Patient graduates from inpatient rehabilitation in Portage
The Inpatient Rehabilitation floor at Northwest Health–Portage recently enhanced the way they celebrate patients who have successfully completed their intensive rehabilitation programs, according to a release.
“At their time of discharge, our graduates receive a certificate, homemade Inpatient Rehabilitation tote bag, and a Ms. or Mr. Independent bracelet. As they leave the unit, our team lines up to celebrate the patient with cheers, clapping, hugs and high-fives,” Jennifer Sobczynski, manager of the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, said in the release. The unit provides comprehensive care and support to patients recovering from a wide range of medical conditions, including strokes, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic surgeries and neurological disorders, the release said.
Franciscan Health’s FIT-Together program returns
Franciscan Health’s free FIT-Together program, a family-centered approach to health and wellness, is open for registration, according to a release.
The six-week fitness program is intended for households with children between the ages of 7 and 13. The program includes a free six-week family membership to the Y, family fitness activities, nutrition education, cooking demos, budget-friendly healthy recipes and tastings, meal kits for recreating recipes at home, family mindfulness and resilience strategies, giveaways and more, the release said.
The program takes place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 2 through May 7 at the Hammond Family YMCA, 7322 Southeastern Ave. Registration is required. For information, email or call Stacy Zembala at Stacy.Zembala@franciscanhealth.org or 219-227-4564 for more information.
Empowering’ event focuses on women’s self-care, mindfulness
An upcoming free retreat hosted by Community Healthcare System is designed to help women focus on self-care to support a balanced and healthy life, according to a release.
Empowering Women’s Retreat will take place from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 20 at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road. It will feature a keynote address, breakout sessions, health screenings and exhibits. Registration is required by April 12 and can be made by calling 219-703-2054. All participants must select their breakout sessions at the time of registration, the release said.
Dr. Lamia Katbi will deliver a keynote address about prioritizing physical and mental health to manage stress. Breakout session topics will include “Self-care Through Self-defense,” ”Intimate inquiries: Ask a Doctor” and “Pocketbook Planning” in the first session. The second session will include “Mindful Meditation and Chair Yoga,” “You Are What You Eat” and ”Cultivating Your Emotional Health.”
For more information, visit COMHS.org/empowering.
Indiana Dunes Tourism is accepting grant applications
Indiana Dunes Tourism is offering $50,000 in grants to fund community projects, marketing initiatives and unique events aligning with Indiana Dunes Tourism’s mission, according to a release.
The deadline for all grant applications is 11:59 p.m. April 12, with winners being announced May 1, the release said.
Porter County for-profit, nonprofit and government organizations are eligible. Private-sector applications will also be considered if the project or event attracts visitors outside Porter County. Applications are available at IndianaDunes.com/Grant-Programs.
Franciscan Health Crown Point, partners hosting Safe Kids Day
Children and their families are invited to join in the fun at the free Safe Kids Day on from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 6 at the Dean & Barbara White Southlake YMCA, 100 W. Burrell Drive, Crown Point, according to a release.
The event will include a variety of activities along with educational booths with information about keeping kids safe, healthy and happy. Families will learn more about bike safety, child passenger safety, stranger danger, dental care, home safety, CPR, first aid, pet safety, medication safety, the Franciscan Health Prenatal Assistance Program, safe sleeping, breastfeeding, water safety, YMCA summer camps and more, the release said.
Safe Kids Day is a project of Safe Kids Northwest Indiana in partnership with sponsors Franciscan Health Crown Point, the Dean & Barbara White YMCA, CareSource, Cleveland-Cliffs, Community Partners for Child Safety, the Crown Point Community Foundation, Geminus Corp. and Victory for Kids. The event is free, but registration is required. Register by calling the Dean & Barbara White Southlake YMCA at 219-663-5810.
Northwest Health – Porter names new Chief Nursing Officer
Dr. James Leonard, CEO for Northwest Health – Porter has appointed Gena DeMuth as the hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer, according to a release.
As the CNO, DeMuth will oversee all nursing operations.
DeMuth brings nearly 20 years of experience in nursing leadership, having served as interim CNO for Northwest Health – Porter since May 2023, the release said. She joined Northwest Health–Starke in 2014 and has held various positions, including director of medical-surgical care at Northwest Health – Porter and director of risk management and infection prevention at Northwest Health – LaPorte and Starke. She is also a certified emergency nurse, the release said.
Gena DeMuth (Provided/Northwest Health)
South Shore Line hosting job fair
The South Shore Line is hosting a job fair to help fill multiple open entry- and mid-level positions. The event will take place from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. CDT on Tuesday at the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority, 7770 Corinne Dr., Hammond.
Current open positions include on-board ticket collector; Mechanical Department shift supervisor; patrol officer; and terminal carmen/cleaner. SSL representatives from multiple departments will be available to meet with prospective employees.
All open positions can be viewed online prior to attending the job fair by going to https://northernindianacommutertransportationdistrict.applytojob.com/apply.
Prospective applicants may apply for positions in-person at the job fair via their mobile devices, and on-the-spot interviews may occur. Applicants are encouraged to bring a copy of their résumé.
Benefits that SSL employees receive may include the following: Access to Railroad Retirement; excellent healthcare; tuition reimbursement; training opportunities; Union membership; competitive pay; 401(a); and many growth opportunities.
For more information, please visit mysouthshoreline.com/nictd/careers/.
