Prenatal Program Receives Nearly 250K Diapers
Franciscan Health’s Prenatal Assistance Program has recently been the recipient of a staggering donation: 247,968 Huggies diapers from the National Diaper Bank Network. This generous contribution underscores the importance of community support through initiatives aimed at addressing critical needs for families.
The National Diaper Bank Network collaborates closely with a variety of diaper banks, including the one at Franciscan Health, to combat both diaper need and period poverty across the United States. The charity aims to alleviate the financial stress associated with diaper costs, which can soar to nearly $1,000 annually for families. This financial burden is significant, considering that nearly half of all families struggle to afford diapers.
To address this pressing need, Franciscan’s Diaper Pantry program enables eligible families to obtain essential items such as free diapers and wipes. Interested families can find out more about their eligibility, register for the program, and schedule an appointment by calling 877-773-6285. This initiative not only promotes child health and well-being but also provides substantial economic relief to families in need.
In a heartfelt display of community togetherness, several staff members from Franciscan Health, including Prenatal Coordinator Jodi Perrine and Diaper Pantry Community Health Specialist Becky Barker, were on hand to celebrate this milestone. The donation not only signifies the power of collaboration but also highlights the ongoing needs within the community.
Friday University Registration Opens at PNW
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has announced the upcoming sessions for its popular Friday University program. Scheduled for October 24 and November 7, the sessions will run from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the James B. Dworkin Student Services and Activities Complex. This unique educational opportunity invites community members to attend lectures conducted by faculty members, all without the pressures of tests or grades.
Registration for these sessions is open to the public, with costs set at $120 for a single Friday or $200 for both. The program is structured to offer a delightful mix of topics across three sessions—morning, midmorning, and afternoon—allowing participants to tailor their learning experience. Choices will cover a broad spectrum, including science, humanities, current events, arts, technology, and wellness. This diverse range of subjects ensures there is something for everyone, enhancing both personal and educational growth in the community.
Recipients of Golf Outing Proceeds Announced
In another show of community support, the organizers of the 2025 Hard Hat Charity Golf Outing, hosted by the Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable, have revealed that four local nonprofits will benefit from the proceeds of this year’s event. Scheduled for September 18 and 19 at White Hawk Country Club in Crown Point, this two-day event is designed to bring together more than 500 professionals from the construction industry and local business owners to raise funds for charitable causes.
The nonprofits selected to receive donations from the outing are Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Northwest Indiana Influential Women’s Association, Opportunity Enterprises, and Pirates Inc. This collaborative effort exemplifies how professional communities can come together to support important local initiatives, fostering a spirit of giving that enhances the quality of life in Northwest Indiana.
Parade of Homes Coming This Month
Excitement is building for the Home Builders Association of Northwest Indiana’s 2025 Parade of Homes, set to take place on September 20-21 and 27-28. This annual event showcases the craftsmanship of premier builders in the region, featuring over 26 newly constructed homes across Lake and Porter counties. Each home will exhibit cutting-edge design and the latest innovations in construction techniques.
The event is designed as a self-guided tour, completely free of charge, allowing attendees to explore a curated collection of homes. Most properties will be open from noon to 5 p.m. on all four days. For those unable to attend in person, virtual tours will also be made available. Information regarding the homes and a digital map of the tour can be found at www.paradeofhomesnwi.com, providing an accessible and engaging way to experience the best of local homebuilding.
Indiana Beverage Renews Valparaiso Naming Partnership
The City of Valparaiso and Valpo Parks have announced a significant 10-year renewal of their partnership with Indiana Beverage. This ensures that the facility at Central Park Plaza will continue to be recognized as the Indiana Beverage Activity Center. This renewed commitment demonstrates Indiana Beverage’s ongoing dedication to enriching the local community and supporting recreational activities for residents.
Such partnerships are vital for fostering community engagement, providing invaluable resources for local events, and enhancing the overall quality of life for Valparaiso’s citizens.
CPAs Promoted to Partner at CLH
Exciting news has emerged from CLH CPAs and Consultants, a Michigan City-based firm, with the announcement of two accountants being promoted to partner status. Angela Grothaus and Lisa Human have both earned this recognition, a testament to their exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to client service.
Angela Grothaus started her journey with CLH in 2014 as a senior staff accountant and rose through various roles before achieving partner status this year. She now leads the firm’s business valuation department, overseeing an array of valuations for estate, gifting, and litigation matters, alongside tax engagements and business consulting.
Similarly, Lisa Human joined CLH in 2014 as a staff accountant and transitioned through other key roles over the years. As a partner, she leads the firm’s Client Accounting Solutions team and is responsible for implementing staff development initiatives. Their promotions serve as an inspiration to both current and aspiring accountants within the industry.
Legacy Foundation Makes Awards
The Legacy Foundation recently celebrated historic achievements during its 2025 Annual Celebration, marking a year of remarkable growth and community impact in Lake County. Over the last 18 months, the foundation completed its largest fundraising campaign to date, raising an incredible $9.3 million with support from donors, supplemented by a matching gift from Lilly Endowment Inc.
Of this total, $5.87 million has bolstered the foundation’s unrestricted endowment, providing essential resources to address both current and future needs in Lake County. The campaign has enabled the foundation to support a wide array of projects ranging from the Tolleston Opportunity Campus to expanded food pantries and educational initiatives.
In total, the foundation awarded $6.6 million in grants and scholarships in 2024, impacted by 792 donors, and grew its managed assets to an impressive $130 million—a remarkable 55% increase within just 18 months. Such support is crucial for fostering community development and enhancing the lives of countless individuals across the region.