Hope Walk 2026

2 days ago

2 min read

On a beautiful fall morning at Lemon Lake County Park, the Northwest Indiana Center for Maternal Wellness hosted its 2nd Annual Hope Walk. Thanks to the support of generous donors, sponsors, and community partners, the Center raised $7450, vital funds that will directly support peer support groups, educational programming, and essential community events for mothers and growing families across Northwest Indiana. Before the walk began, volunteers, board members, local sponsors, and families gathered near the pavilion to share light refreshments, connect with one another, create postcards stating why/who they were walking for and hear inspiring stories from volunteers and community members about the deep meaning and impact of the Center’s work in maternal mental health.

Executive Director Celeste Chapko shared a powerful photo from the very first walk—held in Chicago when the Center was in its infancy following her own experience with severe postpartum depression and anxiety. Pictured with her young children at the time, she reflected on how far the organization has come, growing from uncertain beginnings into a lifeline offering peer support, something that is so important but seemed difficult to access early on in her own journey. Her reflection underscored how every donation, community partner and volunteer hour directly strengthens local support networks, so no parent has to navigate recovery or parenthood alone.

The walk included families of all ages, bringing together little ones in strollers just weeks old through grandparents walking alongside one another. The uplifting, supportive energy throughout the park and the beautiful weather served as a gentle reminder that maternal mental health matters, asking for help is a sign of strength, and the beauty of our community is truly stronger when we support mothers together.