Gary's Age Friendly Advisory Council

09/19/2026

One Stop Shop! Please share this valuable resource.

A One-Stop Shop will be open in Lake County Wednesday, Sept. 23 - Friday, Sept. 25. It will reopen open Monday, Sept. 28 - Friday, Oct. 2. Visitors can apply for FEMA and State Disaster Relief Fund assistance. Insurance guidance, mold cleanup best practices, tetanus shots, disaster unemployment and information regarding business and individual loans will also be available.

These services are provided at no cost to survivors and no appointment is necessary.

Find full details at
https://www.in.gov/dhs/emergency-management-and-preparedness/august-2026-disaster?utm_source=agency-website&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_term=&utm_content=

09/19/2026

💙 It was great to be back together for our first Age-Friendly Advisory Council meeting since July, connecting with residents and sharing valuable resources following the recent storm—join us October 21 at 3 PM at D&K Soul Food! 💙

09/17/2026

Due to a high number of inquiries, the Lake County Board of Elections and Registration (LCBER) is reassuring voters that mail-in voting is proceeding as planned. Any Lake County voter can submit an application for an absentee ballot, using one of 12 qualifying reasons, until 10/22/26. The LCBER will begin mailing paper ballots to approved applicants on 9/19/26. They can return their ballot using the postage-paid, first-class mail envelope included in their ballot packet. Voters have until 6pm Election Day, 11/03/26, to return their ballot to the LCBER’s main office.

“Many Hoosiers don’t realize that the State of Indiana is a national leader in election security,” says LCBER director Michelle Fajman. “We are 100% confident that our mail in voting will comply with any new legal standards.”

Adds assistant director Lori O’Dea: “Our focus is ensuring all Lake County elections comply with state and federal laws. We continue to offer absentee voting as specified by Indiana state law.”

The State of Indiana provides multiple ways for voters who request a mail-in ballot to return it beyond the mail. Any voter is welcome to return their paper ballot in person at any Early Voting site through 11/02/26 and to the LCBER office through 6pm 11/03/26. A member of their family or household can also return their ballot for them in-person.

Voters who request an absentee ballot can surrender their blank or damaged paper ballot, or report a lost ballot, in person at any Early Voting site or Election Day polling location and vote there. Qualified voters who are confined due to illness or injury or caring for someone who qualifies can apply to vote by travel board, where a bipartisan team – one Democrat, one Republican – bring a voting machine to their residence. Applications for travel board are accepted until noon on 11/02/26, and all visits must be completed by 6pm 11/02/26.

“We’re proud that the State of Indiana offers voters so many safe, secure ways to cast their ballot,” says LCBER Director Michelle Fajman. “Any voter with questions can visit our website, check our page, or call us at 219.755.3795. We will keep the community up to date with accurate information.”

Voters with questions about mail in voting or storm damage can read the LCBER FAQ page here: https://lakecountyin.gov/blogs/election-2026-storm-damage-and-mail-in-voting-update

09/14/2026

Don't miss our meeting this Wednesday, September 16th
3:00pm-4:30pm
D & K Soul Food - 3669 Broadway | Gary, IN

🏠Engage with your neighbors.
🔗Connect to resources.
🗣️Share what's on your mind.
🧠Learn about what's happening in your city.

55+ and need a ride?
Travail With Us has your back!
📞Call today (219)810-6264 ext. 7

09/10/2026

Support is available for neighbors affected by the August 11 storms.

United Way Northwest Indiana is providing storm recovery assistance to eligible residents in Lake and Porter Counties who experienced financial hardship as a result of the severe storms.

If your household was impacted, you can complete our Storm Recovery Assistance Eligibility Application to see if you may qualify for available support.

Please allow 7–10 business days for our team to review your application. Due to anticipated demand, submitting an application does not guarantee assistance, and support is subject to program eligibility requirements and available funding.

If you do not qualify for this particular assistance, we will work to connect you with other resources that may be available.

Learn more and complete the eligibility application: https://lnkd.in/eqR9ueQS

09/10/2026

The City of Gary, in partnership with CoAction and Legacy Foundation, continues to provide emergency financial assistance to residents impacted by the August 11 derecho.

We know many residents have been trying to reach our assistance team, and we understand the frustration caused by the high volume of calls. Due to the overwhelming response, phone lines will now open daily at 8:30 a.m. and remain open until 5 p.m., beginning tomorrow.

Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

09/03/2026