VNA Hospice NWI celebrates 56 years of commitment to the community during annual dinner and awards banquet

VNA Hospice NWI has been serving seniors and providing multiple care options for local residents for the past 56 years. On Monday, March 9, the community came together to celebrate another year of hard work from VNA Hospice NWI during the organization’s annual Dinner and Awards Banquet at the Porter County Expo Center.

Volunteers and staff alike were celebrated during the event, with some walking away with an award to acknowledge the work they have done over the past year. Bob Franko, president and CEO of VNA Hospice NWI, considers this night to be one of the most important traditions that the organization celebrates every year.

“We get to recognize staff, volunteers, and physicians for everything they do all on the same night,” Franko said. “It’s all staff driven. The awards — they all vote on them. It really means a lot to those who win these awards because it’s their colleagues who decide on it. It’s my favorite night of the year because obviously giving out awards is great, but it’s also about getting to recognize our staff. They are so committed to who we are, what we do, and our mission.”

This gathering is also an opportunity for VNA Hospice NWI to have its annual meeting for the board of directors. 

“For those that are going to continue to serve their terms, this is the time that they get reelected,” Franko said. “This year, our executive committee on our board has all agreed to stay on for another term, which is awesome. They’re super committed to their roles.”

Over the past year, VNA Hospice NWI has undergone some changes and challenges. However, it’s the ability to manage these changes that has made this organization reliable for more than half a century.

“Last year at this event, I closed my remarks by saying, ‘When we gather again this year, the VNA is going to look very different,’ and that’s been true,” Franko said. “We have made a lot of changes, and we do look very different. When we gather here again next year, that’s going to be true once again. The VNA in our 56 years of existence has always evolved and adapted to the needs and the demands of the community. Right now, the community is calling us to do some different things, and we’re here to make sure that we’re taking care of the community.”

Shelley Sieroslawski-Holmen, certified nursing assistant (CNA) at the Hospice Center and VNA Hospice NWI volunteer, loves devoting her time to the organization. She believes events like the annual dinner make it so fulfilling for the people who want to make a positive impact in the community.

“If there’s ever anything I can do to help out the community, for fundraising, or to benefit the organization, I’m in,” Sieroslawski-Holmen said. “I’m all about helping out. Tonight is a great venue for people to get recognized for all the good that they do in the community.”

Plenty of awards were presented throughout the evening program to recognize event attendees and contributors of the organization:

Staff and Supporters Recognized:

VNA Caregiver of the Year — Karyn Kost

VNA “Best Days” Employee of the Year — Michelle Krueger

Tricia’s “Good Nurse of the Year” — Tammy Miegl

VNA Physician of the Year — Tareq Braik

Five years of service:

Amy Donaldson

Danielle King

Jamie LeBrun

Tara Watkins

Marie Woodworth

25 years of service:

Maria Galka

Miegl, who was the recipient of Tricia’s “Good Nurse of the Year” award, is very passionate about what she does for VNA Hospice NWI. 

“I’m just very thankful for this award because hospice means a lot to me,” Miegl said. “Both of my in-laws were in hospice, and that’s why I do what I do today.”

Braik, who was named the VNA Physician of the Year, is thankful for being recognized by his peers for his work.

“Hospice is not just about cure; it’s about compassion,” Braik said. “I have dignity in taking care of the patients and their families. I’m deeply honored and humbled for this recognition.”

As VNA Hospice NWI celebrates a year of change and triumph, the organization is always motivated to fit the needs of each patient that relies on their services.

“We’re still the best in town,” Sieroslawski-Holmen said. “We want the patients to know that we’re open for them.”
For more information on VNA Hospice NWI, you can visit its website.