South Cook News

Franciscan Health, in partnership with the Lake County Courts, has welcomed four new Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults (VASIA). The swearing-in ceremony took place on October 15 and was led by Lake Superior Court Probate Commissioner Ben Ballou. The new advocates are Blanca Aranda of Crown Point, Francine Gildon of Merrillville, Christopher Mignogna of Cedar Lake, and Lauree Pondinas of St. John.

The VASIA program provides trained and supervised volunteers to serve as court-appointed agents for elderly and incapacitated adults who cannot represent themselves. Now in its 23rd year, the program works with various organizations across Lake County to offer elder law advocacy and guardianship services.

Volunteers undergo a screening process before joining the program. Once accepted, they must complete 30 hours of initial training and 12 hours of continuing education each year, led by professionals from legal, social service, health, and mental health fields. Volunteers handle one case at a time as agents of the program.

VASIA Director LaVonne Jarrett said, “The people that we serve are going to be changed by what you bring to the program.”

Commissioner Ballou emphasized the importance of the volunteers’ work: “a true necessity having you step up to answer this call is truly commendable.” He added, “You are advocating for people who have no one. That’s truly sad to see, but the reality is, now they have you.”

Francisca Mendoza, VASIA Volunteer Coordinator, described the impact volunteers have on those they serve: “They are scared and confused and alone and then their volunteer advocate walks in and they see their beautiful smile and kind words, ‘I’m here to speak up for you, to make sure they take care of you. Is that OK?’ In time, you will see their hearts soften and they will grow to depend on you and trust you and that is what advocating for them means.”

The VASIA program receives partial funding from grants provided by the Indiana Supreme Court, Legacy Foundation, Inc., other funders at local, state and national levels, as well as individual donors through the Franciscan Health Foundation.

MinDee Richard, Development Director at Franciscan Health Foundation said the VASIA program “really exemplifies the mission of our healthcare system and our Sisters.” She continued: “We really try to promote the dignity of the human life and experience and this program does that…You may save a life. You may save someone from the crushing burden of loneliness.”

Information about supporting or volunteering for VASIA can be found at FranciscanHealthFoundation.org or www.franciscanhealth.org/VASIA.