New Advocates Sworn In as PNW Honors Innovators with Awards

Four new Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults were sworn in on October 15, 2023, during a ceremony at the Lake Superior Court. This initiative, a collaboration between Franciscan Health and the Lake County Courts, aims to support elderly and incapacitated adults who cannot represent themselves.

Lake Superior Court Probate Commissioner Ben Ballou officiated the ceremony, welcoming Blanca Aranda from Crown Point, Francine Gildon from Merrillville, Christopher Mignogna from Cedar Lake, and Lauree Pondinas from St. John as the latest members of the program. These advocates will serve as court-appointed agents, providing essential assistance to those in need.

Support for the Program

The initiative receives partial funding from grants provided by the Indiana Supreme Court, the Legacy Foundation Inc., and various local, state, and national supporters, along with contributions from individual donors to the Franciscan Health Foundation. More information about the program and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.franciscanhealth.org/VASIA.

Recognizing Innovators at Purdue Northwest

In a separate announcement, the Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest revealed the winners of the 2025 Innovators Awards. These awards recognize individuals and organizations for their contributions to innovation in the region.

The awards ceremony is set to take place during a luncheon at Avalon Manor Banquet Center on October 29, 2023, with registration currently open. Individual tickets are priced at $50, while corporate table sponsorships are available for $600. Those interested can register at pnw.edu/soi or contact Jason Williams at [email protected].

The Class of 2025 includes notable figures such as Jose G. (Lupe) Valtierra from Purdue Extension, Sean Liu, founder and CEO of PingCares, and Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch of Michigan City, among others.

Healthcare Developments in Dyer and Valparaiso

In healthcare news, Dr. Ailia Ali, a rheumatologist, has joined the Franciscan Physician Network in Dyer and is currently accepting new patients at the facility located at 919 Main St., Suite 201. Dr. Ali earned her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Wake Forest University Baptist Health Medical Center.

Additionally, Dr. Leena Aljobeh, a family medicine physician, is now practicing at the Glendale Health Center in Valparaiso. She received her medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital. Patients can schedule appointments by calling 219-307-4750.

Community Support Initiatives

The Legacy Foundation has partnered with the bp Foundation to provide support for organizations in Hammond, East Chicago, and Whiting affected by the storms and flooding in August. The new bp Foundation Community Fund Grant will offer up to $5,000 per organization to assist recovery efforts and enhance future preparedness.

Nonprofits, churches, schools, local governments, and first-response agencies in the affected areas are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is set for 3 p.m. on November 21, 2023, with notifications to be sent out by December 19, 2023. Interested organizations can apply through Legacy’s online portal or contact Kelly Baer at [email protected].

Educational Opportunities and Financial Aid

Meanwhile, U.S. Representative Frank J. Mrvan has announced that applications are currently open for high school and college students interested in attending a U.S. military service academy. The deadline for submissions to Mrvan’s office is 5 p.m. on November 3, 2023. For additional details, students can contact Tom Kubon at 219-795-1844.

On November 9, 2023, Purdue University Northwest will host College Goal Sunday, a statewide program designed to assist students and their families in applying for financial aid. The free event will run from 2-4 p.m. at both the Hammond and Westville campuses, offering help with the FAFSA form, which is essential for securing federal and state financial aid.

For more information about the event, visit pnw.edu/college-goal-sunday or contact PNW’s financial aid office via [email protected] or by phone at 219-989-2301 for Hammond and 219-785-5460 for Westville.