On October 15, 2023, four new Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults were sworn in at the Lake Superior Court in Indiana. This initiative, a collaboration between Franciscan Health and the Lake County Courts, aims to provide essential support for elderly and incapacitated individuals who cannot represent themselves. Lake Superior Court Probate Commissioner Ben Ballou officiated the ceremony, welcoming advocates Blanca Aranda from Crown Point, Francine Gildon from Merrillville, Christopher Mignogna from Cedar Lake, and Lauree Pondinas from St. John.
The Volunteer Advocates will serve as court-appointed agents, assisting vulnerable populations in navigating legal processes. The program is funded through grants from the Indiana Supreme Court, Legacy Foundation Inc., and various other local and national contributors, along with individual donations to the Franciscan Health Foundation. For those interested in volunteering, more details are available at www.franciscanhealth.org/VASIA.
Innovators Recognized at Purdue Northwest
In a related development, the Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest announced the recipients of the 2025 Innovators Awards. Honorees will be inducted during a luncheon scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on October 29, 2023, at the Avalon Manor Banquet Center in Merrillville. Individual tickets are priced at $50, while corporate table sponsorships are available for $600. Interested parties can register online at pnw.edu/soi or contact Jason Williams via email at [email protected].
The Class of 2025 includes notable figures such as Jose G. (Lupe) Valtierra from Purdue Extension in Lake County and Sean Liu, founder and CEO of PingCares. Other recipients include representatives from local organizations, schools, and governments, highlighting the diverse contributions to innovation within the region.
Healthcare Expansions and Community Support
In healthcare news, Dr. Ailia Ali, a rheumatologist, has joined the Franciscan Physician Network in Dyer, Indiana, and is currently accepting new patients. 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. She is now seeing patients at the Franciscan Physician Network Dyer, located at 919 Main St., Suite 201. For appointments, interested individuals can call 219-922-3002.
Additionally, Dr. Leena Aljobeh, specializing in family medicine, is now practicing at the Glendale Health Center in Valparaiso. Dr. Aljobeh earned her degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital. Her office is located at 1101 Glendale Blvd., Suite 101, and appointments can be made by calling 219-307-4750.
In support of recovery efforts from recent storms, the Legacy Foundation has partnered with the bp Foundation to provide grants for organizations in Hammond, East Chicago, and Whiting. The new community fund will offer up to $5,000 to eligible nonprofits, churches, schools, and local governments affected by the flooding. Applications must be submitted by 3 p.m. on November 21, 2023, with notifications of grant recipients expected by December 19, 2023.
Furthermore, U.S. Representative Frank J. Mrvan has announced that his office is accepting applications for students interested in attending a U.S. military service academy. High school seniors and college students are encouraged to apply, with a deadline set for 5 p.m. on November 3, 2023. For more information, contact Tom Kubon at 219-795-1844.
Purdue University Northwest will host College Goal Sunday on November 9, 2023, offering assistance to students and families in completing financial aid applications. The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at both the Hammond and Westville campuses, providing valuable support for those seeking financial aid for college education. For further details, visit pnw.edu/college-goal-sunday.