EVANSVILLE, IN — On May 13, 2026, Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson was recognized by the Indiana Council on Mental Health with the organization’s Justice Advocate of the Year Award for his leadership and continued efforts to improve mental health services within the criminal justice system. Sheriff Robinson was surprised with the award during a recent progress and collaboration meeting involving the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare, where officials gathered to discuss the continued success of mental health and reentry initiatives within the Vanderburgh County Jail. The award was presented by Zoe Frantz, President & CEO of the Indiana Council on Mental Health. During the presentation, Frantz highlighted Sheriff Robinson’s commitment to creating meaningful change through collaboration between law enforcement and behavioral health professionals. “From the very beginning of his tenure as Sheriff of Vanderburgh County, Sheriff Robinson brought forward a bold and compassionate vision centered on rehabilitation, not incarceration,” Frantz said. “He understood that many individuals entering the justice system were not simply criminals to be punished, but people struggling with mental illness, addiction, trauma, and unmet needs who deserved care, dignity, and a pathway toward recovery.” Frantz also recognized the Sheriff’s Office partnership with Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare in creating Indiana’s first Jail Based Competency Restoration Program, calling it a model for collaboration between law enforcement and behavioral health providers. “His leadership reminds us that true public safety is built not only through enforcement, but through treatment, recovery, collaboration, and hope,” Frantz said. The award highlights the collaborative work between the Sheriff’s Office and Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare to address mental health challenges among incarcerated individuals and reduce recidivism through treatment, support, and reentry planning. Over the past year, Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare staff have worked directly inside the Vanderburgh County Jail, providing therapy, medication management, and support services to inmates in need of mental health assistance. Dr. Gregory Unfried, a psychiatrist with Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare in Evansville, was also recognized during the meeting for his work and dedication to the initiative. After 35 years of service at Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare, Dr. Unfried retired as a full-time psychiatrist in January 2026, but continues serving the community through part-time work with the Forensic Program. Officials recognized Dr. Unfried for his role as the founding physician of Indiana’s first Jail Based Competency Restoration Program, launched in 2020 through a partnership between Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare and the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office. Using his experience in forensic psychiatry and leadership roles within Indiana’s behavioral health system, Dr. Unfried helped develop a program focused on psychiatric evaluation, medication management, therapy, peer support, legal education, and case management for justice-involved individuals experiencing serious mental illness. In 2025, Dr. Unfried also helped expand services through the launch of the Forensic Team, providing continued mental health and substance abuse support, court collaboration, and post-release follow-up for individuals transitioning back into the community. Officials credited Dr. Unfried’s advocacy and leadership with helping create a more compassionate and effective approach to behavioral health care within the justice system, focused on treatment, recovery, and reducing recidivism. According to Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare officials, 147 inmates have been served through the program during its first year. Of those individuals, 78% have not re-offended, and 90% left custody with at least one referral for continued care or support services upon release. “Looking at the need within the jail, we’re constantly looking for different things as far as improvement and how we can make access available for all within the jail system as well as once they leave,” said Cedalia Ellis, Director of Community Support Services for Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare. Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare Forensic Program Manager Dannielle Shoenfeld said the partnership is already making a meaningful impact in the community. “We’ve been out here for a year. We’re merging two very different systems, and we’re seeing results, and it’s exciting,” Shoenfeld said. “The idea that we’re all coming together just to help people, and already seeing this impact in the community, is huge.” Sheriff Robinson said the Sheriff’s Office remains committed to improving outcomes for individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues, both inside the jail and after release. The Vanderburgh County Jail expansion project, currently under construction, was specifically designed with those needs in mind. The expansion includes a dedicated 10-bed mental health unit and a 32-bed substance abuse unit focused on treatment, recovery, and reducing repeat incarceration. “When you can lower your jail population, you’re not only reducing stress on the staff,” Sheriff Robinson said. “With less stress on staff, there’s less employee turnover, happier employees, better interactions with those in custody, and less stress on the inmates even more importantly.” Sheriff Robinson credited the success of the program to the strong partnership between the Sheriff’s Office, Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare, jail staff, and community organizations working together toward long-term solutions. The post Sheriff Noah Robinson and Dr. Gregory Unfried Recognized for Leadership in Mental Health Initiatives in Vanderburgh County Jail appeared first on Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office.

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HAHarvey Walden

3 days ago

Lux Motors Hosts Luxury Car Events in Evansville

Lux Motors presents luxury car events designed to bring together automotive enthusiasts and luxury vehicle buyers. These events showcase premium vehicles and provide opportunities for community members to experience luxury automobiles.

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HAHarvey Walden

3 days ago

Lux Motors Hosts Luxury Car Events in Evansville

Community Remembrances

Vacation Bible School Rocky Railway June 28-29 in Evansville

4 days ago

"Ages: Pre-School - 6th Grade Located: 2300 Washington Ave. Evansville In, 47714 June 28th 5:30pm-8:00pm, June 29th 9:30am-12:00pm"

Evansville Rescue Mission Prepares 104th Annual Gobbler Gathering

4 days ago

"The Evansville Rescue Mission is planning for their 104th annual Gobbler Gathering. They anticipate assisting more than 2,000 Tri-State families at the gathering. Those families will be able to hear the gospel message of Jesus and take home a full Thanksgiving food box. This is possible through your contributions and the assistance of more than 1,000 volunteers."

Evansville Rescue Mission Prepares 104th Annual Gobbler Gathering

4 days ago

Evansville & Newburgh Parade of Homes Returns June 6-14: Free Public Tours of New Construction

6 days ago

" ⏱️ 7 min read Last Updated: June 8, 2026 Next Update: June 1, 2027 Author:Jagoe HomesJagoe Homes is a family-owned new‑home builder since 1939, spanning three generations and having built more than 7,000 homes in Indiana and Kentucky. Recognized nationally with the 2‑10 Home Buyers Warranty Platinum Builder Award (2023 & 2024) and the lifetime Foundation Builder Award for craftsmanship, innovation, and homeowner protection. In the 2025 SIBA Parade of Homes, Jagoe received multiple honors – including Home of the Year and Most Energy Efficient Home – affirming their leading position in design excellence and sustainability. SIBA Parade of Homes | Evansville & Newburgh, Indiana | May 31-June 8 The Parade of Homes in Evansville and Newburgh, Indiana, takes place this year on Saturday, June 6th, through Sunday, June 14. Presented by the Southwestern Indiana Builders Association (SIBA), the Parade of Homes allows the public to tour fully-decorated Jagoe Model Homes and Move-In Ready Homes to find the perfect floor plan, meet with Jagoe New Home Sales Consultants, and gather design inspiration! This is a FREE event that is open to the public. How can I plan my visit? Use the Live Map of 2026 Parade Homes, view homes online, and check virtual or video tours ahead of time. Each home is numbered by its appearance on the tour for easy navigation. Tour Dates | June 6th-June 14th Saturday & Sunday | 1-6 PM Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday | 5-8 PM Closed, Tuesday, June 9th Personalize Your Parade Experience Tour Map View Homes in the Parade of Homes Tour Jagoe Homes during the Parade of Homes Homes are numbered by which they appear on the tour. #10 | WESTRIDGE COMMONS Category 1 2712 Willow Creek Drive, Evansville, IN, 47712 Plan: National Farmhouse 4 Bed / 2.5 Bath / 2-Car Garage 2619 Living Square Feet Design This Plan Virtual Tour Video Tour #11 | MCCUTCHAN TRACE Category 1 11334 Goshen Drive, Evansville, IN, 47725 Plan: Patriot Farmhouse 4 Bed / 2.5 Bath / 2-Car Garage 2549 Living Square Feet Design This Plan Virtual Tour #12 | GOLDFINCH COVE Category 1 4811 Haventree Drive, Evansville, IN, 47725 Plan: Teton Farmhouse 3 Bed / 2 Bath / 2-Car Garage 1735 Living Square Feet Design This Plan Virtual Tour Video Tour #13 | IRONWOOD Category 1 6941 Ironwood Circle, Newburgh, IN, 47630 Plan: Carolina Craftsman 2 Bed / 2 Bath / 2-Car Garage 1720 Living Square Feet Design This Plan Virtual Tour Video Tour #14 | CADBURY AT BERKSHIRE II Category 1 5233 Jackson Drive, Newburgh, IN, 47630 Plan: Patriot Modern w/ 3-Car Garage 4 Bed / 3 Bath / 3-Car Garage 2752 Living Square Feet Design This Plan Virtual Tour Video Tour Experience the SIBA Parade of Homes: Inspiration Around Every Corner The SIBA Parade of Homes is more than just a showcase, it’s a chance to explore the latest in design, floor plans, and everyday functionality, all under one roof. Whether you’re planning to build, just beginning your home search, or simply love gathering fresh ideas, the Parade of Homes offers something for everyone. Walk through beautifully finished homes, see how space is used creatively, and discover new finishes, fixtures, and layouts you might not have considered before. Every Jagoe Home in the Parade of Homes highlights how thoughtful design can enhance daily life, from open-concept kitchens perfect for gatherings to smart storage solutions and modern curb appeal. It’s a great way to see real-world applications of trends you may have pinned or saved online. At Jagoe Homes, we’re proud to be part of this year’s Parade of Homes in Evansville and Newburgh, Indiana. We invite you to tour our featured homes to experience the quality, energy efficiency, and care we build into every space. Whether you’re just gathering ideas or ready to take the next step, this is your opportunity to feel the difference in person. Jagoe Homes are built EnergySmart and TechSmart, and come equipped with Home Buyers Warranty. Contact Us Move-In Ready Homes Build On Your Land Homeowner Testimonials Financing Your New Home Build, Simplified Need answers fast? Our Jagoe Acrisure Financing Team is located in Owensboro, Kentucky, and has the resources and staff to get you into your new Jagoe Home. We work closely with you, combining expertise and advanced tools to make navigating your home loan process simple and seamless. Whether you’re ready to build a house on your land now or just exploring financing options, we are committed to helping you achieve your goals quickly and effectively. Our team is committed to getting you started with a stress-free experience from start to finish. Acrisure Mortgage For Financing please call an Acrisure Mortgage Team Member Bambi L. Winstead Branch ManagerMortgage Loan OriginatorNMLS# 369809Call or Text502-389-0088Email»Profile» Kevin Young Mortgage Loan OriginatorNMLS# 1577520Call or Text904-673-3173Email»Profile» Kyle Chubboy Mortgage Loan OriginatorNMLS# 1763549Call or Text 352-978-1811Email»Profile» Acrisure Mortgage, LLC NMLS ID# 152859. Paid Advertisement. Exceptional Energy Efficiency in Every Jagoe Home  An energy-efficient Jagoe Home begins with intelligent design, quality construction, and generations of working to exceed our own standards of excellence. Jagoe Homes is committed to all the practices it takes to build truly energy-efficient homes, and we work closely with RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network) to achieve great ratings from that organization. HERS® (Home Energy Rating System) INDEX *Based on the US Department of Energy definition of HERS index of 130. This information presented for educational purposes only. Savings are average estimates based on Jagoe Homes’ top five selling plans. Savings will vary based on house type, orientation, house size, utility rates, climate and operations of the home. The lower a home scores on RESNET’S HERS (Home Energy Rating) Index, the more energy efficient it is. A standard new home that’s built to meet the 2006 IECC will score a HERS Index of 100. New Jagoe homes score an average of 62, making them at least 38% more efficient than a standard new home and at least 68% more efficient than a used home. TELL ME MORE Brand-new Jagoe homes are built with nothing less than advanced materials and modern innovations engineered to reduce energy use and lower utility costs all year long. Owning a home designed with energy-saving features ensures long-lasting efficiency, exceptional comfort, and an eco-friendly carbon footprint throughout every season. Filed Under: Community, Event Announcements"

Evansville & Newburgh Parade of Homes Returns June 6-14: Free Public Tours of New Construction

6 days ago

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