United Way Northwest Indiana is proud to announce a gift of $2,500 to support Day of Caring from Lerner and Rowe Gives Back. The donation underscores Lerner and Rowe’s commitment to supporting community-wide volunteerism and the region’s largest single-day service event. 

The 2025 United Way Day of Caring, hosted on August 1st by United Way Northwest Indiana, brought over 650 volunteers to complete more than 80 service projects that strengthened local nonprofits and improved communities. Sponsorships like Lerner and Rowe’s not only made this day possible but will also help United Way expand volunteerism throughout the year. A new volunteer portal will soon make it easier than ever for community members to find and sign up for opportunities to give back year-round.

“Day of Caring is about more than one day—it’s about inspiring ongoing service and collaboration across Northwest Indiana,” said Kristina Fry, Vice President of Development at United Way Northwest Indiana. “Support from partners like Lerner and Rowe Gives Back ensures we can unite nonprofits and volunteers not only for this event, but through year-round opportunities that strengthen the entire region.”

Lerner and Rowe Gives Back, the charitable arm of Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys, is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people and organizations in the communities where their team members live and work.

“We are honored to support Day of Caring and the mission behind it,” said Arianna Baiz, Outreach Director for Lerner and Rowe Gives Back. “United Way’s leadership in bringing nonprofits and volunteers together creates real change. We’re excited to know our sponsorship will also help fuel long-term volunteer efforts through the new portal.”

The $2,500 sponsorship reflects Lerner and Rowe’s commitment to empowering community action and ensuring nonprofits have the volunteers and resources needed to carry out their missions.

For more information about United Way Northwest Indiana’s Day of Caring or to explore year-round volunteer opportunities, visit unitedwaynwi.org.

United Way Northwest Indiana is excited to announce that our Day of Caring 2026 will take place on Friday, September 18, 2026. This event will once again unite people from across the Region to roll up their sleeves and create meaningful change for not-for-profit partners all across the area. 

United Way Northwest Indiana looks to build on the tremendous success of Day of Caring 2025, where more than 650 volunteers worked at 83 project sites and donated over $4.4 million of time and labor to nonprofits across Lake, Porter, Newton, and Jasper counties. Volunteers painted classrooms, cleaned parks, supported nonprofits, and improved neighborhoods—all in one powerful day of action.

“Day of Caring 2025 reminded us just how much can be accomplished when our community comes together,” said Chris White, President & CEO of United Way Northwest Indiana. “We are so excited to build on that success and have our 2026 Day of Caring be even more impactful.  It’s more than volunteer hours—it’s about neighbors helping neighbors and proving that our community can come together when it’s needed most. “

“Day of Caring shows the incredible power of unity in action,” said Evelyn Harris, Director of Volunteer Services for United Way Northwest Indiana. “When our community comes together, real change happens. As we look ahead to 2026, we’re not just organizing another volunteer day, we’re growing a movement of service and compassion.”

Registration for volunteer teams and project sites will open in early 2026. Sponsorship opportunities will also be available. Community members can stay informed by signing up for United Way’s email updates at unitedwaynwi.org/doc/.

Every August, we recognize National Make-A-Will Month—a reminder that planning for the future is one of the most important gifts you can give your loved ones. This year, United Way Northwest Indiana, in partnership with FreeWill.com, is proud to make that process easier by offering a free tool to everyone in our community.

Writing your will may sound complicated, expensive, or like something to put off until “later.” But the truth is, creating a will is 100% free, safe, and surprisingly simple. In just 20 minutes, you can ensure your loved ones are cared for, your wishes are honored, and your values live on. Whether you’re planning for your children, organizing your assets, or even choosing to leave a legacy gift, a will is a powerful reflection of what matters most to you.

Why it matters—right here at home

In Northwest Indiana, thousands of families face unexpected challenges every year. Illness, accidents, and even sudden economic changes can disrupt lives in ways we don’t anticipate. While we can’t predict what tomorrow will bring, we can make sure our families and communities are protected if something happens to us.

According to recent surveys, more than half of American adults don’t have a will. Even among parents with young children, many have not taken this critical step. That leaves families vulnerable to lengthy court processes, added stress, and uncertainty at a time when loved ones most need clarity and comfort.

More than documents—peace of mind

It’s important to understand that making a will isn’t just about distributing property. It’s about making decisions today that spare your loved ones difficult choices tomorrow. Your will can:

• Protect your children by naming guardians.
• Support your spouse or partner by ensuring financial security.
• Reduce conflict among family members by clearly stating your wishes.
• Leave a legacy by designating a gift to a cause or organization close to your heart.

At United Way Northwest Indiana, we see firsthand how thoughtful planning can shape the future of our community. Some supporters have chosen to leave a legacy gift in their wills—ensuring that children have access to early learning, struggling families receive vital support, and local residents gain tools for financial stability for generations to come. These are powerful testaments to the values of generosity and care that define Northwest Indiana.

Common myths that hold people back

Despite the benefits, too many people avoid creating a will because of common misconceptions. Let’s clear a few up:

• “I don’t own much, so I don’t need a will.” Even if you don’t have significant assets, you still need a will to decide who will care for your children, who will receive your belongings, and how your affairs will be handled.
• “It’s too expensive.” Traditionally, wills were written with lawyers, which could cost hundreds of dollars. FreeWill.com makes the process free and accessible to everyone.
• “I’m too young to think about that.” The best time to make a will is before you need one. Life can change quickly—marriage, children, homeownership, or health challenges all make a will more important.
• “It’s complicated.” Modern tools have taken away the intimidation factor. With FreeWill.com, the process is user-friendly, legally sound, and takes less than 20 minutes.

A gift to your loved ones—and your community

Making a will is not about focusing on the end of life. It’s about living with confidence today, knowing your loved ones will be cared for tomorrow. It’s a gift of clarity, protection, and peace of mind.

And for those who choose to go a step further, it can also be a way to strengthen the community we love. Many people in Northwest Indiana have included United Way or other local nonprofits in their wills—not because they are wealthy, but because they care deeply about the Region’s future. Even a small percentage of an estate can have a lasting impact, ensuring that the next generation grows up with more opportunity and hope.

Take the first step this August

If you’ve been putting off this important task, National Make-A-Will Month is the perfect time to act. In less time than it takes to watch a TV episode, you can create a legally valid will that protects your family and reflects your values.

I encourage you to visit www.freewill.com/unitedway today. In just a few minutes, you can give your loved ones peace of mind, ensure your wishes are respected, and—if you choose—make a lasting difference right here in Northwest Indiana.

A little planning today can make a world of difference tomorrow. Don’t wait for “later.”

Start now.

United Way Northwest Indiana, in partnership with Goodwill of Michiana’s Nurse-Family Partnership, has been awarded a $50,000 Collaboration Challenge Grant from First Things First Porter County to launch Health 2 Home Porter County.

At United Way Northwest Indiana, we believe strong communities are, in part, made up of strong families.  Health 2 Home ensures children have the best possible start in life by surrounding families with support beginning in pregnancy and continuing through a child’s first two years.

Through in-home nurse visits, developmental screenings, and wraparound support like childcare, financial wellness and jobs training, the program aims to:

• Improve maternal and child health
• Diagnose developmental and speech delays
• Strengthen parent-child bonding
• Provide access to vital resources with personalized connections

“Health 2 Home is about more than health care—it’s about giving every child the foundation to succeed,” said Chris White President and CEO of United Way Northwest Indiana. “This grant aligns directly with our Youth Opportunities pillar by addressing barriers early so children in Porter County can thrive.”

The program focuses on families most at risk of adverse outcomes, including first-time parents, teen parents, and those facing income, housing, or health challenges. By investing early, Health 2 Home helps break cycles of poverty and opens doors to lifelong opportunities.

UNITED IS THE WAY!

On behalf of our entire team, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our recent American Red Cross Blood Drive. Whether you donated blood, attempted to donate, volunteered your time, or traveled from near and far to participate, your presence truly mattered.

Because of your generosity, we were able to collect 24 units of blood—and according to the Red Cross, one donation can save up to three lives. That means together, we provided the potential to help over 70 patients in need. Each unit represents hope for patients and their families, and every person who showed up played a role in making that possible.

This effort connects directly to one of United Way Northwest Indiana’s core pillars: Healthy Communities. By supporting events like this, we’re not only meeting immediate health needs but also strengthening the overall well-being of our community. It’s a reminder that when we care for one another, we all grow stronger together.

While numbers help tell the story, what makes this event so special is the spirit behind it. We witnessed colleagues encouraging one another, first-time donors bravely stepping forward, and volunteers working tirelessly to keep everything running smoothly. This generosity and compassion reflect the very best of our community.

We are proud of what we accomplished together and deeply grateful to every person who contributed in any way. Whether you rolled up your sleeve, supported behind the scenes, or simply helped spread the word, your actions mattered.

Thank you again for showing up, giving back, and helping build healthier, stronger communities. 💙

UNITED IS THE WAY!

At United Way Northwest Indiana, we’re not just responding to change—we’re leading it.

Our organization is undergoing a strategic transition to deepen our impact and meet the growing needs of the communities we call home. These changes are purposeful – designed to help us more effectively mobilize resources, people and organizations around a shared goal: to create a region where every person has the opportunity to thrive.

As we move forward, our commitment remains clear and strong: We are focused on helping hardworking individuals and families in Northwest Indiana not just survive, but to truly thrive.  Through our Level-Up program, we will help 1,000 families escape poverty…and that’s just the start. 

Every day, United Way makes a difference by addressing critical needs in four key impact areas:

• Healthy Community
• Youth Opportunity
• Financial Security
• Community Resiliency

These pillars define our mission and guide every step we take.

Picture a world where families have access to the health resources they need, where children can pursue their dreams, where communities can thrive in the face of crisis and where families have the support to achieve lasting stability.

That’s the world United Way is working to build—right here in Northwest Indiana.

We can’t do this work alone: We unite nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, and individuals to take on the toughest challenges—together.

Join Us. Be Part of the Movement.

As we reshape our organization to be more agile, more collaborative, and more aligned with community needs, we invite you to stand with us.

Let’s mobilize communities to action—so all can thrive.
Let’s build the future we believe in.
Let’s do it together.

United, we are stronger. United, we are unstoppable.

UNITED IS THE WAY!

United Way Northwest Indiana is proud to announce a generous $2,500 contribution from Dawn Foods, a global leader in bakery manufacturing and ingredients. This gift will directly support United Way’s work to advance financial stability, healthy and resilient communities, and youth opportunity programs throughout the Region.

Founded more than 100 years ago, Dawn Foods has grown into a trusted partner for bakers and food service operators in more than 100 countries. With a strong focus on community engagement, Dawn is committed to supporting initiatives that uplift families, create opportunity, and promote long-term well-being.

“We are proud to support United Way Northwest Indiana and the meaningful work they’re doing to uplift our local communities,” said Jason Barbaro, Dawn Foods North America Corporate Giving representative. “At Dawn, giving back is a core part of our culture. We know this donation will help create real change for families across Northwest Indiana, and we’re honored to be part of that impact.”

United Way Northwest Indiana has been serving Northwest Indiana for decades, uniting donors, volunteers, and partners to address the area’s most pressing challenges. Through programs like Level Up, United Way connects individuals with career training, educational resources, and support services that lead to long-term success. They also collaborate with dozens of community organizations to ensure families have access to food, housing, healthcare, and other essentials.

“We are so grateful for Dawn Foods’ generosity,” said Kelly Jernigan, Director of Engagement at United Way Northwest Indiana. “Their support helps us continue connecting people to opportunity and hope. Together, we’re building a region where everyone has the chance to thrive—and partnerships like this make that possible.”

The $2,500 donation will go directly toward initiatives that create sustainable change—helping residents gain skills for better jobs, ensuring children are prepared for school, and providing resources that strengthen neighborhoods.

UNITED IS THE WAY!

At United Way Northwest Indiana, we are continually reminded of the strength and generosity of our community—and this summer, that generosity truly shined.

Thanks to our incredible partners at Strack & Van Til and the many customers who chose to round up their purchases at checkout, we are proud to announce that together, we raised an incredible $15,000 in support of our mission to build a stronger, more resilient Northwest Indiana.

The Power of Spare Change

It may have seemed like just a few cents here and there, but every time someone chose to round up, they were taking a meaningful step toward real, lasting change. The funds raised directly support programs focused on:

• Youth Opportunities – Giving children and teens the resources, mentorship, and support they need to thrive in school and in life.

• Financial Stability – Helping individuals and families access job training, housing assistance, and financial tools that lead to independence.

• Healthy Communities – Promoting wellness, access to healthcare, and food security for people of all ages.

• Resilient Communities – Supporting families facing hardship and connecting them to services that help them recover, rebuild, and move forward.

This work isn’t possible without the community’s support—and the $15,000 raised through this campaign proves what we can achieve when we come together with a shared purpose.

A Special Thank You to Strack & Van Til

We are deeply grateful to Strack & Van Til for championing this initiative and providing their customers with the opportunity to make a difference every time they shopped. Their continued commitment to local impact and corporate citizenship is what makes them such an invaluable partner in our work.

To the cashiers who asked every single time, the store managers who encouraged participation, and the leadership team who made it all possible—thank you for helping create a culture of giving right at the checkout line.

To Our Donors: You Made This Happen

Whether you gave $0.02 or $2.00, your donation is part of something much bigger. You helped us raise vital funds that will go directly back into the communities where you live, work, and raise your families. You showed up for your neighbors—and we are so grateful.

What’s Next?

Our work is far from over. This campaign is just one of many ways we continue to support and uplift Northwest Indiana. If this campaign inspired you, we encourage you to stay connected, learn more about our programs, and explore additional ways to get involved—whether through giving, advocating, or volunteering.

Let’s keep this momentum going. Because when we come together, there’s no limit to the good we can do.

UNITED IS THE WAY!

Get ready to splash into summer with United Way Northwest Indiana and Deep River Waterpark! We’re excited to offer our supporters an exclusive opportunity to enjoy the sun, water slides, and wave pools while saving a little extra. From July 18–20, 2025, United Way supporters can receive $3 off full-price admission to Deep River Waterpark — a special deal you won’t find anywhere else!

This limited-time offer is just one way we say thank you for being part of our mission to build stronger, more united communities across Northwest Indiana. Whether you’re bringing the kids for a day of excitement or planning a relaxing float down the lazy river, this discount is our treat to you.

Even better? Indiana residents, guests under 46” tall, and seniors 60+ can still use their regular discounts alongside this exclusive United Way coupon. That means more savings and more fun for everyone.

All you need to do is present the attached coupon code at the gate on July 18, 19, or 20 to receive your $3 discount. It’s that easy.

So grab your swimsuit, gather your friends and family, and make your way to Deep River Waterpark. Let’s make a splash this summer — together!

Thank you for supporting United Way. We’ll see you at the waterpark!

📍 Deep River Waterpark – 9001 E Lincoln Hwy, Crown Point, IN 46307
📆 Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 18-20, 2025
⏰ 10AM – 5PM

Want to help but can’t make it to the waterpark?

You can still support our mission to build a better Northwest Indiana. Every contribution helps us uplift more families and strengthen our communities.