Lantern: Empowering Parents, Nurturing Children, Expanding Youth Opportunities

We’re excited to share Lantern, a new and improved platform delivering high-quality early childhood and family resources via text. Crossroads United Way (CRUW) is committed to expanding this vital service across Elkhart, LaGrange, and Noble Counties, supporting families, young children, and youth as they grow.

While the look is new, the mission remains the same—ensuring every child and youth has the support, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive.

What is Lantern?

Lantern is a national nonprofit that provides childhood development resources to parents and caregivers through an innovative text messaging platform. With authenticity, integrity, and optimism, Lantern makes expert advice and support just a text away.

How Lantern Supports Families and Youth

Age-Specific Tips: From pregnancy through preteens, Lantern sends practical tips and activities tailored to your child’s exact age.

Local Events and Resources: In partnership with CRUW, Lantern shares local events, youth programs, and resources, connecting families to opportunities that support learning, health, and growth.

Wide Range of Topics: From developmental milestones and social-emotional growth to brain-boosting games and guidance on sleep, nutrition, and behavior, Lantern covers it all.

Who Can Benefit: Parents, grandparents, babysitters, teachers, and friends caring for children from birth through age 18 can receive expert advice and developmental resources, all available in multiple languages.

Youth Opportunities and Growth

Lantern goes beyond early childhood. By connecting families to youth programs, educational resources, and community initiatives, we help children and teens access opportunities that build confidence, skills, and a path toward success. This includes programs tied to CRUW’s Building Strong Brains and Early Years Initiative, ensuring support for children from birth through adolescence.

Join Us in Supporting Families and Communities

We aim to reach caregivers of children 0–3 through collaborative initiatives, while also providing resources for youth up to 18. If your organization would like to enroll caregivers or share messages with families, we’d love to collaborate! Visit our Lantern Community Partner page to learn more.

Parenting is a journey filled with precious moments. Let Lantern be your companion, providing expert guidance, community resources, and youth opportunities every step of the way.

Sign Up Now: Click here or text CHILD to 274-448 to start receiving Lantern messages today!

Questions? Contact Natalie Buroker at burokern@crossroadsuw.org
or 574-295-1650.