Overview
The Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults (VASIA) program is a collaborative effort between Franciscan Health and Lake County Superior Courts. We provide training and supervision to our volunteers who serve as court-appointed limited guardians to assist this vulnerable population and the courts in decision-making regarding critical needs. Our volunteers complete a 30-hour training program and serve as a limited volunteer agent on behalf of the program for one case at a time.
Qualifications & Training
VASIA Volunteers are:
All prospective volunteers must complete the initial VASIA program application process and the orientation and health screening program provided by Franciscan Health. Prior to beginning training, volunteers in the VASIA program are required to complete an application process that includes providing three written references, authorizations for release of criminal, driving, and social services histories and participating in a personal screening interview with the Program Coordinator.
All prospective volunteers must complete the initial VASIA program application process and the orientation and health screening program provided by Franciscan Health. Prior to beginning training, volunteers in the VASIA program are required to complete an application process that includes providing three written references, authorizations for release of criminal, driving, and social services histories and participating in a personal screening interview with the Program Coordinator.
Training Schedule
Volunteer training is held in person at the VASIA office for seven evening sessions from 5PM – 8PM at 2150 Gettler Street, Suite 200, Dyer, Indiana 46311.
Upon completion of the Training Program sessions and application process, Volunteers will be sworn in as Agents of The Program and Officers of Lake Superior Court.
Application Process
Prior to beginning training, volunteers in the VASIA program are required to complete an application process that includes providing three written references, authorizations for release of criminal, driving, and social services histories and participating in a personal screening interview with the Volunteer Coordinator.
Upon completion of the application process, volunteers will be required to successfully complete a minimum of 30 hours of initial training and 12 hours of continuing education on an annual basis. (Volunteers may be required to complete additional hours of specialized training for individual cases involving special needs services.)
Contact Us
Reach out if you have questions or would like more information.
Julie Mignogna
VASIA Secretary
Donate: VASIA Vanessa's Closet (VVC)
Our late founder and program director, Vanessa Nathan, led this mission and mentored our current program director, LaVonne Jarrett, who’s undoubtedly continuing her amazing legacy. Recently VASIA re-opened a clothing donation center for clients, who are often without personal necessities. The idea started in the former Hammond campus with a few volunteers who wanted to be sure all VASIA clients were taken care of. They believed having it named after our former Director represented her servant heart and so began VASIA Vanessa’s Closet (VVC).
Wish List For VASIA Clients
- New or gently used CLEAN adult clothes
- Free from allergens, smoke, pet fur, feathers
- Please no stains or tears
- Easy to take on & off for struggling hands
- Men & women, all sizes
- Elastic waists, shirts, bottoms, lounge pants, coats, sweaters, PJ’s, robes, slippers, toiletries, shoes, gloves, scarves, hats, purses, etc.
- Age-appropriate stimulating toys, such as Simon, memory games, large puzzle pieces.
Drop-offs Donations at:
Medical Pavillion South
VASIA DEPARTMENT
2150 Gettler Street, Suite 200
Dyer, Indiana 46311
Call 219-407-6762 or email Julie.Mignogna@FranciscanAlliance.org to schedule your donation.