Local Initiatives and Honors in Northwest Indiana

Franciscan Employee Honored for Child Safety Efforts

Franciscan Health’s Trauma Services Department’s Injury Prevention Coordinator, Marissa Adcock, received recognition for her dedication to preventing child injuries. At the Safe Kids Indiana Automotive Safety Program in Indianapolis, she received the Child Safety Advocacy Award. Adcock co-leads the Safe Kids Northwest Indiana group, organizing child safety seat inspections and training throughout Northern Indiana. Her work involves ensuring car seats are properly installed to enhance child safety. She expanded the child seat safety program across several counties, including Crown Point, Starke/Pulaski, LaPorte, Porter, and Elkhart. Adcock also supports safety training events in Michigan City and Hammond with various community partners.

United Way’s New Community Grant Program

United Way Northwest Indiana introduced the 2026 Community Impact Grant Program. This initiative aims to aid working families in Lake, Porter, Jasper, Newton, and Starke counties. Planned grants range from $5,000 to $150,000, focusing on financial stability, youth opportunities, healthy communities, and community resiliency. Emphasis lies on initiatives that enhance youth opportunities and financial security. Only 501(c)(3) organizations directly serving United Way’s area can apply. Applications are open until July 31, with decisions expected by Sept. 30. Funds will be distributed starting in October. Additional details are available by contacting [email protected] or visiting their website.

Lake County Fair Seeks Maintenance Crew

The Lake County Fair seeks workers for its maintenance team. The available positions last from mid-July through August. Responsibilities include setup, teardown, and various tasks during the fair, which runs from Aug. 7-16 at the fairgrounds in Crown Point. Those interested can find application details on the fair’s website. The fair, founded in 1852 by the Lake County Agricultural Society, stands among Indiana’s largest county fairs.

Free Safe Kids Day in LaPorte

The LaPorte County Family Resource Center will host a free Safe Kids Day on July 10. Families can enjoy activities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event offers educational booths on child safety, a free family meal, music with a DJ, safety demonstrations, door prizes, and opportunities to meet local heroes. Collaborative partners include Safe Kids Northwest Indiana, the Family Resource Center, Franciscan Health Crown Point, Franciscan Health Trauma Services, and Geminus Regional Care Group.

Election Office Employees Gain Certificates

Kelley DePirro and Lori O’Dea from the Lake County Board of Elections and Voter Registration completed Indiana’s Certificate in Election Administration, Technology, and Security program. This program enhances election integrity through education on election law, cybersecurity, and best practices. DePirro’s “Proactive Absentee Ballot Error Prevention Initiative” received honorable mention in the 2025 Clearinghouse Awards by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, recognizing innovative election administration practices.