Lake Superior Court Probate Commissioner Ben Ballou recently swore in five Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults.
The new advocates are Barbara Cerwinske of St. John, Abigail Gidley of Crown Point, Karen Hill of Crown Point, Jaquelyn Mojica of Hammond and Quiana Scott of Merrillville.
The Lake County Courts partner with Mishawaka-based Franciscan Health to provide trained volunteers for the advocate program. The advocates serve as court-appointed agents for elderly and incapacitated adults who are unable to represent themselves.
“Today marks a very significant part of your life,” said LaVonne Jarrett, VASIA director, in a press release. “You will officially become part of people’s lives. We can’t wait to see what is going to happen in each of your journeys.”
The program partners with groups serving elderly and incapacitated adults across Lake County. It aims to develop a continuum of elder law advocacy and guardianship services.
Volunteers are vetted through a screening process. They complete an initial training program and participate in continuing education from legal, social service, health and mental health experts. The volunteers most often assist individuals without family members to advocate for them.
“We are so thankful that you volunteer and assist these individuals,” Ballou said. “From the court’s perspective, we’re really appreciative that you’re taking the time to serve.”
This class of VASIA volunteers included two recent college interns who interned with VASIA.
“I look at you and think you are so young yet so willing to give at your tender age,” Francisca Mendoza, volunteer coordinator, said.
The VASIA program is partially funded by grants from the Indiana Supreme Court, Legacy Foundation and local, state and national funders, along with donors to the Franciscan Health Foundation.
