On October 15, 2023, four new Volunteer Advocates were sworn in to assist elderly and incapacitated adults in Lake County, Indiana. This initiative, a partnership between Franciscan Health and the Lake County Courts, aims to empower those who cannot represent themselves. The ceremony, conducted by Lake Superior Court Probate Commissioner Ben Ballou, welcomed advocates Blanca Aranda from Crown Point, Francine Gildon from Merrillville, Christopher Mignogna from Cedar Lake, and Lauree Pondinas from St. John.
The Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults (VASIA) program is designed to provide trained, supervised volunteers to act as court-appointed agents. This initiative is partially funded by grants from the Indiana Supreme Court, Legacy Foundation Inc., and additional local, state, and national funders, alongside individual contributions to the Franciscan Health Foundation. Interested individuals can learn more about volunteering by visiting www.franciscanhealth.org/VASIA.
Purdue Northwest Announces Innovators Awards
In another significant development, the Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest has revealed the recipients of the 2025 Innovators Awards. The winners will be honored during the society’s annual luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on October 29, 2023, at the Avalon Manor Banquet Center in Merrillville. Individual tickets for the event are priced at $50, and corporate table sponsorships are available for $600. Further details and registration options can be found at pnw.edu/soi or by contacting Jason Williams at [email protected].
The Class of 2025 includes notable innovators such as Jose G. (Lupe) Valtierra from Purdue Extension in Lake County, Earthwise from Valparaiso, and WJOB from Hammond. Other honorees include Sean Liu, founder and CEO of PingCares, and Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch, among others.
Healthcare Updates in Dyer and Valparaiso
In healthcare news, Dr. Ailia Ali, a newly appointed rheumatologist, has joined the Franciscan Physician Network and is now accepting new patients in Dyer. Dr. Ali received her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada and completed her residency at Wake Forest University Baptist Health Medical Center. For appointments, patients can contact the Dyer office at 219-922-3002.
Additionally, Dr. Leena Aljobeh, a family medicine physician, has also joined the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients at the Glendale Health Center in Valparaiso. Dr. Aljobeh earned her medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital.
Support for Storm Relief Efforts
In response to the severe storms and flooding that impacted Hammond, East Chicago, and Whiting in August, the Legacy Foundation has partnered with the bp Foundation to support local organizations. The new Community Fund Grant will provide up to $5,000 per organization for recovery efforts and preparedness for future emergencies. Nonprofits, churches, schools, local governments, and first-response agencies are encouraged to apply before the deadline of 3 p.m. on November 21, with notifications of recipients expected by December 19.
Service Academy Applications Open
U.S. Representative Frank J. Mrvan has announced that Indiana’s First Congressional District is now accepting applications from high school seniors and college students interested in attending a U.S. military service academy. The deadline for submitting applications to Mrvan’s office is 5 p.m. on November 3. Interested individuals can obtain application materials by contacting Tom Kubon at 219-795-1844.
Upcoming Financial Aid Assistance at Purdue Northwest
Purdue University Northwest will host College Goal Sunday on November 9, 2023, offering free financial aid assistance to college-bound students and their families. The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at both the Hammond and Westville campuses. Financial aid professionals will be available to help families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, which is essential for accessing federal and state grants, scholarships, and loans. For more information, attendees can visit pnw.edu/college-goal-sunday or contact the financial aid offices.
