In times of struggle, we can always turn to our community to be reminded of all the good happening around us. Throughout 2021, that community was stronger than ever. Whether it was grabbing a friend to run a 5K with you, appreciating front-line workers, fundraising for countless amazing organizations, or celebrating the small stories of success that make our communities the special places that they are, there was a lot of good to go around this year.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 community articles from NWI.Life in 2021:
Goodwill Excel Centers break down barriers to help Indiana residents complete high school education
With close to 200,000 adults in Northern Indiana who do not have a high school diploma, Goodwill Industries of Michiana recognized completing that diploma as a critical need within the communities it serves. While GEDs are an option to further education, Goodwill wanted to offer an alternative and created The Excel Centers.
Strack & Van Til receives Disabled American Veterans award for fundraising efforts
Looking around the Strack & Van Til headquarters lobby, visitors know that the company is doing great things in many communities.
Several plaques and awards are on display as a quiet reminder that Strack & Van Til cares for the community in significant ways. The public is often unaware of the donations made by the company and employees, but the lives that are impacted are a true testament.
7th Annual Hometown Heroes honors, raises funds in support of first responders
Hundreds of bikers gathered at the City of Crown Point’s Bulldog Park on Saturday for the 7th annual Hometown Heroes Charity Bike Run. The police-escorted ride spanned 50 miles of roads throughout the Region, honoring first responders and veterans as well as raising funds to support local officers.
City of Hobart first responders puts city and its residents above all
“There is no ‘half in’ when it comes to being a first responder. It’s all or nothing.”
Modern-day superheroes, heaven-sents, or saviors, however you choose to identify them, first responders in Hobart, like Assistant Fire Chief and Public Information Officer John Reitz, are committed to the city and its residents like no other.
First Merchants Bank donates $10,000 to St. Joseph’s Carmelite Home after destructive fire
After the fire on Sunday, May 16 at St. Joseph’s Carmelite Home, one of its board members, Stephanie Madison, knew that First Merchants Bank would want to get involved. Working as the corporate social responsibility officer and knowing that the need fit First Merchants Bank’s mission, Madison felt the request to aid Carmelite Home was a simple one.
Leon’s Triathlon supports vets and draws aid from Overhead Door Company Of Northwest Indiana™
Just a few weeks from now, on June 6, veterans, athletes, and other people from across the country and around the world are set to converge on Wolf Lake Memorial Park for a simple goal: supporting and empowering U.S. servicemen and women, especially injured veterans, by participating in Leon’s Triathlon. Please arrive by 7:00 a.m. Streets Will be shut down for the start of the race at 8:00 a.m. Any volunteers that would like to participate in setting up the field of flags on Thursday afternoon June 3rd and taking the flags down on Sunday, June 6 midday would be greatly appreciated.
Big Shoulders Fund partners with Hammond Optimist Club, United Rental Flooring for school renovation
Since bringing its initiative to Northwest Indiana in 2019, Big Shoulders Fund has provided local Catholic schools and nearly 6,000 students with the vital resources and funding they need. While their services often present as tuition vouchers, scholarships, and leadership programs for educators, Big Shoulders Fund recently took on a new community project: a flooring renovation.
Rock walls, recording studios, teen centers, and teaching kitchens: this is just a sample of what’s available at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana
When the first Club in the Region opened in Gary in 1954, it was the start of an organization that would continue to grow its roots throughout Northwest Indiana. Now with nine Clubs from East Chicago to Cedar Lake to Chesterton, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana has helped children reach their full potential with after-school programs, sports leagues, and a focus on healthy lifestyles and good citizenship.
City of Lake Station reflects on past and steps into future as unified community
The City of Lake Station has a rich and vivid history, and like many of the cities that populate the Region, Lake Station was built on the backs of industry. Founded in 1851, Lake Station was created in conjunction with the Michigan Central Railroad coming to the area. This resulted in the first railroad station in Lake County. The land that now comprises the city was once home to the Potawatomi Native American tribe. The geography of Lake Station is unique, as is all of Northwest Indiana due to the many sand dunes and moraines that dot the landscape.
City of Hammond names first Black police chief, honors outgoing chief with key to the city
For the first time in city history, Hammond’s police department is being led by a Black police chief.
Following the sudden resignation of John Doughty, who had held the position for seven years, Mayor Tom McDermott Jr. named William “Andy” Short as the new Chief of the Hammond Police Department. Short brings more than three decades of experience to the office, having worked in nearly every role imaginable at the station, from K-9 and SWAT units to his previous position as assistant chief.