnnie continues to inspire us all. As a first-generation scholar pursuing his doctorate in Higher Education, he is not only excelling academically but also shaping the future through his research on leadership development and equity for students of color.

His impact doesn’t stop there, Johnnie is mentoring students, teaching future leaders, publishing scholarly work, and serving nationally through ACPA College Student Educators International.

✨ And the momentum continues… We are incredibly proud to celebrate Johnnie’s newest accomplishment, starting Fall 2026, he will join University of South Florida as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Higher Education & Student Affairs (HESA)! In this role, he will teach, mentor, and support both graduate and undergraduate students while continuing to make an impact in the field he is so passionate about.

This is what C.A.R.E. University is all about, developing leaders who give back, lift others up, and create lasting change.

👏🏾 Join us in congratulating Johnnie on this incredible recognition as a “Student Star,” his upcoming Spring 2026 graduation, and this exciting next chapter!

Johnnie Allen Jr. is a first-generation doctoral candidate in higher education who has continuously served FSU in numerous leadership roles. His research

04/20/2026

We're still riding the high from our March Madness Fundraiser and 10 Year Anniversary, but we couldn't let the moment pass without giving a HUGE, heartfelt thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Spark41. 💙🏀

Spark41 shows up as true team players for C.A.R.E. University by championing parent advocacy, educational stewardship, and youth development every step of the way. Their commitment to sweating the details and changing the game reflects the mindset and ambition we strive to instill in our students as they take the next step in their educational journeys.

And in true MVP fashion... they've already passed the ball forward. Our 2027 Presenting Sponsor slot is officially FILLED thanks to Spark41! 🙌

Think you've got what it takes to beat the buzzer? ⏱️ Step up and secure your spot as next year's Buzzer Be**er Sponsor! Contact Danielle Neal at [email protected] to get in the game.

04/15/2026

🎉🎓 WOW, Elkhart County! 🎓🎉

In less than 24 hours, we have officially reached FULL CAPACITY with 180 applicants for the C.A.R.E. University Elkhart College Support Program!

Because of this incredible response, open enrollment is now closed.

We are beyond excited and grateful for the overwhelming interest from our bright and driven Elkhart County students. Your ambition and commitment to your future is truly inspiring! ✨

We look forward to supporting this amazing group of students as they take the next step in their college journey.

📚💙 The future is bright in Elkhart County!

04/15/2026

To Enroll Visit:
https://www.thecareuniversity.org/elkhart

04/13/2026

🎓✨ C.A.R.E. University College Support Program – Open Enrollment is Almost Here! ✨🎓

Hello everyone! It’s that time of year again!

📅 Open Enrollment begins April 15th for the 2026–2027 school year and will remain open until spots are filled.

⚡ Important: This is a first come, first serve process. Last year, we served 132 graduates and received 160 applications within just 8 hours—so don’t wait!

📌 Enrollment will close once we reach 180 applicants or by May 15th (whichever comes first).

✅ Program Requirements:
• Minimum 2.0 GPA
• Graduate of an Elkhart County high school
• Must be leaving home to attend college (living in a dorm or apartment)
• Must maintain full-time student status

This program is an incredible opportunity for students taking the next step in their educational journey. We encourage eligible students to apply as soon as enrollment opens!

📣 Mark your calendars and be ready on April 15th!

Enroll here https://www.thecareuniversity.org/elkhart

🎓

04/10/2026

What an unforgettable night at C.A.R.E. University's annual March Madness Fundraiser! 🏀💙

We were honored to have Spark41 as our Champion Sponsor of the Decade, and even more blessed to see them pass the ball to Vision Center as our 2027 Champion Sponsor. That kind of support moves our mission forward!

Elkhart, Tapestry Collection by Hilton was filled with graduates, families, advocates, and supporters sharing stories, laughter, and a whole lot of care. From the Not So Silent Auction and 50/50 raffle to live NCAA action on every screen and a hoop shoot competition that came down to a buzzer be**er, the night was full of unmatched energy from start to finish!

Shoutout to DG Visionaries and Derald Gray for keeping the vibes going all night. 🎶

Missed this year? Don't make that mistake twice. Seats will go fast next time.

You can still make an impact. Support the next C.A.R.E. University students by donating today at: https://givebutter.com/kKGbRc