What Great KIDS is about…

Our mission statement

Great KIDS empowers youth-serving adults by providing education and training on the application of positive youth development frameworks and strength-based practices to ensure that our community’s children have the opportunities and relationships they need to grow into productive and healthy adults.

Our story

The Great KIDS make Great COMMUNITIES initiative began in 1999 as a project of Allen Superior Court, Family Relations Division. In its infancy, Great KIDS experimented with ways to spread the message of positive youth development and strengths-based approaches to working with youth. Great KIDS signed on to the 40 Developmental Assets from Search Institute after reviewing the extensive research supporting the message. Great KIDS now offers a library of positive youth development resource materials available for loan.

In 2004, the Great KIDS offices relocated from the historic Journal-Gazette building to the Allen County Courthouse. At that time, the Great KIDS Community Advisory Board was expanded to better reflect the face of the Allen County community and its youth and family-serving agencies.

In 2020, Great KIDS joined forces with the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne and moved into their administrative building as an independent entity managed by the YMCA.

What we do

With the 40 Developmental Assets as its key tool, Great KIDS make Great COMMUNITIES uses these three strategies to improve the lives of youth in Allen County:

Train youth workers in positive youth development concepts
Support the work of youth-serving organizations
Create household recognition for the 40 Developmental Assets

In this way, Great KIDS seeks to multiply its influence by supporting and training the agencies and workers directly responsible for impacting the lives of youth and families.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Great KIDS Make Great COMMUNITIES holds a Category 1 license through the State of Indiana’s Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board. One unit equals one hour of education.

Our team

Amanda Miller

Executive Director
Amanda joined Great KIDS in February 2018. She holds a BS in Organizational Leadership and Supervision from Purdue University. Prior to joining Great KIDS, Amanda worked in advertising and marketing for a nonprofit organization as well as in the financial industry.
Amanda brings a diverse professional background that includes experience in project management, event planning, volunteer coordination, and organizing community events. Her skills help support the mission of Great KIDS by strengthening programs and engaging the community in meaningful ways.
Michelle Castle

Development & Community Engagement Coordinator
Michelle Castle joined Great KIDS in March 2026. She earned her BSW from Valparaiso University in 2006 and has dedicated her career to supporting children and families in her community.
Her background includes work in case management, serving in elementary schools as a classroom assistant, and most recently teaching preschool. Through these roles, she developed a deep appreciation for the impact strong relationships and supportive communities have on young learners.
In her current role, she enjoys connecting with community partners and helping advance the mission of Great Kids Make Great Communities.
Joelle Schrader

Training Assistant
Joelle Schrader rejoined Great KIDS in March 2026 and previously helped launch the Great KIDS Leadership Academy in 2018. She holds a BS in Communications from Ball State University and brings more than 25 years of experience in training and professional development. As an entrepreneur, Joelle founded a training company focused on inspiring teams, developing leaders, and helping organizations build cultures that make a lasting difference. She is a certified presenter on the 40 Developmental Assets and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), equipping educators and community leaders with tools to support youth development.
In her current role as Training Assistant, Joelle provides program and training support for Great KIDS, helping strengthen initiatives that empower young people and the communities that support them.