Through Lilly Endowment’s Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) VII Initiative The Portland Foundation was given the opportunity to further assist in enhancing the quality of life in Jay County.  The Foundation formed the Family Success Task Force, the Education and Workforce Development Task Force, as well as a Steering Committee to combat the interrelated issues of the illicit drug epidemic, high child poverty, low post-secondary educational attainment, and low workforce development skills. 

After thirteen months of work performed by community volunteers goals were set in six different areas: affordable, quality early care and education; education and workforce development; student attendance in Jay Schools; improving the system of care for families; parenting skills; and substance abuse prevention.  Work will continue to achieve these goals.