Board member Sylvia Graham lends an ear to Porter County Aging and Community Services’ clients seeking assistance.
“I have been accepted by the clientele who are willing to share their experiences - good and bad - and I work to help correct the problem,” Graham said. “I am proud that they have enough confidence in me to take care of the problem.”
She also serves as a liaison as an at-large member of the Porter County Council, which she joined in 2008.
“I keep the council informed of what is going on and foresee problems to relate back to the council. It’s very important for me to have a good rapport with the board and communication is very important,” she said.
PCACS Executive Director Bruce Lindner said Graham has already established a vital role on the board since joining about a year ago.
“Sylvia is very instrumental in helping county council members understand the services that we provide,” he said. “She is a real advocate for seniors.”
Graham credits her personal experience and background as avenues to understanding senior challenges. She retired after working as a Registered Nurse and Cardiovascular Nurse Practitioner. She worked at both Porter Health System and Northwest Indiana Cardiovascular Physicians.
“My RN background is very helpful to me. It gives me a lot of empathy,” she said. “I am very committed to this age group and very familiar with the challenges individuals confront at this age. I took care of my mother before she passed. She moved in with me when she was 92 and she passed at 97.”
As a board member, Graham looks to the future of PCACS’ transportation services.
“We have an aging population with growing concerns and problems that must be addressed. I would like PCACS to maintain and, if possible, grow the transportation areas. People on renal analysis … it is life or death for them to get to those appointments,” she said. “A population should be judged by the way they treat their aging and challenged members. PCACS has so many programs that help so many people.”
Graham has been a resident of Porter County for 50 years, married to husband Jack for 52 years and has two children and four grandchildren. She was a Porter County 4-H leader for eight years, announcing the 4-H horse and pony shows. She is a member of the Valparaiso Women’s Club, Midwest Saddle & Bridle Club, Valparaiso Presbyterian Church and Indiana Farm Bureau.
“I grew up fishing and hunting. I am a Pro Bass Fishing champion winning on Neely Henry Lake in Alabama in 2000,” she said. “I was on tour fishing for 20 years. The competitiveness and camaraderie had me hooked. I traveled a lot of the USA seeing the most beautiful lakes, rivers and reservoirs. I hope everyone can have that experience.”
She launched into her political career during a transitional time in her life.
“I was taking care of my mother and after she died, I looked around and didn’t feel comfortable sitting at home. I was inspired to get into politics as I felt I could be helpful and that I had a talent of knowing people based on my nursing background and time as a 4-H leader,” she said. “I felt I had a pulse of what people wanted and how they were feeling. I feel I am a good voice for the people.”
PCACS’ mission is to extend a helping hand to seniors, those with disabilities and low-income residents by providing services to improve their quality of life, including transportation, nutrition programs, energy assistance and activity centers.
For more information, visit www.portercountyacs.org