Recognition for Franciscan Employee in Child Safety
Marissa Adcock, the Injury Prevention Coordinator for Franciscan Health’s Trauma Services Department, has been honored at the Safe Kids Indiana Automotive Safety Program in Indianapolis. She received the Child Safety Advocacy Award in recognition of her efforts in promoting child safety. As a co-leader for Safe Kids Northwest Indiana, Adcock organizes child safety seat inspection events and training across Northern Indiana. Her work helps parents ensure proper installation of car seats. She has also expanded the child seat safety program to several counties, including Starke/Pulaski, LaPorte, Porter, and Elkhart, and supports events in Michigan City and Hammond.
United Way’s New Community Grant Program
United Way Northwest Indiana has initiated the 2026 Community Impact Grant Program. This program seeks to enhance the lives of working families in Lake, Porter, Jasper, Newton, and Starke counties. Nonprofit organizations can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000. The four focus areas are financial stability, youth opportunity, healthy community, and community resiliency. There will be a special focus on youth opportunity and financial security. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations offering direct services within the service area. Applications are open until July 31, with funding decisions by September 30 and distributions starting in October. More information can be found by contacting [email protected] or visiting their website.
Lake County Fair Hiring for Maintenance
The Lake County Fair is seeking maintenance crew members for positions running from mid-July through August. Responsibilities include assisting with setup, tear down, and operations during the fair, taking place from August 7-16 at the fairgrounds in Crown Point. Interested individuals can find applications at the fair’s website. The fair, established in 1852 by the Lake County Agricultural Society, has grown into one of Indiana’s largest county fairs.
Franciscan and Partners Host Free Safe Kids Day
Children and their families are invited to Safe Kids Day on July 10 at the LaPorte County Family Resource Center, located at 1232 W. Indiana 2 in La Porte. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes various activities and educational booths that focus on child safety and health. Attendees can enjoy a free meal, music from a live DJ, and safety demonstrations. There will also be door prizes and chances to meet local heroes. Partners for this event include Safe Kids Northwest Indiana, LaPorte County Family Resource Center, Franciscan Health Crown Point, Franciscan Health Trauma Services, and Geminus Regional Care Group.
Lake County Election Officials Earn Certifications
Kelley DePirro and Lori O’Dea from the Lake County Board of Elections and Registration have completed Indiana’s Certificate in Election Administration, Technology, and Security program. This year-long program focuses on enhancing election integrity and leadership in areas such as election law, cybersecurity, information technology, and best practices. DePirro also earned national recognition with an honorable mention for her project, “Proactive Absentee Ballot Error Prevention Initiative,” in the 2025 Clearinghouse Awards. These awards, administered by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, honor innovative and effective election administration practices.