On October 15, four new Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults were sworn in by Lake Superior Court Probate Commissioner Ben Ballou in a ceremony held at the court. This initiative, a collaboration between Franciscan Health and the Lake County Courts, aims to provide vital support to elderly and incapacitated individuals who cannot represent themselves.
The newly appointed advocates are Blanca Aranda from Crown Point, Francine Gildon from Merrillville, Christopher Mignogna from Cedar Lake, and Lauree Pondinas from St. John. They join a program that offers trained, supervised volunteers to act as court-appointed agents, ensuring that the needs of vulnerable adults are met.
The VASIA program is supported by grants from the Indiana Supreme Court, Legacy Foundation Inc., and other local, state, and national funding sources, alongside contributions from individual donors to the Franciscan Health Foundation. For more information about becoming a volunteer, interested individuals can visit www.franciscanhealth.org/VASIA.
Innovators Recognized at Purdue Northwest
The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest has announced the recipients of its prestigious 2025 Innovators Awards. Winners will be formally inducted during the Society’s annual luncheon on October 29 at Avalon Manor Banquet Center in Merrillville, Indiana.
Individual tickets for the luncheon are priced at $50, while corporate table sponsorships are available for $600. Those interested in attending can register or obtain more details by visiting pnw.edu/soi or contacting Jason Williams at [email protected].
The Class of 2025 includes notable individuals and organizations, such as Jose G. (Lupe) Valtierra from Purdue Extension in Lake County, Earthwise of Valparaiso, WJOB of Hammond, and Sean Liu, founder and CEO of PingCares. Other recipients include Joseph Podgorsk, Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch of Michigan City, and representatives from local high schools.
Healthcare Updates and Community Support Initiatives
In healthcare news, Dr. Ailia Ali, a newly appointed rheumatologist, has joined the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients at the Dyer location. Dr. Ali received her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Wake Forest University Baptist Health Medical Center in North Carolina. She furthered her expertise with a fellowship in rheumatology at the University of Chicago.
Additionally, Dr. Leena Aljobeh, a family medicine physician, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network, 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 in family medicine at Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital.
In response to the storm damage experienced in August, the Legacy Foundation has teamed up with the bp Foundation to offer support to organizations in Hammond, East Chicago, and Whiting. The newly established bp Foundation Community Fund Grant will supply up to $5,000 per organization to aid recovery efforts and enhance future emergency preparedness. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, and local governments, with applications due by 3 p.m. on November 21.
Furthermore, U.S. Congressman Frank J. Mrvan is currently accepting applications from high school and college students interested in attending a U.S. military service academy. The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. on November 3. Interested applicants can contact Tom Kubon at 219-795-1844 for more information.
Lastly, Purdue University Northwest will host College Goal Sunday on November 9, providing financial aid assistance to students and their families. The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at both the Hammond and Westville campuses, helping attendees complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is essential for access to federal and state financial aid.
