Strategic Priorities
Healthcare Foundation of La Porte (HFL) makes grants to support our strategic priorities of Healthy Children, Healthy Living, and Healthy Minds. These priorities were selected through a strategic planning process that identified the community needs that most affect the health and wellness of La Porte County residents.
For each strategic priority, HFL has a defined result we seek and set of indicators. A result is the condition of well-being we seek in the community. Indicators are community-level data that provide critical information to suggest whether the projects, programs, and policies that partners are implementing are improving the condition of well-being in the community. Indicators are used to measure progress toward the result we seek, and indicators help us all to see where we are making progress and where we need to redouble our efforts.
HEALTHY CHILDREN
The health of La Porte’s children is one of HFL’s greatest priorities. Children’s health is inseparable from HFL’s mission of empowering La Porte County residents to live healthy and well given the lifelong benefits of good childhood health, for both individuals and communities.
Result: Children in La Porte County are healthy, well, and safe.
Indicators: Indicators to measure Healthy Children include the best available individual-level measures of general health of children, as well as community- and systems-level measures that can improve children’s health.
HEALTHY LIVING
Obesity and weight-related chronic disease are severe obstacles to a person’s ability to live a long and fulfilling life. The many negative consequences of unhealthy weight, poor diet, and physical inactivity can lead to serious health risks, greater medical costs, and a lower quality of life.
Reducing the negative effects of poor physical health and its impact on our community is a key component of HFL’s mission of empowering La Porte County residents to live healthy and well. For this reason, HFL has identified Healthy Living as a strategic priority, and we are committed to helping La Porte County residents improve their physical health.
Result: La Porte County residents are healthy and well, can access nutritious foods, and enjoy active living.
Indicators: Indicators to measure Health Living include the best available individual-level measures of nutrition, physical activity, and obesity and related chronic diseases, as well as community-level measures of infrastructure that can increase access to, and uptake of, healthy behaviors.
Indicators
Adults 20+
• Who are obese
• Who are sedentary
• With Diabetes
• Without Health
Insurance
Age-Adjusted Death Rate due to:
• Cerebrovascular disease (stroke)
• Colorectal cancer
• Coronary heart disease
• Diabetes
• Breast Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
HEALTHY MINDS
Mental health is a vital component of a person’s well-being and is connected to physical health. Mental health affects how we feel, think, and behave. Positive mental health allows people to handle stress, take care of their physical health, work productively, contribute to their communities, and realize their full potential.
The importance of mental health for a person’s overall health and well-being, and the negative effects of untreated mental illness, substance misuse, and tobacco use on individuals, families, and our community, has led HFL to identify Healthy Minds as a strategic priority. By supporting programs that focus on the prevention and treatment of mental health disorders, we can empower residents to live healthy and well in La Porte County.
Result: La Porte County residents experience positive mental health and can access support and treatment for mental health conditions, including substance use disorder.
Indicators: Indicators used to measure Healthy Minds include the best available individual-level measures of mental health among adults, as well as community- and systems-level measures of infrastructure and resources to address mental health.
Indicators
• Adults who smoke
• Adults who drink excessively
• Alcohol-impaired driving deaths
• Age-adjusted drug and opioid-involved overdose
death rate
• Non-fatal emergency department visits due
to opiod overdoses
• Heroin treatment rate
• Age-adjusted death rate due to suicide
• Mental health provider rate
• Poor mental health days
HEALTHY LA PORTE
Healthy La Porte grants meet community health and wellness needs that fall outside of HFL’s strategic priorities of of Healthy Children,
Healthy Living, and Healthy Minds and demonstrate a connection to HFL’s mission and vision. HFL accepts Healthy La Porte grant requests of $25,000 and under.
Our goals for Healthy La Porte grants are:
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Expand successful, existing programs that improve the health and wellness of La Porte County residents
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Test new, promising initiatives to meet health and wellness needs identified in La Porte County
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Collaborate to better meet health and wellness needs identified in La Porte County
HEALTHY PARTNERS
Many community organizations are eager to strengthen the skills and training of their leadership and staff. HFL has identified capacity building as a funding priority to help organizations develop and strengthen the skills, abilities, and resources that are needed to make even more impactful change in our community. HFL provides Healthy Partners grants by invitation only.
Our goals for Healthy Partners grants are:
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Increase the impact of nonprofit organizations in La Porte County
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Strengthen and grow the knowledge, infrastructure, management, and governance of nonprofit organizations in La Porte County
Nonprofit Leadership Academy
HFL partners with Indiana University Executive Education at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs to bring best-in-class leadership training for nonprofit organizations to La Porte County. Participants fulfilling all requirements receive a certificate from Indiana University.
The program includes six practical training modules in: Nonprofit Management in the 21st Century, Strategic and Operational Planning, Financial Management, Marketing and Communication, Planning for Fundraising Success, and Results-Based Accountability™. Courses are taught by seasoned practitioners.
2019 Graduates:
Christopher Taelman – Hospice Foundation
Jim Musial – Citizens Concerned for the Homeless
Gabrielle Ginther – Dunebrook
Edward Seal – Home Team La Porte County
Shannon Walker – La Porte County YMCA
Cheryl Dauer – La Porte County Meals on Wheels
Jeremy Sobecki – La Porte County Park Foundation
Monica Komasinki – Leadership La Porte County
Ashley Robbins – New Prairie Education Foundation
Erin Mooneyhan – Paladin, Inc.
Dorota Janik – Reins of Life
Ephphatha Malden – Swanson Center
Debbie Sellers – The Social and Learning Institute
Maria Galka – Visiting Nurse Association of NWI
Brandi Lewis – Boys and Girls Club of Michigan City
Karen Biernacki – Family Advocates
Connor Podkul – Friendship Botanic Gardens
Mario Rosa – La Porte Community Schools
2018 Class Graduates:
Lisa Smithson – Arts in the Park
Jeanne Ann Cannon – Dunebrook
Jennifer Olson – Healthy Communities of La Porte County
Amber Poff – Indiana Guardianship Services
Nanda Danitschek – La Porte County Symphony Orchestra
Janet Bloch – Lubeznik Center for the Arts
Michelle Shirk – Lubeznik Center for the Arts
Diane Wilczewski – Meals on Wheels
Casaundra “Kay” Hill – Stepping Stone Shelter for Women
Larry Smith – The Intrepid Phoenix
Nathan Loucks – The Pax Center
Kris Pate – United Way of La Porte County
Debra S. Varnak – Unity Foundation of La Porte County
Steven Bernth – Youth Service Bureau
Sandy Cogswell - Anam Cara Stables
Nonprofit Leadership Academy Graduates, 2019
HFL accepts grant requests for our When Seconds Count: AED Initiative once per year beginning on February 14.
For 2023 AED requests, please note that HFL closed the grant application process on February 24 as we received an unprecedented number of requests in just ten days. Due to global supply chain challenges, HFL has a limited number of AEDs to award this year. We thank you for your understanding.
COVID-19 EMERGENCY GRANTS
HFL responded quickly to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March of 2020, HFL’s Board of Directors approved an emergency grants plan to support community needs related to the pandemic. The plan outlined priority needs and a simplified application and decision process that prioritized quick responses (within 48 hours) and disbursement of grant funds.
Since March 25, 2020, HFL has awarded over $800,000 in emergency grants to address food insecurity; the elderly and high-risk populations; supplies to support emergency response, including protective equipment for healthcare and emergency response workers; and unrestricted funds to support operations and provide continuity for nonprofit organizations. Most grants were made between March and June of 2020.
COVID-19 Emergency Grants Awarded to the Community March 26, 2020 to May 2021
Total Grants Awarded: $813,025
Category: Food needs for La Porte County residents with food insecurity = $132,377
The Salvation Army of La Porte $35,000
Grant funds to be used to purchase food and supplies to continue and increase meals and food boxes distributed.
The Salvation Army of La Porte $2,869
Funds will be used to purchase meat for approximately 34,000 meals.
The Salvation Army of Michigan City $20,000
Grant funds to be used to purchase food items, boxes/bags for prepacking groceries, and personal care products (paper towels, soap, diapers, shampoo, tissue) to be distributed to those in need through the food pantry.
The Salvation Army of Michigan City $1,608
Funds will be used to purchase two chest freezers.
South Central Weekend Food Program $3,400
Funds to provide healthy food including dairy, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, meats and eggs to low -income families in the South Central School area.
Sacred Heart Church Food Pantry $5,000
Funds to assist purchase of necessary items for the food pantry.
Arise & Shine Food and Outreach Center $16,000
Funds to be used to purchase food and supplies due to the increased number of families accessing the Food Center.
Lamb’s Chapel United Methodist-Good Shepherd Food Pantry $5,000
Funds to be used to purchase food to feed families experiencing loss of income.
Saint Vincent de Paul Food Pantry $5,000
Funds to purchase food to feed individuals experiencing loss of income.
Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church $10,000
Funds to be used to purchase oven, freezer, and additional food.
First Presbyterian Church of Michigan City $8,000
First Presbyterian Church of Michigan City $3,000
Funds to be used to cover increased costs of soup kitchen services.
Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry $10,000
Funds to be used to cover costs of processing and transporting meat donated to La Porte County food pantries.
Share Foundation $6,000
Funds will be used to cover food expenses for staff and residents.
Supplemental Food Pantry $1,000
Funds will be used to cover food expenses for increased usage of pantry during the pandemic.
Community Food Pantry of Galena, Hudson, Kankakee & Wills Townships $3,500
Funds will be used to cover food expenses for increased usage of pantry during the pandemic.
Category: The elderly and other high-risk populations = $108,545
Catholic Charities $ 40,000
Funds to be used for rent, mortgage and gas card assistance for low-income La Porte County residents.
North Central Community Action Agencies $40,000
Funds to be used for low-income residents of La Porte County for assistance with rent and mortgage payments.
Housing Opportunities $15,000
Funds to be used to assist low-income La Porte County residents with rent, transportation costs and student education needs.
La Porte County Meals on Wheels $8,545
Funds used to provide frozen meals and additional supplies.
Unity Foundation of La Porte County (Home Team of La Porte) $5,000
Funds will be used to temporarily shelter people experiencing homelessness that have tested positive for COVID-19.
Category: Healthcare & Emergency workers in need of protective gear & equipment = $381,967
All La Porte County firefighters (applied by La Crosse Volunteer Fire Department) $24,620
Gear Decontamination kits for 16 volunteer fire departments in La Porte County, 4 fire departments in Michigan City and 3 fire departments in
La Porte City.
Northwest Health – La Porte $163,700
Funds to be used to protect healthcare providers, staff and patients at Northwest Health – La Porte. Funding includes: Intubation Boxes, Lucas Equipment (provides mechanical chest compressions for patients with sudden cardiac arrest), Canvas Duck Masks (to protect hospital support staff and other healthcare providers- not intended for frontline providers), Glide Scope (video laryngoscopy for intubation) and Patient Bedside Monitors.
La Porte County Emergency Medical Services $152,747
Funds to be used to purchase 11 Lucas Equipment, which provides mechanical chest compressions for patients with sudden cardiac arrest, for each of the EMS rigs.
Visiting Nurse Association $19,230
Funds to be used for laptops to help administrative and support staff work from home.
Citizens Concerned for the Homeless $21,670
Funds to be used for increased staff needs and maintenance of facilities.
Category: Other needs (related to COVID-19 crisis) = $179,136
City of La Porte $20,000
Funds to assist hiring a Communication director during the COVID-19 crisis.
La Porte County Small Animal Shelter $5,000
Funds to assist with food needs & vet for abandoned pets and owners without funds to attend pet’s needs.
La Porte County Family YMCA $25,000
Funds to assist in maintaining not for profit daily operations.
Worthy Women Recovery Home $5,000
Funds to assist in maintaining not for profit operation of the Worthy Women Recovery Home.
Friendship Botanic Gardens $25,000
Funds will be used to maintain not for profit operations of the gardens.
PPE Purchased for the Community $48,853
Masks, gloves, and other personal protective equipment bought and given to the community.
Hispanic Community Outreach $1,483
Provide communication and resources for COVID-19 (masks, hand sanitizer, etc.).
Center Township Trustee – La Porte County $7,000
Provide a Spanish-speaking case manager to bridge the gap between the Hispanic community and provide help navigating various programs and services.
Center Township Trustee – La Porte County $2,800
Funds used to assist residents with fumigation needs.
American Red Cross $6,000
Bring additional blood drives to the La Porte area.
La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau $3,000
La Porte County COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign marketing.
Stepping Stone Shelter for Women $10,000
Replaced hot water heater at the shelter.
Stepping Stone Shelter for Women $20,000
Facility upgrades and repairs at Stepping Stone.
Category: 2019 Grants Redirected for COVID-19 Relief = $11,000
Unity Foundation of La Porte County (Home Team of La Porte) $11,000
Funds redirected to assist with the homeless population during this crisis.
