About the Center Township Trustee

The Center Township Trustee provides local assistance and support to residents in need. As part of Indiana’s township system, our office helps individuals and families navigate hardship from rent and utility assistance to connecting with the right local resources.

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(219) 362-2736
Lisa Pierzakowski, Center Township Trustee, standing at a table with food ingredients during a township community event in La Porte, Indiana.

Meet Trustee Lisa Pierzakowski

Township Trustee | Community Advocate | Award-Winning Leader

Lisa Pierzakowski has proudly served as the Center Township Trustee since 2015, driven by a deep passion for lifting individuals and families out of poverty through innovative, hands-on approaches. Since taking office, she has transformed township assistance into a pathway toward long-term stability

Under her leadership, the township has expanded services to include:

  • Shower and laundry access
  • Job readiness and budgeting programs

  • GED support and life skills classes

Lisa is widely recognized for her commitment to the community, earning multiple awards for service and innovation. Her approach is simple: transforming lives for the better.

Where Help Never Takes A Holiday

While Indiana law outlines the responsibilities of township government, how services are delivered can vary. At Center Township, we take a hands-on approach focused on timely, compassionate assistance and helping residents regain stability.

Understanding each person’s unique situation
Connecting residents with local programs and partners
Responding quickly in urgent situations

What is A Township Trustee?

Township government is often called the most “grassroots” level of government because it serves people directly at the local level.
In Indiana, Township Trustees are elected officials who serve four-year terms and are responsible for providing essential services to residents within their township.

Each township is supported by a three-member township board that helps oversee budgets, contracts, and financial decisions.

At its core, the township system exists to respond quickly and locally when people need help.

The primary duties of a township trustee in Indiana include:

  • Township Assistance
  • Fire Protection
  • Assessing
  • Fence Disputes
  • Financials
  • Cemetery Maintenance

  • Weed Control

  • Miscellaneous Duties

Meet Our Team

Our staff and board members are dedicated to serving the community with compassion, respect, and integrity. Every member of our team plays a role in helping individuals and families navigate challenges and connect with the resources they need.

Dannelle Deputy Trustee

Dannelle
Deputy

Heidi Receptionist

Heidi
Receptionist

Brittany Caseworker

Brittany
Caseworker & Rehab Coordinator

Jessica Resource Center Director

Jessica
Resource Center Director

How You Can Support the Community

Community support helps the Center Township Trustee’s office assist neighbors facing difficult situations. Donations provide food, emergency assistance, and basic necessities for individuals and families working to get back on their feet.

Financial contributions are processed through our nonprofit partner so funds can be used where they are needed most throughout the community. Together, we can continue providing help and support when it’s needed most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and answers about Center Township services and assistance.

No, our office does not take clothing donations unless they are brand new with the tags still on them. We refer our clients who are in need of clothing to Giggles Boutique or St. Vincent DePaul.  Both places will give clothing to those who are in need.

Yes, our office can assist with past due rent if you reside within Center Township. Your rent must be past due in order for our office to be able to facilitate the application process with you.  We can not assist with rent that is not yet due, or is not past due.

Yes, our office can assist with a Nipsco bill, however the bill must be in the applicant’s name, and the bill must be past due. You must also reside within Center Township.  You do not have to wait until you receive a disconnect notice or have services disconnected to complete and application through the Trustee’s office.

Yes, our office can assist with a water bill, however, the bill must be in the applicant’s name, and the bill must be past due. You must also reside within Center Township. You do not have to wait until you’ve received a disconnect notice, or have services disconnected before completing an application through the Trustee’s office.

No. The Trustee’s office, and any agency for that matter, is unable to assist with a security deposit, or any type of deposit. The Trustee’s office could assist with a portion of first month’s rent if the address is within Center Township.  In order to complete an application for first month’s rent, you must have secured a place to live within Center Township, paid the security deposit, and have a source of income whether it is social security, SSDI, employment, etc.

Our application process is a 2-appointment process. Your first appointment will be an intake where you will meet with one of our case managers.  We will meet with you to compile a list of documents that you will need to bring back with you to your second appointment.  Our application process can take up to 10 days, depending on how long it takes for you to compile the list of documents that we are requesting.

Our shower, washer, and dryer are for our unhoused clients. If you are unhoused you can contact our office and we can discuss utilizing these resources.

Need Assistance? We’re Here to Help.

If you are struggling with housing, utilities, food access, or other essential needs, the Center Township Trustee’s Office may be able to help. The best way to get started is by submitting a request for assistance so our staff can review your situation and schedule an appointment.