Valparaiso-based First Things First Porter County named Kasandra Tenbarge as associate director.
Tenbarge will leverage her skills of community building, fundraising and non-profit management to empower First Things First to serve Porter County’s youngest citizens. In her new role, Tenbarge will be tasked with creating a structure of sustainability for First Things First.
Tenbarge plans “to challenge partners and community members to think about how Porter County (and beyond) will look differently in 25 years if we are consistent in our work now,” she said in a press release.
Prior to joining First Things First, Tenbarge served as Valparaiso University’s major gifts officer. She previously managed development and individual philanthropy for United Way of Northwest Indiana. Tenbarge also worked as media consultant for The Times of Northwest Indiana.
Tenbarge brings more than 18 years of experience to her new role. She has helped to build and execute successful campaigns. She has also organized programming, events and volunteer boards across higher education, non-profit and business sectors in Northwest Indiana.
Tenbarge has lived and worked in Northwest Indiana for the majority of her life.
The Porter County Community Foundation launched First Things First in 2021. The foundation’s mission is to promote healthy beginnings, family support and quality early experiences. First Things First brings together organizations, providers and individuals across the county to mitigate families' challenges when they welcome a baby home.
