CROWN POINT — Cynthia Fodness, an instructor at the University of Saint Francis Crown Point, has been named Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly’s outstanding volunteer.

A clinical nurse specialist in adult psychiatry and mental health, she has volunteered hours to help patients at St. Clare Health Clinic in Crown Point. Dedicating Thursday afternoons to counseling, she schedules only four patients to give each ample time and attention. Patients sign onto a wait list of two to three months to receive her help.

According to St. Clare volunteer coordinator Diane Jansen, who nominated Fodness for the award, St. Clare patients face a variety of stressors. “Many have lost their jobs and homes, face financial struggles and have very limited resources and support. These stressors greatly affect their mental health, which in turn can damage their physical health and well-being. A mental health counselor like Cindy gives them the chance to work on overcoming their struggles.”

“I’ve volunteered one way or another most of my adult life,” Fodness said. “It’s my way of giving to others what I’ve been given. If I can make other people’s lives a little better, it matters a lot to me. It’s my ripple in the world.”