“Gaming is a powerful tool for connection, and when families and friends play together, communicate, and understand each other’s interests, it strengthens relationships and builds healthier, safer communities.”
Hands of Hope & Grant Regional Career Center Hosts, Co-op Mode: Family Edition, Free Family Gaming Night
Hands of Hope and Grant Regional Career Center (GRCC) are excited to announce Co-Op Mode: Family Edition, a free family gaming night designed to bring families together, strengthen positive parent/child connections, and promote a safe and healthy local gaming culture as part of ongoing violence-prevention efforts.
The event will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Grant Regional Career Center (750 W 26th St, Marion, IN 46953, Entrance: Door #7). GRCC will host this event in their state-of-the-art esports arena, where the esports team plays its matches. “I’m proud to partner with Hands of Hope to open our arena for an event that brings families together through the power of cooperative play. Collaborations like this strengthen our community, showcase the positive impact of esports, and help us create safe, connected spaces for students and their families,” said Dr. Travis Hueston, esports Director.
GRCC Director Nate McNeely added, “Events like this are exactly what we aim to provide at GRCC and were a key part of the vision when esports was introduced as an opportunity for our students.”
Co-Op Mode is a gaming term, short for cooperative mode, referring to a gameplay style in which players work together. This mode emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and collaboration in direct contrast to a competitive mode where players are against each other.
Co-Op Mode: Family Edition invites kids and their parents to team up, learn from one another, and encourage healthy interaction through shared play.
Hands of Hope aims to foster meaningful relationships and reduce community violence through positive engagement.
“Our goal is to create safe spaces where families can bond and reduce isolation in gaming environments,” said Jeanelle Artherhults, DELTA Ahead Coordinator at Hands of Hope. “Gaming is a powerful tool for connection, and when families and friends play together, communicate, and understand each other’s interests, it strengthens relationships and builds healthier, safer communities.”
Participants will enjoy an evening of multiplayer games, community building, and fun. The event is open to individuals ages 10 and up, and space is limited.
Event Details
- Event: Co-Op Mode: Family Edition
- Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
- Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location: Grant County Regional Career Center
750 W 26th St, Marion, IN 46953
Entrance: Door #7 - Cost: Free (pizza and games included)
- Eligibility: Ages 10+
- Registration: Limited availability. Sign your family up today at: https://forms.office.com/r/vfyCAjra6W
24 Hour Helpline:
Grant and Blackford County – 765-664-0701
Wabash County – 260-563-4407.
To learn more about Hands of Hope, visit our website, Hands of Hope – Radiant Health
