Two smiling women in TradeWinds T-shirts hold buckets of yellow wristbands in front of a playground

Get Involved

Established through philanthropy and volunteer support.

Your donations, time or talents to TradeWinds help people with disabilities achieve greater independence, dignity and personal freedom.

  • Gifts are tax-deductible
  • 100% of donations stay local
  • (219) 945-3116
55+years helping adults and children achieve greater independence
4major awareness-building events each year
100%of donations stay in Lake, Porter and surrounding communities
700+individuals served each month at our Community Pantry

What your support makes possible

The need for our services in Northwest Indiana continues to grow, as well as the facilities necessary to provide these services.

Children

Children programs

  • Speech & Occupational Therapy in local school classrooms
  • Inclusive childcare from 6 weeks through 6 years
  • All-inclusive Summer & Functional Skills Camps
  • Respite for Caregivers
Adults

Adult day and work programs

  • ADAPT (Adult Day Activity Program & Training): day services with activities, training & community integration
  • ABLE: Activate, Build, Learn and Explore
  • Transitional Vocational Training (TVT) for individuals of varied abilities who are not ready for prevocational skills but are interested in job exploration
  • Employment Services: collaborating with local community businesses that employ people with diverse abilities
  • PAC (Participant Assistance and Care): supports and enables individuals in activities
  • Respite for Caregivers
Living and community

Homes, Deaf Services, low vision and the pantry

  • Residential Living: 6 Group Homes and 35 Supported Living Duplexes & Apartments
  • Deaf Services: interpreting, advocacy, case management, referral services, ASL classes & Deaf Sensitivity community education
  • The Chicago Lighthouse Low Vision Clinic
  • TradeWinds Community Pantry for Lake & Porter County residents

Every age, every ability

The children and adults your donations, time and talents support.

Portrait of a grinning young girl with beaded braids in a Most Amazing Sister T-shirt
Portrait of a smiling man in a felt fedora and a dark collared shirt
Portrait of a woman with curly hair and a sparkling headband, smiling softly
Portrait of a smiling bearded man in a crew-neck T-shirt

Who to talk to

The right person for each question, with a phone number and an email.

Volunteering and sponsorship

Lisa Tatina, Director of Development & Marketing
(219) 945-3116
ltatina@tradewindservices.org

Tours

Annette Walker, Admissions Coordinator
(219) 945-3126
admissions@tradewindservices.org

Everything else

TradeWinds Services, 3198 East 83rd Place, Merrillville
(219) 945-0100
info@tradewindsnwi.org

Questions about getting involved

Call Lisa Tatina, Director of Development & Marketing, with any other questions at (219) 945-3116.

Contact us
How can I help TradeWinds?

You can donate online, sponsor an event, volunteer your time and talents, or schedule a tour to see our mission in action.

Who do I contact about volunteering or sponsoring an event?

Contact Lisa Tatina, Director of Development & Marketing, at (219) 945-3116 or ltatina@tradewindservices.org.

How many events does TradeWinds host each year?

TradeWinds relies on community support and hosts four major awareness-building events each year. Details of upcoming events are on our Events page.

Can my business get involved?

Yes. Opportunities include event sponsorships (such as our annual gala), employee volunteer days, and matching gift programs.

Can I donate goods instead of money?

Yes. We welcome tangible items that directly benefit our daily participants and community pantry, like art and sensory supplies, essential toiletries and household goods, and pantry non-perishables.

Can I visit before I decide?

Yes. You can request a tour any weekday between 9 am and 2 pm. Call Annette Walker, our Admissions Coordinator, at (219) 945-3126.

Ready to help?

Call Lisa Tatina, Director of Development & Marketing, at (219) 945-3116 about volunteering or sponsoring an event, or see what is coming up next.