Recognition and Initiatives in Indiana Communities

Franciscan Health Employee Honored for Child Safety Advocacy

Marissa Adcock, the Injury Prevention Coordinator at Franciscan Health Trauma Services Department, received the Child Safety Advocacy Award at the Safe Kids Indiana Automotive Safety Program in Indianapolis. Her efforts focus on child safety seat inspection events and training across Northern Indiana. She expanded Franciscan’s child seat safety station from Crown Point to other counties, including Starke/Pulaski, LaPorte, Porter, and Elkhart. Additionally, she conducts child seat passenger training events in Michigan City and Hammond.

United Way Northwest Indiana Launches Grant Program

United Way Northwest Indiana initiated the 2026 Community Impact Grant Program to enhance the lives of working families in Lake, Porter, Jasper, Newton, and Starke counties. The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $150,000, focus on financial stability, youth opportunities, healthy communities, and community resilience. Special emphasis is on youth opportunity and financial security. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations offering direct services in the service area. Applications are open until July 31, with funding decisions by September 30 and distributions starting in October. For more information, contact [email protected] or visit www.unitedwaynwi.org/grants.

Lake County Fair Seeks Maintenance Help

The Lake County Fair is seeking individuals to join its maintenance crew. The positions are from mid-July to August, involving setup, teardown, and work during the fair from August 7-16 at the fairgrounds in Crown Point, 889 S. Court St. Applications are available at www.lakecofaircp.com/employment/volunteer. Established in 1852 by the Lake County Agricultural Society, the fair has grown into one of Indiana’s largest county fairs.

Safe Kids Day in LaPorte

Franciscan Health, along with community partners, invites families to Safe Kids Day in LaPorte on July 10. The free event at the LaPorte County Family Resource Center, 1232 W. Indiana 2, will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a variety of activities, educational booths, a free family meal, music from a live DJ, safety demonstrations, door prizes, local hero meet and greets, and surprises. Safe Kids Northwest Indiana, the LaPorte County Family Resource Center, Franciscan Health Crown Point, Franciscan Health Trauma Services, and Geminus Regional Care Group collaborate on this project.

Enhancing Election Integrity in Indiana

Kelley DePirro, Campaign Finance Officer, and Lori O’Dea, Assistant Voter Registration Supervisor from the Lake County Board of Elections and Registration, graduated from Indiana’s Certificate in Election Administration, Technology, and Security program. This year-long program focuses on election administration, law, cybersecurity, IT, and operational practices. Kelley DePirro earned national recognition for her initiative titled “Proactive Absentee Ballot Error Prevention Initiative,” receiving an honorable mention in the 2025 Clearinghouse Awards administered by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. These awards celebrate innovative election efforts and recognize best practices.