Minority Health Initiative

To commemorate the premiere of Michael Jackson’s long anticipated biopic, Community Advocates of Northern Indiana (CANI) welcomed community members to join their CANI Movie Club event at Emagine Theater in Portage. As a part of CANI movie club, CANI ties health and wellness initiatives in with the film. CANI CEO Tracy Lewis set the tone for an evening connected to the themes of the Michael movie: struggle, healing, discipline, and resilience with a presentation on healthier l

Just before the start of National Kidney Month, Community Advocates of Northern Indiana (CANI) was honored to be invited back to THRIVE, a support group for individuals living with HIV/AIDS at the Aliveness Project NWI. Across the United States, approximately 1 in 7 adults are living with chronic kidney disease—a condition that often goes undiagnosed but can lead to serious health complications. However, proper nutrition can help prevent or slow its progression by maintaining

CEO, Tracy Lewis, presenting on Student Engagement through Social Emotional Learning To kick off the new year, 21st Century Charter School brought together staff for its Spring 2026 Professional Development Day, welcoming a series of presenters to engage educators ahead of the semester’s return to the classroom. Professional Development Days provide an opportunity for staff learning, growth, collaboration, and the continued strengthening of professional expertise. Community A

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

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

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 wi

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.

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