Community News Highlights
Insurer Donates $80K for Storm Relief
- United Healthcare has donated $80,000 to local and state charities aiding storm relief efforts.
- Funds will support food assistance, shelter, recovery supplies, and long-term support in flood-impacted communities.
- Recipients include:
- Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
- American Red Cross Indiana Region
- Heart of Indiana United Way
- The Indianapolis Foundation
- Catholic Charities Diocese of Gary
- The Salvation Army Indiana Division
- Matthew 25: Ministries
- For emotional support, call Optum’s Emotional Support Help Line at 866-447-3573.
YWCA Gala to Support Storm Relief
- The YWCA Northwest Indiana is hosting its Circle of Friends Gala on October 8 at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.
- The event will raise funds for families affected by the August storm, featuring ABC7 Chicago journalist Samantha Chatman as the host.
- Find more details or make donations at ywcanwi.org.
PNW Education Program Earns National Recognition
- Purdue University Northwest’s Elementary Education program received an A+ rating from the National Council on Teacher Quality for alignment with the science of reading.
- This recognition addresses effective reading instruction. Learn more at pnw.edu.
U.S. Steel Donates $250K for Local Relief
- U.S. Steel has pledged $250,000 for recovery efforts in Gary and Portage following the recent storm.
- Grants will support community relief initiatives via the Legacy Foundation and Porter County Community Foundation.
Robotics Grant Award Celebrated
- The Tri-Township School Corp. received the 2026–2027 Indiana K–12 Robotics Competition Grant, acknowledging strong STEM programs and engineering opportunities for students.
Fall Lake County Grant Cycle Opens
- The Legacy Foundation invites nonprofits in Lake County to apply for funding through its Fall Transform Lake County Grant Cycle.
- Two funding options available: Programs & Services and Capacity Building. For more info, contact Kelly Baer at kbaer@legacyfdn.org.
New Program Director at Valparaiso University
- Ed Finn has been appointed as director of the new online Master of Organizational Leadership program at Valparaiso University.
- Applications for the program are currently open at valpo.edu.
Free Cooking Class Offered by Franciscan Health and YMCA
- A free Cooking Matters class will be held on September 24 at Michigan City Elston YMCA.
- Focus will include healthy food swaps, budget-friendly shopping tips, and cooking techniques.
- Limited space; register by September 17 at Selena.Tinoco@FranciscanAlliance.org or call 219-221-4153.
