It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Door Prairie Barn gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in La Porte, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Our mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and immediately needed meds administered multiple times a”
“I have worked alongside Always Best Care and they have been amazing. Very quick”
“ABC is a great place to be! Thank you Patti, Stephanie, and Michele for all”
“Best Company I’ve ever encountered. I love how flexible and efficient they are. I love”
“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere”
“it is my pleasure to leave a review for the Coffee need that support the”
“I have worked with more home health agencies than I care to remember, both in”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I”
“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“I love working for Always Best Care The staff is very helpful, encouraging wonderful, loving”
“Always Best Care gives great encouragement and support to their caregivers during any situation or”
“Stephanie Stevens is a great CSD! Thanks for all you do!”
“Always Best care is amazing!”
“Always Best Care is a great company. Not only do they provide the best care”
“We have used Always Best Care two different times for our Mother. Both times the”
“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2”
“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best”
“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for”
“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”
“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from”
“They really help people when they need it”
“I've had caregivers for about 5 years now. Only having been disappointed and frustrated. Since”
“Carole is an excellent caring professional. She has been extremely helpful in advising us and”
“Our mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and immediately needed meds administered multiple times a day. After speaking to the independent living center where she resided, our family decided to hire Always Best Care for the meds (and then later for 24-hour aids). We cannot say enough about Darlene and Candy, as well as the numerous aids. Even at the end when our mom no longer needed the meds, they would often stop by to see her anyway. We generally do not give reviews of companies, but their caring approach was exceptional and we decided it was appropriate for others who need these services to know about our experience.”
“I have worked alongside Always Best Care and they have been amazing. Very quick to help out patients in need and staff is very polite and professional.”
“ABC is a great place to be! Thank you Patti, Stephanie, and Michele for all you do! You all are Awesome & thank you for the honors of being part of the team also acknowledging myself for Employee of the Month of March! You all are appreciated”
“Best Company I’ve ever encountered. I love how flexible and efficient they are. I love the open door policy. Michelle is my favorite schedule she does an amazing job with communication.”
“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and schedulers, especially Michele, are helpful in finding compatibility for your clients, they’re also flexible in scheduling hours. Great company, great staff.”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere heart I love working with this agency..”
“it is my pleasure to leave a review for the Coffee need that support the most I would like Stephanie Kramer for supporting me and helping me get through my work schedules and feel comfortable at my place of employment. I am sad to see that she left Scheduling , but she still tries her best to help everyone even with her new position. Her dedication means everything I would like to Tasha as well for communicating with me so much I also cannot forget Patricia and Michelle as well. You ladies help me so much with my client. I greatly appreciate you ladies. I appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that you ladies have with meeting me halfway when it comes to our job it definitely makes everything much easier. Keep up the great work as well as the rest of the staff thank you ladies for everything that you do and congratulations Monique on your new position.”
“I have worked with more home health agencies than I care to remember, both in GA and MI, when I worked in healthcare; and I have to say that Always Best Care is one of the best home health care agencies that I have found since the early 90's !!! I have been a client with Always Best Care since February 2022 and I have been extremely pleased with the help I have received both from my caregivers and the office staff. All the staff work hard and the quality of care is exceptional!!! The few occasions that I didn't like a caregiver because of either poor work ethic or personality, Always Best Care always took care of finding another caregiver to better meet my needs ASAP!! When I first started with Always Best Care I did get a few caregivers that weren't a good fit. But, within a very short period of time my scheduler learned my specific needs and personality and she found caregivers for me that were a wonderful match!! As in every area of healthcare, the high turnover of employees is to be expected!!! But, Always Best Care has always made sure that I have a new caregiver that matches my needs and expectations!! I have and would, highly recommend Always Best Care for your home health daily care!!”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”
“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“I love working for Always Best Care The staff is very helpful, encouraging wonderful, loving family. Thank you for the opportunity of serving for your company thank you to Michelle, who is always looking out for me and making sure that I have the hours that I need.”
“Always Best Care gives great encouragement and support to their caregivers during any situation or time of need. The care and dedication to their staff is incredible and I throughly enjoy my time working along side them!”
“Stephanie Stevens is a great CSD! Thanks for all you do!”
“Always Best care is amazing!”
“Always Best Care is a great company. Not only do they provide the best care for their clients, but they go above and beyond for their staff as well.”
“We have used Always Best Care two different times for our Mother. Both times the care was excellent. I have referred Always Best Care to several people.”
“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2 years now and it's a great atmosphere I like coming in to work meeting new people. It's a place that's kind friendly and it makes you feel at home it makes you feel that you're working with people that understand you know you're different needs your different hours and if something come up they are there to help you with anything that you need help with it's a great company I'm so glad I signed up with the company I signed up a little bit after the pandemic and I just needed somewhere that I could really consider myself at home or I find a home and I have I'm amazed at how the people are so nice when you talk to them on the phone how nice they are friendly you can tell this saying it with a smile I enjoy working there I tell people ask me where I work at always best care they like what yeah always best care yes it's a nice company sign up with it you won't regret it I'm glad I do it I'm really glad I did”
“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best company. From the office staff to the caregivers, they are doing what they love and it shows.”
“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for me to take care of my father. I most definitely recommend them!”
“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”
“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from big recognition like a monthly caregiver award and random drawings, to small recognition such as any time you visit the office you are free to grab snacks, beverages, gear and more often than not there is some type of food they have ordered that is available. They really don’t hold back in this area! There has been quite a bit of changes made in office positions within the last year. Response time, outside of the scheduling department, can be improved upon.”
“They really help people when they need it”
“I've had caregivers for about 5 years now. Only having been disappointed and frustrated. Since Always Best Care came into my life, my worries have ended. I never knew if previous caregivers were going to show up, or do what I needed. Everytime they would complete a task, they would sit down and be on their phone. Kari and Jamisha finish a task and right to the next. No problems. My mind has been put at ease. They are very professional yet so so friendly. They ask, what else they can do for me. I also have my ABC emergency call button. Now I have peace of mind if an emergency should arise. My case coordinator Stephanie Stevens. Stays right on top of my case. Thank you so much for making my life easier. I have recommended your company to others that may need assistance in the future.”
“Carole is an excellent caring professional. She has been extremely helpful in advising us and in scheduling care. With respect to the caregivers, we have no complaints. We want to give a special thank you to Rhona for her time and effort in creating a special bond with our mother.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Kesling Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local T-Bones Pier Eleven or visit Long Live La Porte (Mural), don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in La Porte, IN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in La Porte, IN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in La Porte, IN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Northwest Health – La Porte has been selected as one of the Best Maternity Hospitals in the United States, one 19 Indiana hospitals selected. The selection was announced publicly on April 16, 2025.To ensure quality and validity of the ranking, Newsweek worked with the data firm Statista and based their evaluation on three data sources: a nationwide online survey in which hospital managers and maternity healthcare professionals, including neonatal care providers and obstetricians, were asked to recommend leading maternity hospita...
Northwest Health – La Porte has been selected as one of the Best Maternity Hospitals in the United States, one 19 Indiana hospitals selected. The selection was announced publicly on April 16, 2025.
To ensure quality and validity of the ranking, Newsweek worked with the data firm Statista and based their evaluation on three data sources: a nationwide online survey in which hospital managers and maternity healthcare professionals, including neonatal care providers and obstetricians, were asked to recommend leading maternity hospitals; medical key performance indicator data relevant to maternity care, such as a hospital's rate of cesarean births; and patient satisfaction data including, how patients rated a hospital's medical staff for responsiveness and communication.
“Few moments in life are as joyful as welcoming a newborn. Ensuring moms and babies thrive—during pregnancy, delivery, and beyond—starts with exceptional maternity care, and that’s exactly what we’re proud to provide here at Northwest Health – La Porte,” said Mark Casanova, chief executive officer. “Our incredible maternity team—including our obstetricians, nurses and midwives—goes above and beyond every day. It’s rewarding to see their dedication recognized on a national level.”
About Northwest Health
Northwest Health is a regional healthcare system committed to providing communities in Northwest Indiana with high-quality, accessible health care — from highly specialized care and surgical services to more routine primary care. The system of more than 60 access points includes three hospitals, five emergency departments, urgent care centers, outpatient surgery centers, an ambulance service, and physician offices. A compassionate team of caregivers work hard to fulfill its mission to help people get well and live healthier. For more information, visit NWHealthIN.com.
Community members support a La Porte family after their food stamp benefits were stolen and used fraudulently out of state.More VideosLA PORTE, Texas — A La Porte family whose food stamp benefits were hacked and stolen is now receiving help from community members who saw their story on the news. Ashley Guzman and the five children in her household lost their...
Community members support a La Porte family after their food stamp benefits were stolen and used fraudulently out of state.
LA PORTE, Texas — A La Porte family whose food stamp benefits were hacked and stolen is now receiving help from community members who saw their story on the news. Ashley Guzman and the five children in her household lost their food assistance benefits for this month when funds from her Lone Star Card account were fraudulently spent at a Sam's Club more than 1,100 miles away in Sunrise, Florida.
After the family's story aired, multiple people contacted KHOU 11 and the local food pantry offering monetary donations and grocery shopping assistance.
"We've gotten several calls today about people wanting to donate monetarily to her. We've gotten one call from someone who wants to pick her up and take her to buy groceries," said Brenda Halbardier, who runs the food pantry at Light of Christ Lutheran Church in La Porte.
KHOU 11 connected Ashley's family with the food pantry, operated from Light of Christ Lutheran Church. They serve a growing number of families in need.
Halbardier says the demand for food assistance has dramatically increased in recent years.
"We are currently seeing between 275 and 300 families a week that equates to almost 800 people," she said. The number of people needing help has doubled each year for the last four years, according to Halbardier.
The food pantry serves a diverse population struggling with food insecurity.
"These are people that you don't typically think of as needing a food pantry," Halbardier explained. "These are people who are working who just don't quite have enough to make ends meet each month."
The food pantry maintains an open-door policy for both those needing assistance and those wanting to help. Halbardier said they would accept donations from anyone wanting to contribute.
"Oh, I'll never turn them away. I'll never turn them away." She also emphasized that the pantry never turns away anyone who needs help.
Karen Waltz’s journey to becoming a kindergarten teacher at Indian Trail Elementary School has taught her that it’s never too late to write your own lesson plan in life. When her twin daughters were first starting preschool, the then stay-at-home mom began volunteering at the school’s get-togethers, but Waltz never imagined that stepping into her daughter’s classroom would also be the first step toward finding her true calling.“I found a local preschool here in La Porte and started volunteering at their l...
Karen Waltz’s journey to becoming a kindergarten teacher at Indian Trail Elementary School has taught her that it’s never too late to write your own lesson plan in life. When her twin daughters were first starting preschool, the then stay-at-home mom began volunteering at the school’s get-togethers, but Waltz never imagined that stepping into her daughter’s classroom would also be the first step toward finding her true calling.
“I found a local preschool here in La Porte and started volunteering at their little get-togethers,” Waltz said. “When my children were finished with the program, Jaunda Kneller, the director who became a friend of mine while the girls were in school, asked me if I would like to become an assistant. I said, ‘Of course!’ After that, she promoted me to be a teacher, and that's where I found the love of working in education. I was married with two children at the time and had not gone to college, so I told my spouse then that I really wanted to go to school to become an elementary school teacher, and he was all for that. I went to Purdue University North Central, which now is Purdue University Northwest, and graduated with my bachelor's degree in 2004.”
Waltz quickly found a passion in helping young children learn and was inspired by the light in their eyes as they took in new ideas. The joy, curiosity, and enthusiasm of the little learners she witnessed in the classroom made a lasting impression, one that would soon even reshape her future. Prior to teaching, Waltz took a brief job at her local K-Mart in her late teenage years, but she had mostly stayed home to take care of her children. Now that her children were starting school, she knew it was time for her career to take a new and different path.
“I loved seeing the children learn and loved the activities that we did at the preschool – they were just so excited for learning,” Waltz said. “It was so much fun to see them just soaking up all the knowledge and just seeing them grow from day one until their graduation from the 3-year-old or the 4-year-old program. We also made sure to make it fun for them, so that they would be willing to learn and not think of it as a chore. That’s when I knew I had to go back to school and get my teaching license and do this as my career.”
When the idea of pursuing a career in early childhood education first crossed Waltz’s mind, she thought back to her own first-grade year and the teacher who made learning feel like an adventure. That experience left a lasting impression, one she carried with her throughout her education. When she finally stepped into her own classroom, she was determined to create that same sense of joy and curiosity for her students. Alongside her friend Kneller, it was that first-grade teacher who played one of the most influential roles in shaping the educator Waltz would become.
“When I wanted to go back to school to get my teaching degree, I thought about my teacher from first grade, Mrs. Hood. She was just a wonderful, loving teacher who made learning fun,” Waltz said. “I remember when I got my degree, I called her and told what I did was because of her and Jaunda. Just watching how Mrs. Hood taught early childhood to these little kids – I was in awe of what she did, and she inspired me to go back to school later on.”
Now, 19 years later – 17 of those teaching kindergarten specifically – Waltz continues to help shape the lives of La Porte’s younger generation. From day one of each school year to day 180, it’s an amazing process to watch her students grow throughout the year. She fell in love with teaching so much that she was inspired to continue her education and received her master’s degree in 2013. She was even nominated twice for La Porte Community School Corporation’s Teacher of the Year over the course of her career.
“My favorite part about teaching right now is when the kids walk into my classroom with their smiles and they're excited to be there and learn,” Waltz said. “They ask me, ‘What are we doing today, Miss Waltz?’ I tell them what we have planned – I always have an agenda on the board and little pictures before they learn how to read on what we're doing, and they're just so excited. It's a fulfilling profession to be a teacher and just to see those children be excited about learning. The growth I see is amazing.”
Working for La Porte Schools has been a dream come true for Waltz. To her, teaching has never felt like a job but rather a daily adventure filled with purpose, growth, and joy. Each morning brings new opportunities to make a difference in students’ lives, which is exactly what drives Waltz to curate the best learning environment for each and every child who enters her classroom.
“The main thing that I love about being a teacher at La Porte Community School Corporation is that I don't feel like I have to go to work – I get to go to work,” Waltz said. “There's no two days or classes or years that are the same, which keeps the job engaging and interesting. I love seeing their sweet smiling faces every day, and it makes my heart very happy. I believe you have to meet the children where they are and have them grow from there. You can't treat all students the same because they aren't the same academically, emotionally or socially when they come into your classroom. When they come in on that first week of school, I try to find out what their interests are – their hobbies and their backgrounds – so that I can help them have the spark of the love of learning.”
Waltz’s love for the City of La Porte runs just as deep as her passion for the La Porte Community School Corporation. When she’s not in the classroom, she can often be found enjoying the community she calls home. Family time is especially important to her, and she cherishes every opportunity to spend quality moments with her loved ones.
“I like to spend time with my twin daughters, their husbands, all of my wonderful grandchildren, my friends and my boyfriend. I like hanging out with all kinds of people,” Waltz said. “I go to Arts in the Park. I like to listen to music. I go to the Civic Auditorium to listen to music, and I love to read. I love to go to church and do Bible studies and just and I like to make sure that my yard and flower garden looks very nice.”
From volunteering at her daughters’ preschool to creating meaningful connections in her own classroom, Waltz has turned a late-blooming dream into a fulfilling reality. Her story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your heart, and that sometimes, the most rewarding paths are the ones we don’t expect.
“Obviously, I was not a traditional student,” Waltz said. “I went back to school at age 33 and got my first job with the La Porte School Corporation at age 40; it just proves to you that you can find what your love and your passion for your career, for your life, even at later on in life.”
What recently happened?La Porte High School (LPHS) held its annual commencement ceremony for the graduating seniors on Thursday June 12, at La Porte’s own Kiwanis Field.The ceremony featured all of the walking graduates, as well as speeches from Valedictorian Drew Bush, who discussed personal and overall growth through his high school career, and Teacher Jamie Vincent, who discussed how we will make mistakes, but we need them to continue growing as people.“When it came to graduating, I was mostly excited. I...
La Porte High School (LPHS) held its annual commencement ceremony for the graduating seniors on Thursday June 12, at La Porte’s own Kiwanis Field.
The ceremony featured all of the walking graduates, as well as speeches from Valedictorian Drew Bush, who discussed personal and overall growth through his high school career, and Teacher Jamie Vincent, who discussed how we will make mistakes, but we need them to continue growing as people.
“When it came to graduating, I was mostly excited. I cried a little after because it hit me all at once that I made it; I finished high school. After high school I start at Valparaiso University in the fall to study criminology and social work,” Senior Adi Alverez said.
Graduation is not just a celebration of completing high school, but one of new beginnings, and this is a time for celebration. Many seniors are going off to college this summer, and others are going off to the military or trade school. But each and every one is on a path to success in the future.
“Although my life as a Slicer has been enjoyable, I'm very excited for the opportunity to row the boat somewhere else. The best part of attending LPHS was the amazing teachers who inspired me every day, like my SRT teacher Jennifer Scanlin, and my friends who made me excited to come to school every day. I'm happy I get to keep seeing the friends I made in high school when I attend Indiana University South Bend (IUSB) with them in the fall. I'll be going for computer science. Slicer out!” Senior Felix Goff said.
Having experienced the confusion and frustration of COVID-19 in their seventh and eighth grade years, the graduating 2025 seniors are now ready to go on into the adult world.
Fox Park will be hosting many events this summer through Arts In The Park, which are free concerts every Thursday night at 7 p.m. These concerts vary in genres and include country, pop, rock, and even classical through the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
Before all of the concerts, there is a pre-concert hour with various forms of entertainment and activities. One of these concerts has an open mic for people to audition, which will happen on July 10 at 6 p.m. Another will include the LPHS Marching Band, who will be playing excerpts from this year's show “Off The Rails,” “The Star Spangled Banner,” “Fanfare And Our Old High,” and many more. These happen from June 4 to August 6.
The next concert coming up is Echoes Of Pompeii—Pink Floyd Tribute Band on June 19 at 7 p.m., and the pre-concert hour will be Go Aerial Fitness, which do many types of classes for kids and adults. They also offer massages, and they host parties for groups.
This park is not just for live music, it also has many recreational activities including Thrills and Spills Skate Park, Ron Reed Baseball Field, multiple playgrounds, picnic shelters, and the trail that surrounds the lake, which now connects to Chessie Trail. Activities are held in these areas all throughout the summer, one including Skate Fest on Saturday June 14.
The actual Skateboarding and Scooter Competition will be happening at the Thrills and Spills Skate Park, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and there is a participation fee of $20, spectators are free. The live music for this event will be from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater in Fox Park. The bands that will be playing are Hazm, GlitterMouth, and Sleep Without Sound, and there will be multiple food truck vendors providing a variety of food.
These events are completely free to the public, and they are all funded through donations. These donations are through raffles, concession sales, and donations through the Arts In The Park website and in person.
Molly King, former LPHS student, has been making waves in the Northwest Indiana (NWI) music scene since 2022 with her band Hard Copy, but she has also been making a successful career in La Porte.
In high school, King participated in a variety of activities including Marching Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band, IJEA, Quiz Bowl, ?nd more. The most notable being marching band, in which she was drumline section leader and band president her senior year. This year, the La Porte Marching Band took 10th place at the State competition. King also was an assistant coach with the Special Olympics Basketball.
Now in college, her music journey has continued into college at Indiana University Kokomo (IUK) with their performance arts program. She has participated in the IUK band and choir, as well as the theater production of “Pride and Prejudice.”
“College truly isn’t as scary as I imagined it to be and I’m grateful for the friends I’ve surrounded myself with," she said. "Most importantly, I’m grateful for the educators that I have had that make it worthwhile attending class and progressing my education. Teachers are some of the biggest influencers on children and their future!”
In the summer, she practices and performs with her band Hard Copy, which plays covers of numerous genres. Hard Copy began in King’s sophomore year of high school with drummer Elliott Yrastorza, with consistent members including Felix Goff playing lead guitar, Brianna Moel playing saxophone, and Kale Condo playing trombone. Newer members include Mazie Huffman playing bass guitar and Nova Lear playing rhythm guitar. Recently, Hard Copy played at Michigan City Food and Music Fest Battle of the Bands, and the band is set to perform at Michigan City Oktoberfest on Saturday, August 30.
“I was very inspired to create Hard Copy by support from my parents but especially our music educators," she said. "Thank you to LaPorte’s music program for inspiring all the members within the band and pushing us to do our best!”
Outside of music, she is majoring in psychology, and minoring in music performance. In the future, she plans to be a therapist, where currently she is working as a pharmacy technician in order to work towards paying her tuition.
Arsenal and Aston Villa have expressed interest in signing former Manchester Cit...
Arsenal and Aston Villa have expressed interest in signing former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte from Al Nassr, according to reports in Spain.
Laporte was a mainstay in Pep Guardiola’s Man City team for half a decade, making 180 appearances for the Etihad club and lifting five Premier League trophies.
The Spain international completed a £23.6m move to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr two years ago in a summer which saw several high-profile players move to the country.
Laporte was linked with a return to Europe last summer and similar speculation looks set to continue during this summer’s transfer window.
Spanish outlet AS say Laporte’s former club Athletic Bilbao are showing serious interest in the 31-year-old, who has one year left on his lucrative contract with Al Nassr.
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It was at Bilbao that Laporte established himself as a top defender and caught the eye of Man City, who brought him to the Premier League in 2018 for £57m.
It is claimed Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde has asked the club to seal a return for Laporte but that the finances involved are beyond the La Liga club.
Laporte would have to agree to take a significant pay-cut to return to Europe, while Al Nassr will insist on recouping most of the cash they spent on the defender 24 months ago, putting his price tag at around £20m.
While the numbers involved make a move to Bilbao unlikely, the Spanish side will try to play on Laporte’s ties to the club to welcome him back this summer.
AS say Athletic Bilbao, who finished fourth in La Liga last season and reached the semi-finals of the Europa League, are not the only European club interested in Laporte.
Premier League rivals Arsenal and Aston Villa have both registered interest along with French outfit Marseille and Italian giants Inter Milan and Napoli.
Premier League – 5EFL Cup – 3FA Cup – 2Champions League – 1Super Cup – 1PFA Team of the Year – 1
Arsenal’s focus at the start of the summer transfer window has been on a striker – talks have been held with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko – and a midfielder – Martin Zubimendi is closing in on a £55m move.
But talk of multiple defenders leaving, including Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior, means Mikel Arteta may also look for defensive reinforcements.
Arsenal have also been contacted over a deal for Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori but reportedly rejected the transfer approach.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, have also welcomed one new defender to Villa Park this summer, young Turkey star Yasin Ozcan joining Unai Emery’s squad.
Speaking during his first season in the Saudi Pro League, Laporte suggested several players who had made the switch were unhappy.
‘They haven’t made it easy for us,’ Laporte told AS. ‘In fact, there are many players that are dissatisfied.
‘They do look after us but not enough for my liking. That is to say, in Europe they pay you a good salary, but they take better care of you.
‘I speak from my own experience and I don’t know what the experience of others is like.
‘For my part, what I have seen is that they try to bring you in, but then there is the day-to-day life and that is different.’
Al Nassr, who also boast all-time great Cristiano Ronaldo, endured a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, failing to win any silverware and finishing third in the Saudi Pro League.
As well as picking up a number of domestic trophies, Laporte also helped Spain win Euro 2024 last summer, starting the final as Luis de la Fuente’s side beat England.
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