Press Releases- Media

Crisis Center located in Gary Indiana, has received a grant of $313,561 from Lilly Endowment Inc. that will fund multiple capital improvement projects for their residential shelter that serves at-risk youth.

The capital improvement projects are being funded through Lilly Endowment’s initiative, Strengthening Youth Programs in Indiana. The aim of the competitive initiative is to help youth-serving organizations working throughout Indiana improve their abilities to promote the academic, physical and social well-being of young people, ages five through 18.

“We are extremely thankful to Lilly Endowment for its generous gift. This grant will fund multiple projects at the Crisis Center in our emergency shelter, including purchasing two new generators to replace our aging ones, purchasing and installing new flooring, and purchasing new shelter furniture from Norix, which is the leading furniture provider of behavioral healthcare. This grant will enable the Crisis Center to fully furnish twenty bedrooms, two family rooms, a dining room, and our emergency shelter lobby, allowing us to focus on the safety and well-being of our clients and staff,” shared Beth Szamatowicz, Crisis Center’s Director of Development.

Crisis Center is one of 187 organizations receiving grants through Strengthening Youth Programs in Indiana.

“Indiana’s youth-serving organizations are crucial to the healthy development of children and youth across the state,’ said Ted Maple, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for education. “The challenges these organizations have faced in meeting the needs of young people in recent years have made their work increasingly difficult. Lilly Endowment is pleased to support their efforts to strengthen programs and serve more youth more effectively.”

Lilly Endowment launched Strengthening Youth Programs in Indiana Initiative in 2022 with an invitational round of grants to nine national youth-serving organizations to help them expand and enhance the work of their Indiana affiliates or chapters.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. Although the Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, it maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

About Crisis Center

Crisis Center is a nonprofit organization located in Gary, Indiana. They have been providing services in northwest Indiana for over 50 years. For additional information about the Crisis Center and to view a full list of their programs please visit www.CrisisCenterysb.org

Crisis Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Marion Collins as its new Executive Director, effective November 28, 2023. 

Marion Collins brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in the nonprofit field. Marion has held various leadership positions at prominent organizations and has consistently demonstrated exceptional vision, strategic acumen, and a passion for driving innovation in the non-profit industry. Marion has been the Crisis Center's Crisis Contact Program Director for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline since August 2022. She has successfully built and maintained one of the most successful 988 call centers in the State of Indiana. Marion holds a bachelor's in Psychology and a Master of Business Administration. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Marion Collins as our new Executive Director,” said Gary Johnson, Board President of the Crisis Center. “Her outstanding leadership and expertise will be invaluable in guiding the Crisis Center through its next phase of growth and development.”

Marion expressed excitement about her promotion to Executive Director and the opportunity to continue to work with the talented team at the Crisis Center. “I am honored to be chosen as the Executive Director of the Crisis Center, I am looking forward to continuing work on our mission of opening a path of hope for lives in crisis. Together, we will build upon our strong foundation, capitalize on new opportunities, and continue to chart a path of success.”

Marion Collins replaces Nikki Wielgos, who has served as Executive Director since 2020 Nikki played a pivotal role in the Crisis Center’s growth and achievements during her tenure, and the Crisis Center extends its gratitude for her significant contributions. 

Please join us in congratulating Marion Collins. We are confident that under her leadership, the Crisis Center will continue to provide hope to lives in crisis.