Latest news with #LegacyFoundation
CBS News
20-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Family fights for carbon monoxide safety after personal tragedy: "Tremendous hole in our heart"
Family fights to save others from carbon monoxide poisoning following their own tragedy Following their own tragedy, one family is hoping to help save others from a hidden danger while traveling. In 2023, John Heathco and his girlfriend, Abby, were supposed to be enjoying a long weekend by the beach in Mexico, but within hours of getting to their hotel, they felt like something was off. "They had a couple tacos and some guacamole by the pool, went back to the room and started feeling awful," said Chuck Heathco, father of John. They thought it was food poisoning, but John Heathco's family said the couple's hotel room had been filled with a silent killer: carbon monoxide. "After dinner, they went back to the room and never came back out of the room," said Keri Bliss, John Heathco's sister. Prosecutors said the two had been dead for 11 or 12 hours when they were found in their hotel room. Police said that paramedics received a report that the Americans were unconscious in their room. They were dead by the time paramedics arrived. The 40-year-old's family described him as intelligent, loving and supportive. "He was my best friend, too," said Jill Heathco, John Heathco's mother. Taking action to save lives Unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning not linked to fires kills about 400 Americans each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Heathco family is speaking for the first time as they launch the John Wesley Heathco Legacy Foundation, an effort to legally require hotels to have working carbon monoxide detectors in each room. Currently, only 14 states mandate it, including: California, Florida, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin. "Something has to happen to help prevent this from another family suffering, the loss we have with Johnny and Abby," said Jill Heathco. The family hopes to empower travelers with safety information. "Losing Johnny, I pray that no other family has to go through that loss," Jill Heathco said. "We've got a tremendous hole in our heart." Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig and Rep. Mike Levin of California plan to introduce new legislation to require carbon monoxide detectors in hotels and other short-term rentals. "You would think the large hotel chains would actually do this preventively," said Craig. "I mean, these are literally people's lives that are being impacted. People are dying." Lawmakers acknowledge this legislation comes with the cost of installing and maintaining carbon monoxide detectors in each hotel room. "It's common sense and it's something that I hope we can get passed and get signed into law and save lives," said Levin. For the Heathco family, a life saved means one less family living with their kind of heartbreak. "What I think about a lot is I'm the father of an amazing man," said Chuck Heathco. "And to this day, I still find myself wanting to be more like him." Recent carbon monoxide incidents A CBS News data review of FEMA's National Fire Incident Reporting System found that over the last 15 years, fire departments nationwide responded to about 360 carbon monoxide incidents at U.S. hotels and motels annually. Data on deaths from the reported incidents is not closely tracked. In February, three Massachusetts women in their 20s died in their hotel room while on vacation in Belize. The cause was determined to be carbon monoxide poisoning. In April, officials in Costa Rica determined carbon monoxide was the cause of death for Miller Gardner, the teen son of retired New York Yankees player Brett Gardner. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include: Headache Dizziness Nausea Vomiting Weakness Chest pain Confusion Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable with detectors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises people to have a separate CO detector on each floor. "If you are getting a single carbon monoxide detector, place it near the sleeping areas and make certain the alarm is loud enough to wake you up," the EPA notes on its website. The agency says like smoke detectors, they need to be tested regularly. Travelers can also purchase a portable carbon monoxide detector for about $25. In a statement, chief communications officer for the American Hotel and Lodging Association, Ralph Posner, told CBS News: "While carbon monoxide incidents in hotel settings remain rare, AHLA emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to protect guests and employees. Our members are required to comply with all applicable local and state codes with respect to carbon monoxide detection, typically adapted from the International Fire Code. AHLA also encourages our members to follow industry-wide best practices, including regular inspection and maintenance of fuel-burning appliances, proper installation of carbon monoxide detectors in applicable areas, and ongoing staff training on monitoring and emergency response procedures."
Chicago Tribune
18-05-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Grant will help students access Ivanhoe nature preserve
A somewhat hidden nature preserve on Gary's West side is set to become an educational beacon, thanks to grants and perseverance. Indiana American Water Monday afternoon awarded the Shirley Heinze Land Trust a $150,000 Water and Environmental grant to turn its Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve, 750 Colfax St., into a place where students and passersby alike can come and take in its wonder. The money gives the nonprofit the final boost it needed to trigger the $977,000 READI 1.0 grant it was awarded under former Governor Eric Holcomb. The trust, which started snagging some 250 unused lots in the area from tax sales after it started in 1981, ended up with 53 acres of pristine dune and swale habitat, Trust Executive Director Kris Krouse said during an announcement at the site. It will now use the $1,177,000 from the READI 1.0, Indiana American Water and a $50,000 Legacy Foundation grant to build a sidewalk to the site from West Side Leadership Academy as well as add a bathroom and improve a bridge over a creek on the property. 'We want to engage students with environmental initiatives,' he said. Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said he remembers being taken to Deep River to learn about the Monarch butterfly, so having a project at home will be an investment that will strengthen the city's connection to the environment. Indiana State Senator Mark Spencer, D-Gary, echoed Melton's sentiment. 'As a 33-year veteran educator at West Side, I'm excited for young people to have this wonderful, natural space,' he said. 'The Shirley Heinze Land Trust has been a quiet, powerful force whose work isn't just saving lands, but giving stories to neighborhood and industry. 'We're not breaking ground — we're planting hope.' Northwest Indiana Forum President and CEO Heather Ennis said the Ivanhoe project might not be the biggest in the scheme of the $50 million Northwest Indiana received, but it may have the most impact, while Legacy Foundation President and CEO Kelly Anoe added that when people invest in public space, it's not just about beauty, but equity and resilience as well. When Indiana American Water NWI District Manager Justin Mount got word that he had money to award, the first person he called was NWI Forum Environmental Affairs Director Kay Nelson for suggestions. She immediately told him Ivanhoe South would be the place because the land itself helps recharge aquifers in the area. 'A sidewalk sounds like such simple amenity, but it provides safe transport to 53 acres of dune and swale, and other rich ecological opportunities,' Nelson said. 'You hear the birds, the Spring peepers (frogs), and you see the mayflowers. When Justin made that call to me, and to find out (Ivanhoe) got that match was really an awesome thing.' The Indiana American Water award was the biggest award American Water gave out to the 12 states it covers, Mount added.
Chicago Tribune
16-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
'We've been paying attention' — Resilience grant is Legacy response to nonprofit cuts
Legacy Foundation has committed $600,000 to shore up slashed budgets for nonprofit organizations hit by state and federal budget cuts. Officials announced the new Lake County Resilience Grant program Thursday in Merrillville with several nonprofit leaders sharing the impact of the government funding cuts to their organizations. 'Huge cuts to state and federal funding have left many local organizations in survival mode,' said Legacy Foundation president and CEO Kelly Anoe. Legacy is Lake County's 30-year-old community foundation that relies on donors for its own funding. 'They're being forced to make heartbreaking choices, cutting staff, reducing hours, scaling back services, and in some cases wondering if they can stay open,' she said. Anoe said government cuts impact more than just nonprofit personnel and projects. 'It could mean that a mom can't get the mental health services she needs. It could mean that a kid loses their after-school program to keep them safe during after school hours. A senior might miss their meal delivery service.' Anoe said thousands of lives are impacted by the abrupt funding cuts. 'At Legacy Foundation, we've been paying attention,' she said. Annie Massie, co-executive director of the Northwest Indiana Food Council, detailed the plight of her nonprofit, founded in 2016 to help farmers make a living and become less vulnerable. She found out in March the U.S. Department of Agriculture canceled its funding after it had secured funding last year. Massie said it pulled the rug out from under state agencies and nonprofits but more importantly it hurt small farmers and schools in the Farm to School program that provides local produce to 140 schools in 34 Northwest Indiana districts. 'Our farmers are devastated to say the least,' said Massie. She said some small farms may close 'because they put their faith in the USDA to honor their word in their contracts.' Just recently, Lakeshore Public Media found out the state eliminated its funding, which accounted for 30% of Lakeshore's funding. 'Resilience and adapt, and that's where we are,' said Chuck Roberts, Lakeshore's president and CEO. 'It's time to adapt who we are, and what we do to still try to provide the services to Northwest Indiana.' Roberts said Lakeshore Public Media's mission is community outreach and community service to tell the stories of the people who live in Northwest Indiana. In recent weeks, President Donald Trump issued an executive order defunding of PBS and National Public Radio, calling their programming slanted and 'woke propaganda disguised as 'news.'' The order has been challenged in court. Roberts thanked the Legacy Foundation 'for believing in these stories, believing in the people and bringing the resilience and adaptability that we need.' Other speakers included Josh Austin, executive director of City Life Center in Gary; Andrea Sherwin, president and CEO of Mental Health America of Northwest Indiana and Jennifer Trowbridge, president and CEO of CoAction. City Life Center provides after-school academic programs, and wrap-around mental health services for family members and clothing giveaways for children. Austin said government cuts took about 40 to 50% of his budget. 'Funding cuts directly threaten our ability to positively impact the lives of these young people, as well as their families,' he said. Sherman said Mental Health America of Northwest Indiana serves about 4,000 families in Northwest Indiana. About 80 to 85% percent of its clients are small children ages 0 to 4. Her staff of about 100 employees make about 15,000 home visits annually. 'Our entire goal is on the early intervention or prevention side of mental health,' she said. 'Many of the executive orders have created uncertainty around funding, an increased administrative burden, and narrowed the flexibility needed to provide mental health and Family Wellness services in Northwest Indiana,' she said. Those who suffer the most are children facing trauma in communities already living at the margins, she said. Trowbridge said CoAction, based in Crown Point, offers housing support, federal energy assistance, and aging and disability services. She said cutbacks will mean a 5% drop for aging and disability services. She also said $10 million in federal energy assistance could be at risk. Anoe said nonprofits are able to apply for a Resilience grant on Legacy's website, Organizations must show documented financial losses that are a direct result of federal or state funding cuts or terminated contracts. Eligible organizations can apply for up to 25% of their loss with a maximum of $40,000 within a year.
Chicago Tribune
20-04-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Guest column: Nonprofits are the backbone of our communities — and they're under threat
Nonprofits in Northwest Indiana are facing an alarming challenge. Recent budget cuts at the state and federal levels have thrown many charitable organizations into a period of deep uncertainty. Thousands of nonprofits that rely on government funding are seeing grants paused, reduced, or cut entirely. In Lake County alone, 68.5% of federally supported nonprofits are at risk of losing this crucial funding. If that happens, they face an average budget shortfall of 15.4%, according to a recent Urban Institute report. Further analysis of IRS Form 990 data shows that 60–80% of these organizations wouldn't be able to cover their expenses if government funding were cut. Many already operate with minimal reserves, leaving little room to absorb financial shocks. The consequences are clear: program cuts, staff layoffs, or even permanent closures. This isn't just a funding issue. It's a crisis for our community. When nonprofits struggle, the ripple effects are immediate and widespread. Picture a childcare center shutting down — parents are forced to quit their jobs, employers lose employees, and the local economy suffers. Now extend that impact across food pantries, mental health clinics, housing programs, and community centers—and the results are devastating. At Legacy Foundation, we hear the real-life impacts daily. A food pantry unsure it can keep serving meals. A library forced to cancel programs. A health center planning to reduce services. A park closing facilities due to staffing shortages. These aren't hypothetical — they're the difficult choices being made right now in boardrooms and staff meetings across Lake County. Many people don't realize how vital nonprofits are until those services disappear. Nonprofits also fuel the economy. In Northwest Indiana, they employ more than 33,000 people and make up 11% of the regional workforce, according to the O'Neill School at Indiana University. Nationally, nonprofits support over 12.7 million jobs and contribute $1.4 trillion to the U.S. GDP each year. We all want to live in a community where people have the opportunity to succeed. As the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana, Legacy Foundation is dedicated to supporting every resident—from parents and seniors to veterans, youth, artists, and educators. Our work contributes to making Lake County a vibrant place to live, work, and thrive. These shared values are the cornerstone of philanthropy and the nonprofit organizations that bring them to life. Across the nation, nonprofits are the backbone of our communities. They nourish families, care for seniors, educate youth, provide mental health support, respond to crises, and enhance lives through arts and culture. They run the daycare centers we rely on, the clinics that keep us healthy, the shelters that offer safety, and the parks where we gather, ride bikes, and watch children play. We must respond to this moment with urgency and unity. This affects everyone. It's time for policymakers and citizens to take action to preserve the funding that support both community well-being and economic stability. Philanthropy plays a critical role, but it can't fill the gap left by diminished public investment. No foundation or donor can replace the loss of $300 billion in government grants — nearly triple the total of all foundation giving in a single year. At Legacy Foundation, we distribute about $5 million in grants annually. That's like trying to put out a warehouse fire with a cup of water. What can we do? 1. Get informed. Understand how much your community depends on nonprofit services — whether it's child care, health care, the arts, or housing support. 2. Take action. Contact your elected officials and urge them to restore and protect funding. 3. Support local nonprofits. Donate, volunteer, or share their work. Donations to Legacy Foundation's Lake County Community Fund are currently being matched 2:1 to support local organizations. 4. Raise your voice. Challenge misinformation that undermines trust in the nonprofit sector. The organizations who help us need our help. If we want strong communities, a resilient local economy, and a society that cares for everyone, we must stand up for the nonprofit sector. The future health of our communities depends on it.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Business news: Doctor relocates; Legacy Foundation leader to speak; IUN career event
Dr. Kumari Singh, a family medicine physician, is now seeing patients at the Franciscan Physician Network Glendale Health Center, 1101 Glendale Blvd., Suite 101, in Valparaiso, a release said. Existing appointments have been moved to the new Valparaiso location, the release said. Singh completed medical school at Windsor University School of Medicine at St. Kitts and Nevis, West Indies, and completed her residency at the University of North Dakota Bismarck in Bismarck. In addition to the new Valparaiso location, Singh will continue to see patients at Coolspring Health Center, 1225 East Coolspring Ave. in Michigan City. For more information, call 219-307-4750. The Crown Point Rotary Club will host Kelly Anoe, president and CEO of the Legacy Foundation, at the club's weekly luncheon at 12:10 p.m. Wednesday at Youche Country Club, 2301 W. 129th Place, Crown Point, a release said. Since joining Legacy Foundation, Lake County's community foundation, in 2014, Anoe has been instrumental in driving impactful initiatives that support local communities, the release said. She also serves on multiple boards and committees, including the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance Public Policy Committee. The event offers an opportunity for the community to learn more about philanthropy's role in local development, the release said. For more information or to RSVP, contact Joseph Skibbie at jskibbie@ The Indiana University Northwest Office of Career Services will host the 21st Annual Community Employment and Internship Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 11, according to a release. The event will take place at the Savannah Center Gymnasium at the Gary campus, 3400 Broadway. Call 219-980-6650 for information. Those attending should dress professionally and bring resumes, the release said. Employers interested in participating should contact Diava Carter, Director of Career Services, careernw@ Dr. Elizabeth Gmitter is the new Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions at Valparaiso University, according to a release. Gmitter's appointment comes at a pivotal time, as the College of Nursing and Health Professions embarks on a transformative campaign to build a state-of-the-art health professions facility, the release said. Previously, Gmitter served as Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Career Programs at Malcolm X College in Chicago, where she led more than 20 healthcare programs, including 12 with specialized accreditation, the release said. The campaign for the new health professions facility will focus on securing funding, engaging alumni and community partners, and developing an innovative learning environment. For more information, visit The Gary Community School Corp. has announced the addition of Renita Craig to its academic team as Director of Curriculum and Assessment, according to a release. Craig's career experience includes serving as a junior high and elementary principal, assistant principal, special education director and high school special education teacher. Craig holds a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Francis, a master's in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago, and a bachelor's degree in Special Education from Eastern Illinois University, the release said. For the latest district news, visit The Leadership Institute at Purdue Northwest has opened applications for the 2025-2026 Leadership Northwest Indiana program, a release said. The program, facilitated by a team that includes faculty members from the PNW's College of Business, as well as leadership practitioners, plans to meet monthly from September to May 2026. The facilitation team provides research-based leadership content and skill-building for effective leadership in the workplace and in life, the release said. To view more information about the program and registration, visit The deadline to apply is Sept. 1. More information can be found online at or by contacting the Leadership Institute at leadershipinstitute@ Children and their families are invited to the free Safe Kids Day Saturday at the Dean & Barbara White Southlake YMCA, 100 W Burrell Drive, Crown Point, according to a release. The interactive event will include a variety of activities along with educational booths with information about keeping kids safe, healthy and happy. Families will learn more about bike and helmet safety, child passenger safety, stranger danger, pediatric dental care, fire safety, pet safety, medication safety, the Franciscan Health Prenatal Assistance Program, safe sleeping, breastfeeding, water safety and more, the release said. Families can also attend the 'Tim Hanning: Pro Kids Show' at 10:30 a.m. and noon. Hanning's award-winning show connects with kids through magic, comedy, music, puppets and audience involvement, the release said. Safe Kids Day is a project of Safe Kids Northwest Indiana in partnership with sponsors Franciscan Health Crown Point, the Dean & Barbara White YMCA, Franciscan Health Trauma Services and Cleveland-Cliffs. Adam Lange, a staff accountant at CLH, CPAs & Consultants, recently earned the Certified Valuation Analyst credential from the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts, according to a release. To achieve the CVA designation, Lange underwent a rigorous process, including the completion of intensive coursework covering valuation theories and techniques, successful passage of a comprehensive examination and demonstration of professional experience in the field of business valuation, the release said. CLH, CPAs & Consultants is a full-service certified public accounting firm with offices in La Porte, Michigan City, and Valparaiso.
