Through programming, Stressbusters, Inc. addresses self-care methods to help with pain and stress that is part of everyday life. “Our goal is to teach alternative means to treat pain and manage stress and depression, so individuals don’t turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms,” explained Jacqueline “Jackie” Fowler, CEO of Stressbusters, Inc. The organization also hosts support group sessions and has a mobile massage therapy clinic.

A Legacy Foundation Transform Lake County Grant helped Stressbusters, Inc. connect with over 5,000 individuals in East Chicago, Hammond, and Gary during Black History Month to educate on holistic approaches to managing mental health. “Residents were full of emotions during our sessions,” Jackie said. “Many participants have never had a massage before and view it as a luxury. Through our events, we were able to provide a relaxing environment for the mind and body where individuals were able to learn coping skills and have meaningful conversations.”

At six years old Rachel was gifted a toy dinosaur named Spike, sparking her passion for prehistoric creatures. Thanks to Spike, Rachel always knew the answer to a question that plagues so many. What did she want to do when she grew up? The answer was simple: paleontology. However, the conversation on the financial burden of attending college was never as easy. Rachel said, “the subject of financial costs that go with being a student, and the worries for how to pay for not only tuition, but food, books, and even housing, came up in every conversation I had about attending college.”

Thanks to the John W. Anderson Scholarship Fund, Legacy Foundation helped ease Rachel’s financial worries about attending the University of Illinois at Chicago. Rachel hopes after she completes her dream of becoming a paleontologist, she will work for the Field Museum in Chicago and can share her passion with students throughout Lake County, Indiana.

Roger Begnoche Scholarship and Legends Scholarship
To Lem Cartman, Legacy Foundation is more than a scholarship provider. “As a first-generation college student, I relied on the resources and connections that Legacy Foundation has offered me. In addition to assisting with my college costs, the Foundation has provided me with valuable connections, networking, and mentoring opportunities,” explained Lem. Lem’s first introduction to Legacy Foundation was during his sophomore year at Valparaiso University when he received the Roger Begnoche Scholarship. The renewable scholarship allowed him to focus on his nursing studies and being a leader and mentor on campus and the wider community. During his senior year, Lem received the Legends Scholarship.

Lem plans to use his B.S. in Health Care Leadership with a minor in public health and biology as an intern at Rush Hospital under the BMO Institute for Health Equity. His goal is to complete his Master of Health Administration at Valparaiso University in May 2024.

Mya Bell has always had a passion for serving her community and helping others, and by receiving the Milton and Ruby McClendon and Mary Francis Textbook Scholarships, she has been able to focus on her passion through student leadership roles at Purdue University Northwest. “Without the support from Legacy Foundation, I would not be able to dedicate as much time to being involved on campus and the community,” explained Mya. “The scholarships I received from the Foundation have assisted me in paying for my tuition and has allowed me to immerse myself in my passions while learning essential skills and making valuable relationships.”

Mya has dedicated her time and talents on campus to ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed. Through her involvement, she has had the opportunity meet with local politicians and serve as a delegate in the Senate for Model Illinois Government, leading her to finding a new passion for justice, policy, and politics. She plans to graduate with a double major in Human Development and Family Studies and Political Science.