There have been a wide variety of businesses, organizations, and communities that have been giving back to others and making the Region the best place it can be.
Northwest Indiana continues to grow and prosper due to the determination and relentless impact community members are making throughout the year. Those sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, and we love shining a spotlight on those that go the extra mile to make the community a more positive place.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 community articles on LaPorteCounty.Life to recap the good news in 2023!
American RENOLIT workforce comes together to donate to Family Advocates
It’s truly amazing what can be accomplished when people come together for a good cause. On Wednesday, January 18, American RENOLIT donated $3,000 to Family Advocates, a county-wide advocacy and intervention agency that aids at-risk children and families through many different programs. American RENOLIT'S donation serves as a reminder that, when many come together, a small act of kindness can have a powerful, positive impact.
LEAP kicks off three-year community investor campaign
Businesspeople from La Porte and Michigan City gathered together to support La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP) and Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City (EDCMC)'s Community Investor Campaign at Shady Creek Winery. These economic development organizations partner every three years to collaborate on a campaign to raise funding for their operations.
La Porte Fire Department's annual Pancake Breakfast shows what community is all about
There’s nothing better than good food and even better company. On Saturday, April 29, the City of La Porte Fire Department held its second annual pancake breakfast. Families, friends, and community leaders all gathered at Fire Station 1 to munch on some delicious pancakes and make some unforgettable memories, all while raising money for a good cause.
Michigan City High School resource officer shows off school pride with student-designed car
In high school, there’s often nothing more meaningful than the bond between a resource officer and the students they serve to protect. On Friday, April 28 Sergeant Michelle Widelski from the Michigan City Police Department proved that the love between her and her Michigan City High School (MCHS) students runs deep when she revealed her new student-designed police car. The unveiling of the car showed that Widelski is more than just a resource officer--she’s a mentor and a friend.
Slicer Champions Mentoring program provides tools to navigate school and life
Since 2017, Slicer Champions — a school-based mentoring program at La Porte High School — has been pairing students with local mentors to help teens navigate school and life.
Slicer Champions Program Coordinator Amanda Lower revealed that American Licorice Company originated the idea for a local mentoring program and reached out to La Porte High School to create Slicer Champions.
Michigan City Police Department's Youth Leadership Academy pushes youth to be all they can be
The development of young leaders is important for our community’s future, and no one understands that better than the Michigan City Police Department. That’s why they started a summer Youth Leadership Academy to help children going into sixth, seventh, and eighth grade gain leadership skills, learn more about their community, and build new relationships.
HFL's capacity-building efforts with jumpstart propel local nonprofits
Healthcare Foundation of La Porte (HFL) supports La Porte County nonprofits in a variety of ways, from providing grants and educational opportunities to networking and a county-wide AED program. A key support HFL provides nonprofits is capacity building.
Capacity building is anything needed to bring a nonprofit to the next level of operational, programmatic, financial, or organizational maturity. This support enables nonprofits to work more effectively and efficiently, improving the health and wellness of the community.
1st Source Foundation helps La Porte County Family YMCA touch more lives with $27,000 grant
This summer, La Porte County Family YMCA created Michigan City’s first-ever full Summer Day Camp to help keep children involved while they’re not in school and to provide working parents some peace of mind knowing their children are well taken care of during the workday. However, many families in Michigan City struggle with poverty. Now, thanks to the generosity of the 1st Source Foundation and its $27,000 grant, La Porte County Family YMCA is able to offer this wonderful program at a reduced cost to families in need.
La Porte County Family YMCA’s mission has always been to provide quality programming to people of all backgrounds, regardless of their ability to pay, but what many people may not realize is that this mission is made possible by the kindness of the community.
Rock the Block serves La Porte community through free school supplies and community spirit
For over a decade, Rock the Block has become a signal of the start of the school year to La Porte community members. The annual back-to-school rally acts simultaneously as a social event and a helping hand to those in need of supplies or simply a place to gather with friends and neighbors.
Annual Tour de La Porte brings fun and fitness together for a healthier community
The Tour de La Porte has been a fixture in the county for over two decades. People from across Northwest Indiana flock to the annual event for a chance to run, walk, or bike across the City of La Porte, and this year proved to be no different.