When it comes to improving quality of life for residents in Northwest Indiana, it is comforting to know that there is an organization that’s 'got your back.’ Urban League of Northwest Indiana, Inc. was established in 1945 to help remove the social, economic and educational barriers that can prevent minority groups from accessing equal housing and employment opportunities.
Urban League provides services in the areas of education, financial literacy, diversity and inclusion for residents in Lake, Porter and La Porte counties, according to Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud, president and CEO.
“Community partnerships are very important to Urban League,” Allen-McCloud said. “It is through partnerships that we are able to collaborate and provide an array of services to those who are in need.”
Some of the ways that Urban League works to promote equality and break down walls is to offer diversity and inclusion training, college and career workshops, scholarship programs, financial literacy courses, health/wellness programs and civic/civil leadership opportunities.
“For example, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) is a service we provide in the spring,” Allen-McCloud said. “We offer free income tax filing preparation and e-file submission for those individuals who have annual incomes of $60,000 or less. Other entities may charge a fee for processing individual income taxes, however the Urban League does not.”
As part of its mission, Urban League also provides viable programs and opportunities for students to help them ensure post-secondary success. This fall, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26, Urban League (along with the Infinite Scholar Program) is hosting the annual scholarship fair at Indiana University Northwest. More than 60 college, university and ROTC representatives will be on hand offering admission and college scholarship opportunities to high school students and recent graduates.
“Our scholarship fair is for everyone - high school students, recent graduates and college students who have graduated from a two year accredited college or university and wish to pursue a degree at a four-year higher education institution,” Allen-McCloud said. “Those students in attendance are able to receive partial or full ride scholarships on the spot.”
All students are welcome to attend and parents/guardians are encouraged to accompany their students. Students should bring up to 10 copies of their transcripts, grades, resumes and/or ACT or SAT test scores (if available). Advanced registration should be completed before the fair online at www.infinitescholar.org.
Another upcoming Urban League program is the Diversity & Inclusion Awards luncheon. Sponsorships, vendor information and individual reservations are currently being accepted for the annual event that takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25 at Avalon Manor in Merrillville.
“This event highlights and recognizes organizations and individuals who promote diversity in the workplace, community and in leadership,” Allen-McCloud said.
According to Allen-McCloud, there is still much work to be done, and Urban League cannot do it alone. The luncheon recognizes all the people in the community – the businesses, organizations, volunteers – who have reached out in some way to make a difference regarding diversity, equity and inclusion whether at home, at school or in the workplace. This event sets aside a time to celebrate those contributions and thank them for the strides they have made toward creating a more equal and inclusive Region for all.
There is an ongoing need for volunteers – especially during special events like the scholarship fair and the Diversity & Inclusion Awards luncheon, according to Allen-McCloud. More information about volunteer opportunities is available at www.ulofnwi.org.
So Urban League of Northwest Indiana can continue to provide services to those in need, donations are accepted at www.ulofnwi.org or via mailed checks to the Urban League at 3101 Broadway, Gary, IN 46404. Residents also can CashApp to $ULNWI.