Every year in Indiana, tens of thousands of elder abuse cases are reported, approximately 40,000 annually, according to state-level data. But these are only the cases that make it to paper; behind the numbers are individuals quietly suffering in isolation, without family, without resources, and without a voice in the legal system.
For those who live in Johnson, Shelby, and Hancock counties, the situation is particularly urgent. Many vulnerable seniors and incapacitated adults are in need of guardianship services, but District 17 VASIA (Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults) can only take on as many cases as they have trained volunteers to support.
Without someone to advocate for them, these individuals face not just loneliness, but neglect, legal vulnerability, and often a complete loss of independence. That’s why now more than ever, Indiana needs volunteer advocates, compassionate community members ready to step into a meaningful role that can change a life forever.
The aging population in Indiana is rising, and with that comes an increase in seniors who lack the capacity or support to manage their affairs. Whether due to cognitive decline, disability, or lack of family connections, more and more adults are becoming wards of the state, relying on court-appointed guardians to make decisions on their behalf.
In Judicial District 17, which includes Johnson, Shelby, and soon Hancock County (beginning in 2026), VASIA is the only public guardianship program ensuring that those without family still have someone to advocate for their health, comfort, and security. But there's a challenge: there simply aren’t enough volunteers.
Unlike other systems with waitlists, VASIA operates differently, a case cannot be accepted unless there’s a trained volunteer to take it on. This means that many adults in our area are going unserved, not because the system doesn’t care, but because it doesn’t have the hands and hearts to meet the demand.
Every individual VASIA serves is under court-appointed guardianship due to incapacity. These are men and women who may:
These clients aren't statistics. They are people, often forgotten, who need someone to stand in the gap, to notice when something is wrong, to speak up in court, and to ensure their lives are lived with dignity and safety.
As VASIA volunteer Linda Kreuger shares:
"Each protected person comes with their own set of circumstances, but the common thread is that they need someone to care about them and their needs, and I feel blessed to be a part of an organization that provides assistance when they need it most."
Volunteer advocates are more than just volunteers; they become the lifeline for individuals who have no one else. As a VASIA volunteer, you serve as a court-appointed guardian, making legal, medical, and daily living decisions based on what is in the protected person’s best interest.
Most VASIA volunteers manage one to two clients at a time, with flexibility to take on more depending on personal availability. The training is comprehensive and ongoing, ensuring each volunteer feels confident, prepared, and supported.
As VASIA volunteer Diana Moorman explains:
"VASIA volunteers have a unique opportunity to provide crucial personal advocacy for a segment of the population that is often unseen and thus overlooked."
It’s a chance to give voice to the voiceless, and to restore dignity to someone who has lost it through no fault of their own.
Here in Indiana, and especially in our Judicial District 17 counties, the need for compassionate, service-hearted advocates is only growing. As we prepare to expand services into Hancock County in 2026, there’s an urgent call for new volunteers to step forward.
You don’t need a legal background to serve; just a willingness to learn, to listen, and to show up consistently for someone who depends on you.
If you’re someone like many of our volunteers; perhaps a retired nurse, teacher, social worker, or legal professional; you already have the skills and heart that VASIA needs. But even if you come from another background entirely, your desire to serve your community and support those in need is more than enough to begin.
Visit our Volunteer Information Page to learn more about training, expectations, and how to get started. We’re always accepting new advocates and would love to welcome you into the VASIA family.
Whether you live in Johnson, Shelby, or Hancock County, now is the time to become involved. Our seniors and incapacitated adults deserve protection, care, and respect - and you can help ensure they receive it.
Being a VASIA volunteer isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about showing up, being present, and standing firm for someone who can’t stand on their own.
To explore more about the impact of advocacy, read our post “What Does It Mean To Be ‘A Voice In The Court System’ For Someone in Need ”.
Together, we can reduce neglect, prevent loneliness, and restore hope, one person at a time.
Apply today and be the reason someone feels safe, seen, and supported.