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839 Massachusetts St. Gary, IN 46402
Tel: 219-885-9755


Our Moms, Our Babies: Connecting Families to Maternal Health Resources
On December 11, Methodist Hospitals welcomed the community to its annual Community Baby Shower, Our Moms, Our Babies, at the Gary Public Library. The event brought together families and local organizations for a day of resources, presentations, and giveaways from multiple community partners, including Community Advocates of Northern Indiana (CANI). Among those who attended was Deenoel Clayton, a mother of three, who joined the event with her seven-year-old son, four-month-old

Demarion Newell
Jan 82 min read


World AIDS Day: Standing Together for Awareness, Health, and Hope
On the first day of December, as flurries of snow were hitting the ground and temperatures dipped below 40 degrees, Community Advocates of Northern Indiana (CANI) joined The Gary Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., at the Flourish Church for their World AIDS Day Gospel Celebration. We stood alongside Community Partners from across the Region to unite for this important celebration. Each year on December 1st, this event is dedicated to raising awareness about

Demarion Newell
Dec 11, 20252 min read


Understanding Smoking & Kidney Health: A THRIVE Presentation Recap
Community Advocates of Northern Indiana (CANI) was excited to partner with The Aliveness Project NWI, Inc. to host an educational session with their Thrive Group, a support group for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The presentation, led by CANI’s Outreach Director Nicole Otis, focused on the connection between smoking and kidney disease and the unique health considerations faced by this community. As a nonprofit dedicated to advancing health equity and empowering residents

Demarion Newell
Nov 7, 20252 min read


Building Community and Bringing Hope: Making Strides against Breast Cancer of Northwest Indiana
The Community Advocates of Northern Indiana Team at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk Bringing hope, healing, and unity to Lake County, Making Strides of Northwest Indiana drew more than 1,000 walkers to the Lake County Fairgrounds on October 12 for a day dedicated to breast cancer awareness and community support. The walk began with an energizing performance from the Merrillville High School marching band and cheerleaders, setting the tone for a morning filled w

Demarion Newell
Oct 31, 20252 min read


In Her Words: Carolyn B. Jackson's Journey to the Statehouse
We often hear stories about politicians who grew up dreaming of becoming president or representing their hometowns. But for...

Demarion Newell
Oct 2, 20253 min read


Building Bridges: CANI joined the IBLC Town Hall to elevate community voices across Northwest Indiana.
On September 20, Community Advocates of Northern Indiana (CANI) joined the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) Town Hall meeting in...

Demarion Newell
Sep 19, 20252 min read


Community Fall Fest: Celebrating Health, Fun, and Early Screenings
CANI was proud to join the 5th Annual Community Fall Fest, offering free BMI checks and behavioral health screenings. Screenings matter—nearly 43% of patients screened show signs of anxiety or depression, often undiagnosed, and half of all mental health conditions begin by age 14. Events like Fall Fest help us bring vital resources directly to the community.

Demarion Newell
Sep 15, 20252 min read


Building Healthier Communities in East Chicago
On July 29, Community Advocates of Northern Indiana had the privilege of joining the HealthLinc East Chicago Community Health Fair.

Demarion Newell
Aug 4, 20252 min read


Building Connection: Beloved Community Coalition Confronts Loneliness Epidemic
Dr. Jay Foster presenting on the Congregational Care Network Last year, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared loneliness and...

Demarion Newell
Jul 16, 20252 min read
LCTFC Coalition Meeting Minutes | March 2025
Notes from the Lake County Tobacco Free Coalition Meeting Minutes
Lake County Tobacco Free Coalition
Mar 18, 20255 min read
LCTFC Coalition Meeting Minutes | February 2025
12 in Attendance [MEMBER NAMES REDACTED] Reading of Our Mission & Vision Statements Read by Jessica Baker Mental Moment Kirsten led the...
Lake County Tobacco Free Coalition
Feb 19, 20255 min read
February Letter to the Editor: The ALA's State of Tobacco Control Report & The Tobacco Tax
Dear Editor: I was saddened to see Indiana’s grades in American Lung Association’s (ALA) 2025 “State of Tobacco Control” report. The...
Nicole Otis
Feb 18, 20251 min read
January Letter to the Editor | Raising the Tobacco Tax
Dear Editor: Lawmakers will soon get down to the business of addressing a $1 billion shortfall in the state’s Medicaid budget. Tackling a...
Lake County Tobacco Free Coalition
Jan 29, 20251 min read
LCTFC Coalition Meeting Minutes | January 2025
Reading of Our Mission & Vision Statements Led by Adrienne Jackson Mental Moment Kirsten Robinson led us in a minute of deep breathing...
Lake County Tobacco Free Coalition
Jan 15, 20256 min read


2024 End of Year Review Video
As we prepare to welcome 2025, the Lake County Tobacco Free Coalition proudly presents its Year End Video, showcasing the remarkable...
Lake County Tobacco Free Coalition
Jan 1, 20251 min read
LCTFC Coalition Meeting Minutes | December 2024
Mission & Vision Statements were read by Kirsten Robinson to open the meeting Holiday Havoc Each member present introduced themselves and...
Lake County Tobacco Free Coalition
Dec 19, 20242 min read
December Letter to the Editor | World AIDS Day
To: Editor From: Lake County Tobacco-free Coalition As we observe World AIDS Day (December 1), it’s important to recognize the growing...
Lake County Tobacco Free Coalition
Dec 15, 20241 min read
LCTFC Community Education Event & Meeting | November 2024
Thursday, November 21 2024 @ 1:30pm Minutes This month's coalition meeting was in conjunction with our Community Education Event:...
Lake County Tobacco Free Coalition
Nov 21, 20242 min read
November Letter to the Editor | The Great American Smokeout
To the Editor: Thursday, November 21st is the Great American Smokeout, a day set aside by the American Cancer Society to encourage...
Lake County Tobacco Free Coalition
Nov 7, 20241 min read
LCTFC Coalition Meeting | October 2024
Mission & Vision Statements The Mission and Vision Statements were read by Karina Activity - How Full is My Cup Everyone colored in their...
Lake County Tobacco Free Coalition
Oct 15, 20243 min read
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