Anita Freels has devoted her life to serving the La Porte County community, juggling her responsibilities as a steelworker and union representative at Cleveland Cliffs with her active participation in Operation Feed LaPorte County. Born and raised in La Porte, Indiana, Freels holds a deeply passionate connection to the area and shares a true commitment to helping others.
She currently works as the Inventory Lead at Indiana Harbor, in addition to serving as the griever for the office and technical unit, the co-chair of the Joint Human and Civil Rights Committee, and the inner guard on the executive board for United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1010.
Just about all of Freels’ roles reflect her core beliefs in the importance of caring for her community. Whether working on behalf of her fellow union members or volunteering with Operation Feed La Porte County, her focus remains on ensuring that those around her have the support they need.
“I think It all comes down to having a love for my fellow humans and my community,” she said. “I don’t ever want to see anyone go without, especially when it comes to food.”
Operation Feed LaPorte County, a nonprofit founded by Catherine Mrozinski, focuses on addressing food insecurity in the area and providing resources to local food banks. Through fundraisers and other events, the organization helps distribute food to those in need.
“We host lots of give-back nights to raise funds for the organization,” Freels said. “This is our first year with an executive board, so I see a bright future ahead of us as we continue to grow.”
With Freels now part of the nonprofit’s executive board, Operation Feed LaPorte County has a promising future, continuing to expand its reach and resources. As a key member, she is dedicated to growing the program and raising awareness of the organization’s work. Fundraising events such as give-back nights, where local businesses donate a portion of their sales, are one of the many ways the nonprofit engages the community in its mission.
Last year alone, Operation Feed LaPorte County donated over 8,000 pounds of meat and 7,000 pounds of non-perishable goods, assisting around 32 food banks in the Region.
“It’s amazing to see the impact we’re having, but there are still people who don’t know about the program,” Freels said. “Getting the word out is a big focus for us. Following our Facebook page is a great way to stay updated. We post information about our giveback nights and other events there.”
One of the group’s largest annual efforts occurs after the county fair, when local farmers donate animals to be processed and distributed to local food pantries.
“Local farmers donate animals, which are processed and distributed to the food banks in the community,” Freels said. “We work closely with farmers, and I’m grateful for the diversity of our board, which includes people with firsthand knowledge of raising quality livestock.”
Outside of her work with Cleveland Cliffs and Operation Feed LaPorte County, Freels enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring her local community. She and her husband, who also works at Cleveland Cliffs, enjoy walking through La Porte’s parks and admiring the historic homes in the area. When winter arrives, they often travel to warmer destinations, such as Mexico and Aruba, to relax and enjoy the beach. Their son is recently married, adding a new daughter-in-law to the family. At home, they spend time with their two rescue dogs, Sal and Sophia.
Freels’ connection to her community and her dedication to her union are deeply intertwined. As a union representative, she has seen firsthand the importance of standing up for others and advocating for their rights. Whether investigating potential civil rights violations or resolving workplace grievances, Freels strives to support her colleagues and improve working conditions for everyone.
Her union work, which includes grievance handling and investigating employee rights, has empowered her and shaped her growth as both a professional and a person. Freels finds joy in helping her coworkers navigate challenging situations and advocating for their rights.
“Being part of the union has empowered me and helped me grow as a person,” Freels said. “My husband also works at the Burns Harbor plant, and we both feel strongly about the importance of union work. I love being able to help my coworkers.”
As Operation Feed LaPorte County continues to evolve, Freels remains focused on finding new ways to support her team and the people of La Porte County. Through both her union work and her volunteer efforts, she is a prime example of what it means to be a true advocate. Whether at the steel mill or working with Operation Feed LaPorte County, Freels’ dedication to the well-being of others remains at the heart of everything she does.