VNA Hospice NWI has been proving seniors throughout Northwest Indiana with hospice care and meals on wheels for more than 53 years. The staff has been dedicated to making a positive impact in the community consistently over the years and has added services such as Palliative Care, the Medical Guardian Help button, Phoenix Center and a We Honor Veterans program. As a way to recognize these dedicated staff and community members that make these services possible, VNA Hospice hosts an Annual Dinner and Awards banquet. This year’s event took place on Monday, March 11th, at the Porter County Expo Center with over 200 people in attendance.
Sarah DeMaris, Secretary of the VNA Hospice Board of Directors, says, “This is a moment for us to recognize our hard work and celebrate what we’ve done in the community.” DeMaris has a great appreciation for the VNA Hospice staff. She believes they have a nucleus that’s unique when it comes to providing hospice care. “One thing that I hope all of our community members know and understand is the VNA is willing to assist anyone regardless of their financial ability to pay. It’s pretty rare to find that in a lot of hospice organizations.” DeMaris said.
Bob Franko, President and CEO of VNA Hospice, noted there are three different award groupings for the dinner each year. There are staff and volunteer awards, dominate the field. Then the award to close out the dinner was the Joyce Alexa Advocate of the Year Award, a recognition that honors Joyce Alexa, a former staff member who served the VNA for over 40 years and has since retired and is living out of state. This year’s recipient was Congressman Frank Mrvan.
“Congressman Mrvan has done so much for us the last couple of years,” Franko said. “He spoke about us on the Congress floor and assisted us with our Meals on Wheels routes. He’s a wonderful person to be around.”
One of the primary qualities that Franko credits each of these award winners for having is a strong dedication for the future outlook of VNA Hospice.
“Our mission statement is making best days possible, our entire team works together to do that for each of our patients,” Franko said. “This is one of the most amazing groups of people that I’ve ever been around. They are all committed to the patients and families that we serve.”
Chuck Harris, member of the VNA Hospice Board of Directors, spotlights the volunteers within the organization. While their work might go under the radar at times, he values their flexibility and willingness to contribute in a variety of ways.
“Nursing is one of those unheralded jobs,” Harris said. “They do a lot behind the scenes. The volunteers that help us out are much needed in order to make everything work with VNA Hospice. It’s nice to be able to acknowledge our appreciation for these people.”
The annual dinner was a success once again with staff, supportive members of the community, friends and family members in attendance. In total, there were 20 people recognized with awards or scholarships including:
Staff and Supporters Recognized:
VNA Caregiver of the Year – Susan Swartz, Hospice Aide
VNA “Best Days’ Employees of the Year – Julie Rahn and Janice VanBenthuysen, Receptionists
Tricia’s Good Nurse of the Year – Taylor Courtaney, RN, BSN
Nurse Practitioner of the Year – Melissa Plavsa, RN, MSN
Angel Volunteer of the Year – Marge Vaught
Hospice Volunteer of the Year – Sandy Comstock
Art Tilton Meals on Wheels Volunteer of the Year – In loving Memory of Frank Goldak
Joyce Alexa Advocate of the Year – Congressman Frank Mrvan
Five years of service:
Robert Franko, President & CEO
Beth Henn, Intake Coordinator
Kelly Koontz, RN
Jessica Schlyer, Billing/Payroll
Kerianne Symons, Administrative Assistant
15 years of service:
Marcella Goin, RN
Kathleen Hahn, RN
Tricia’s Scholarship Recipients:
Shelby Prybell
Kylee Porter
Elizabeth Garcia
Emily Townsend
VNA Hospice was also presented with a check for $40,000 from Don Quijote Restaurante to benefit VNA Meals on Wheels. Each year Don Quijote host a benefit dinner and this was the result of the most recent dinner which took place in August of 2023.
This is a date that is circled on Franko’s calendar every year. Franko noted his pleasure with everyone who attended this year’s dinner and looks forward to the new ideas in the future for VNA Hospice. “It’s always a really fun event,” Franko said. “This dinner is one of my favorite nights of the year. Getting the chance to show our appreciation for our staff is awesome. We could do this once a week for how hard they work. We’re incredibly grateful for them.”
To learn more about VNA Hospice and their mission of MAKING BEST DAYS POSSIBLE, you can visit their website.
