Chris and Monica Zibutis are residents of Michigan City that strive to continue making the city a better place. They support their children’s school as well as their church while also adding to the community through their careers.
Chris is a firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT) for the city and continuously helps people through his long shifts.
“Every day is different,” Chris said. “It's a really exciting job. I really enjoy helping people; the best part is actually helping everyone.”
Monica has her own photography business and documents important moments in the lives of community members. Monica Z. Photography has been in business for over 15 years, and she has had her own studio since 2012. Her favorite things to photograph are weddings and babies.
Outside of work, they spend their time raising their two children that are in second and fifth grade. In the past, Monica has overbooked herself with photography, but this year, she has decided to focus some extra time on her kids this summer while balancing her career.
“My kids are at an age right now where they're not babies, but they need me a lot,” Monica said. “I'm trying to be there with them more this summer, and that does allow me to actually volunteer more at the school.”
Before the couple had children, they bonded over going to the gym and that has not changed. Although their lives are busier and they are focused on their children, their home gym makes it easier to stay consistent.
“We set up at a gym in our basement, and that was actually going really strong when COVID happened. We were able to work out at home, and I did my first deadlift meet in February,” Monica said.
Chris and Monica Zibutis participate in charity deadlift meets within the area. These meets raise money for various causes, but the most recent one and the first one Monica participated in was in support of two different veterans charities.
The couple works to support the growing and changing city throughout their daily lives. Monica loves living minutes away from the beach, and Chris grew up in Illinois but moved to Michigan City and emphasized the positive change he has seen since moving.
“In the 18 years I've lived here, Michigan City has changed so much, and I've seen a lot of things change for the better,” Chris said.
Supporting the city’s growth is important to both Chris and Monica. Even if it is a few small impacts, their impacts make a big difference.
“I live here, so I want this place to be better than I came into it,” Chris said. “If I'm going to live somewhere, I'm going to make it better even if it's something as simple as helping my kids’ school. I work for the city and serve in my community. In that manner, I'm here to make this place better.”