Board of Directors

Bonnie J Meyer, President

Personal Bio  

            My name is Bonnie Meyer and I am life-long resident of Lake County, Indiana. I’ve lived in Lowell, Cedar Lake, Crown Point, Gary and Merrillville. I graduated from Crown Point High School in 1973. I had my own photography business for twenty years. I have worked the past fourteen years as the Director of Missions and Outreach at the Crown Point First United Methodist Church. I am also the author of a series of children’s books, The Adventures of Kicker and Flinnder.

            I have two grown sons and five grandchildren. I am married to the most amazing Dutch woman and we share our home with three very spoiled cats.

            Money was in short supply growing up and when raising my sons. Struggling to keep bills paid, kids fed and clothed was a way of life for many years. We were helped my government programs, family and friends.  

            I was raised with the belief that we are all created equal, in God’s image and of unique worth. These values have led me to a life filled with a heart for missions. Blessings gain value when shared.

            It had been my desire for several years to start a nonprofit organization that would address the specific needs of citizens of South Lake County. After beginning the Buddy Bag Program at the Crown Point First United Methodist Church the success and growth of that program inspired to me to make my desire a reality. The Buddy Bag Program is the flagship program of Community Help Network, Inc.

            I have been surrounded by faithful and energetic volunteers from the beginning. It was not difficult to form a Board of Directors, and I believe I have the best. Together we are growing the Buddy Bag Program and Community Help Network.

Paul Sills, Vice President

Personal Bio

          Our mission is clear! Living in the Kingdom of God as Christians we are called to serve.

          And what better way to serve than to have been blessed and privileged to support our Buddy Bag Program through the Community Help Network, Inc. in feeding our local food insecure students.

          Jesus says in Luke 12:48 “To whom much is given, much will be required!” And, of course, we recognize how much He has blessed us with!

          It is truly a joy and blessing to support this much needed program and to have the opportunity to serve children in need in our community.

          I encourage and invite you to join us and experience the love and joy in serving God by serving our children.

Kathy Dybowski, Treasurer

Personal Bio

            As an elementary school teacher, I realized the need of adequate nutrition to maximize the learning of students.  If a child is hungry or wondering if there will be food to eat at home, he will not be able to focus on learning.  Community Help Network is addressing this need in South Lake County.  Now that I am retired from the classroom, I am excited to be involved with this program.  I have been involved with packing of Buddy Bags, delivering the bags to schools, and now am serving as treasurer for the organization. Community Help Network gives me the opportunity to continue to be involved with helping provide children with basic needs to enhance their learning.

Dian Reyome, Chairperson

Personal Bio 

I’m a lifelong resident of NW IN, mother of three daughters and have nine Grandchildren.  I had the honor of being Centier Bank’s Financial Capabilities Officer, and during that time learned the value of helping others!  Retirement has afforded me the time to devote to many efforts, including the Community Help Network, St. Jude House, Meals on Wheels and the Lake County Public Library Foundation.

Christy Miller, Secretary

Personal Bio

            My name is Christy Miller and I’ve been involved with Buddy Bags since 2017.  I became involved because it’s a mission that speaks to my heart. I have a strong calling to be involved in a mission that brings our community together by helping those who need it most.  Our family motto is to treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves.  I also believe we all go through ups and downs in our lives and it’s best that we help each other and stand together during the down times.  I see that attitude and spirit within Community Help Network where I currently serve on the Board of Directors as Secretary.

            I’m originally from Lebanon, Indiana and I met my husband, Eric, at Ball State University in 2001 prior to graduation.   After living and working in Chicago for several years we started a family and moved to Eric’s hometown of Crown Point to be closer to some of our family and to our small family-owned business.  We work together at the Eric Miller Allstate agency located on Summit Street in Crown Point.  We have two boys ages 11 and 9 who attend a local elementary school here in Crown Point.  We are grateful to live, work and volunteer in this friendly community.