CoAction Awarded Benefit Enrollment Grant to Expand Access to Vital Public Benefits Across Northwest Indiana

CoAction has been awarded a Benefit Enrollment Grant to help more Northwest Indiana residents connect with critical public benefits and support services that improve financial stability, health, and overall well-being.  

Through this funding, CoAction will strengthen outreach, application assistance, and enrollment support for individuals and families eligible for programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, energy assistance, and other essential benefits designed to reduce economic hardship.  

“Far too many eligible families, seniors, and individuals are unaware of the benefits available to them or face barriers navigating complex application systems,” said Jen Trowbridge, President/CEO of CoAction. “This grant allows us to meet people where they are and ensure our neighbors can access the resources they need to remain healthy, stable, and independent.”  

Expanding Access to Critical Support  

Across Northwest Indiana, many households continue to experience rising costs for housing, utilities, food, and healthcare. Seniors living on fixed incomes, working families, and individuals with disabilities are often forced to choose between necessities.  

The Benefit Enrollment Grant will allow CoAction to provide:  

• One-on-one benefit enrollment assistance  
• Community outreach and education events  
• Screening for multiple benefit programs  
• Navigation support for online and paper applications  
• Follow-up assistance to ensure successful enrollment 

By increasing access to available benefits, CoAction aims to reduce food insecurity, improve healthcare access, prevent utility bills, and strengthen long-term household stability throughout the region.  

Supporting Northwest Indiana Residents  

CoAction staff will work directly with residents to identify programs they may qualify for and guide them through the enrollment process from start to finish. Assistance will be available  to seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, low-income families, and other vulnerable  populations across Northwest Indiana.  

“This funding helps remove barriers that often prevent people from receiving support they’ve earned and qualify for,” Trowbridge added. “When families can access food assistance, healthcare coverage, or help paying utility bills, it creates greater stability not only for individuals, but for the entire community.”  

Residents interested in learning more about benefit enrollment services or determining eligibility for assistance programs are encouraged to contact CoAction or visit  CoAction.care for additional information.  

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 38,000 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.