United Way Northwest Indiana Partners with MAAC Foundation to Expand EMR Training Opportunities
May 26, 2026 (Valparaiso, Indiana) – United Way Northwest Indiana is proud to partner with the MAAC Foundation to support the upcoming Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Course running Mondays and Thursdays from June 15 through August 1. Through the partnership, United Way Northwest Indiana will cover a portion of the program cost, helping make the training more accessible to community members interested in emergency response and public safety careers.
The Emergency Medical Responder Course equips participants with foundational emergency medical knowledge and critical basic life-saving skills needed to respond at emergency scenes until advanced medical personnel arrive. The training provides hands-on instruction designed to prepare individuals for real-world emergency situations while strengthening the pipeline of trained professionals in the region. Participants as young as 14 years old are eligible to enroll, creating an opportunity for young people interested in public safety and healthcare careers to begin gaining experience and certifications early.
“Partnerships like this are essential to building stronger, safer communities,” said Chris White, President and CEO of United Way Northwest Indiana. “By working alongside organizations like the MAAC Foundation, we can address the growing shortage of trained emergency response professionals while also creating opportunities for individuals to gain valuable skills that can advance their careers. Programs like the Emergency Medical Responder Course not only prepare people to respond in times of crisis, but they also invest in the long-term wellbeing and resilience of our communities.”
“At the MAAC Foundation, we know that preparing the next generation of first responders starts with access, opportunity, and strong community partnerships like this one with the United Way,” said Nicole Gladstone, President and CEO of the MAAC Foundation. “Programs like this do not happen alone. They happen because organizations are willing to come together and invest in the future of public safety. The introduction of our EMR class allows us to continue filling a critical need for trained emergency responders while also opening the door for younger individuals, to begin exploring careers in EMS and public safety. We are incredibly grateful to United Way Northwest Indiana for helping make this opportunity possible.”
White added that the organization looks forward to expanding future collaborative programming opportunities in Northwest Indiana. “We are excited about continuing partnerships that bring impactful training opportunities to our region, including programs like First Responder Spanish and other workforce and public safety initiatives that meet the evolving needs of our community.”
The EMR course is open to individuals interested in emergency response, public safety, healthcare pathways, and community preparedness. Participants will receive instruction in emergency assessment, patient stabilization, CPR, and other essential response techniques. After successful completion of the course, students will become eligible to sit for the Indiana State Exam to become an EMR.
For registration details and additional program information, please visit www.maacfoundation.org.
About United Way Northwest Indiana
The mission of United Way Northwest Indiana is to unite and mobilize partners, volunteers, and resources to advance economic stability for families, and to build healthier, more resilient communities.
About the MAAC Foundation
The MAAC Foundation is dedicated to advancing public safety, emergency preparedness, and first responder training through education, collaboration, and community engagement.
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