Franciscan Health Hammond: Volunteers Advocate for Seniors

Franciscan-Health-Hammond-Volunteers-Advocate-for-SeniorsThe Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults organization of Franciscan Health Hammond welcomed its latest members during a swearing-in ceremony recently in the chambers of Lake Superior Court Civil Division Judge Diane Kavadias Schneider. The program, instituted in 2001 and the brainchild of then-hospital president Tom Gryzbek, is a collaborative effort between the hospital and the court system. It provides trained and supervised volunteers to serve as court-appointed legal guardians to assist the elderly and the courts in decision-making regarding seniors’ needs.

VASIA likewise partners with service delivery programs to develop a continuum of elder law advocacy and guardianship services in the region. Shown with the judge (from left) are: Renee Dykstra, of Lansing; Melanie Anewishki, of Chicago; Marcey McCann, of Dyer; Kari Dillner, of Munster (program intern); Louise Thompson, of Kouts; and Brian Drummond, of Chicago (intern). For more information on the program, visit: www.franciscanhealth.org/VASIA.