The City of Valparaiso has named Susie Hord as its Good Neighbor recipient for 2021, recognizing her exemplary commitment to the community. “Susie Hord has a heart for families, children, her College Hill neighborhood and the elderly. She quietly makes a difference for so many. This Good Neighbor recognition is an opportunity for us to shed a light on her contributions and highlight the good works happening each day in Valparaiso,” said Mayor Matt Murphy.
Susie Hord has been serving the Valparaiso community since she arrived to attend Valparaiso University in 1972, and then chose to make Valparaiso her home. She served as director of the pre-school at Immanuel Lutheran for more than 25 years and recently helped the school to achieve well deserved accreditation. She is currently active with Immanuel’s comfort team, taking Caleb, the comfort dog, to visit local nursing homes and schools.
She helps to organize her College Hill neighborhood, leading successful efforts to secure Neighborhood Improvement grants from the City of Valparaiso, which have supported the addition of play equipment for toddlers and a bus shelter near the Hilltop Food Pantry.
Hord also volunteers with the Valparaiso Family YMCA, leading the effort to have Free Little Libraries installed in Valpo Parks. She has fostered the Backpacks and Snacks program that assists kids who qualify for free school lunches. She is currently helping to launch First Things First Porter County, a program that helps provide every child in Porter County with a healthy network of care from birth to 3 years old. She also works with Indiana Promise to help young parents save for their children’s college.
“Susie Hord touches the lives of people of all ages, getting kids off to a good start and creating a community we all enjoy. We’re grateful for her service and excited to recognize good neighbors like Susie,” said Murphy. The City of Valparaiso introduced the Good Neighbor recognition program in 2020 to promote neighborhood involvement and community service. To learn more about the annual Good Neighbor recognition, view the nominees and learn how to nominate someone, visit the Community Engagement page at Valpo.us.