NORTHWEST INDIANA – As the year draws to a close, CoAction has launched its 2025 year-end
giving campaign, inviting the Northwest Indiana community to shine a light on pathways to hope,
housing, and stability for more than 30,000 neighbors.
“For many of our neighbors, times are more difficult than ever, and the path forward isn't always clear.
But together, we can illuminate it," said Jen Trowbridge, President/CEO of CoAction. "A gift to
CoAction is a statement that Northwest Indiana takes care of its own. We ask our community to be the
light that keeps a family warm, feeds a homebound senior, or helps a veteran remain independent."
The Need is Great, But the Impact is Greater
The campaign comes at a critical time. This year alone, 18,000 families in the community applied for
energy assistance to keep their lights on. The need for basic essentials remains high. According to the
Foodbank of Northwest Indiana and Feeding America, 1 in 7 residents in our region and 1 in 5 children in
Indiana experience food insecurity. Furthermore, data from Housing for Hoosiers indicates that 47.5% of
renters in the state face heavy cost burdens, placing them at risk of homelessness.
Donations to the Illuminate campaign provide immediate, tangible relief across CoAction’s 30+
programs. The organization’s 2024 Annual Report highlights the powerful track record of this community
support. Last year, CoAction helped 15,200 households stay warm and keep their lights on, while
delivering 141,284 meals to homebound seniors to provide vital nutrition and a daily safety check.
Additionally, the organization’s tax preparation services helped 2,928 individuals return $2.5 million to
the local economy, and the Self-Directed Care program empowered 27 veterans to hire their own
caregivers and live with independence.
How the Community Can Help
CoAction is asking residents to "be the light" by making a tax-deductible year-end gift, with every dollar
translating into real-world impact. A gift of $25 provides a week of warm lunches and friendly
conversation for a senior at a community meal site, while $500 keeps the heat on for a veteran through
Northwest Indiana’s cold winter months. Larger contributions can change the trajectory of a family's life;
$1,000 helps a neighbor purchase a reliable car to get to work, and $1,500 can prevent a family from
becoming homeless, giving them the stability to rebuild.
"The need in our community is great, but our collective strength is greater," Trowbridge added.
"Together, we can light the way to housing, nutrition, and support for thousands of our neighbors."
The Illuminate campaign runs through December 31. Make your gift now at CoAction.care/illuminate to
provide warmth, stability, and hope for your neighbors.
About CoAction - Founded in 1965, CoAction is a catalyst for change in overcoming poverty. As the
designated Community Action Agency, Area Agency on Aging, and WIC sponsor for Northwest Indiana,
the organization envisions a community where people flourish regardless of income, ability, or age.
CoAction’s mission is to ensure people experiencing financial hardship find opportunities, resources, and
respect.
Serving approximately 50,000 individuals annually, CoAction provides streamlined support across
nutrition, housing, financial stability, and aging services. Guided by the core value that "we care about
everybody," CoAction meets neighbors where they are to help them build the life they deserve.
