Every age. Every ability. Right here in Northwest Indiana.
Empowering individuals of varying abilities to live to their fullest potential with dignity, integrity, choice and community inclusion.
TradeWinds has served children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities since 1967. Day programs, childcare, therapy, jobs, homes and a community pantry, all from our campus in Merrillville.
How can we help you today?
Pick the door that fits. Every path leads to a real person at TradeWinds.
Services for my family
Day programs, childcare, therapy, respite, housing and job support, from 6 weeks old to seniors.
See programsI run a business
Interpreting, sewing, packaging and assembly, and a way to hire people with disabilities.
Business servicesI want to give or volunteer
Donate, sponsor an event or give your time. Your gift stays right here in Lake and Porter counties.
Get involvedI want to work here
Direct support, childcare, therapy and interpreting roles, with paid training and a 24/7 gym on site.
See open jobsPrograms for every stage of life
Most adult programs are funded through Indiana Medicaid waivers, and childcare accepts CCDF vouchers. Our Admissions team helps guide you.
Adult Services, 18 and older
- ADAPTA structured, social day program
- ABLEActivate, Build, Learn and Explore
- Transitional Vocational TrainingJob skills, classes and real work experience
- Employment ServicesOne-on-one help to find and keep a community job
- Respite CareShort breaks so caregivers can rest, work or run errands
- Residential LivingGroup homes and supported living, with nursing support
- Participant Assistance and CareHands-on support at home and in the community
- Deaf ServicesASL interpreting, advocacy and sign language classes
Youth Services, 6 weeks through 12th grade
- ChildcareLittle Treasures, for children of all abilities from 6 weeks to 6 years
- Occupational and Speech TherapyLicensed therapists in local school classrooms
- Summer CampsField trips, arts, sports and community outings
- Respite CareBreaks for families, from three hours to overnight
Not sure which program fits?
Call Admissions on a weekday at (219) 945-0100 ext. 332, or book a tour and see the rooms for yourself.
Businesses work with TradeWinds too
Our production floors and our Deaf Services team serve companies across the region. Every job gives an adult with a disability a real paycheck.
All business services Sewing Manufacturing
Garments for the U.S. Department of Defense under AbilityOne, and PPE gowns for local hospitals.
Packaging and Assembly
Product fulfillment, labeling, sorting, assembly and custom food tray assembly since the late 1970s.
Sign Language and Interpreting
Certified ASL interpreters for medical, legal, school and workplace settings, on site or by video.
The Chicago Lighthouse
A low vision clinic on our Merrillville campus, in partnership with The Chicago Lighthouse since 2015.
Hire People with Disabilities
Bring on a trained, coached employee through Employment Services and the AbilityOne program.
Our name came from a student. Our first building came from volunteers.
TradeWinds started in the 1940s as the Lake County Association for Crippled Children, offering speech and occupational therapy. In 1966 a Brunswick Elementary student named Greg Corwin won the contest to name us. Trade winds propel sailors on the seas, and TradeWinds propels people with special needs to a better quality of life.
That same decade, volunteers from labor, business and civic groups built our first center in Gary with their own hands. It earned a Presidential Commendation as the largest rehabilitation center in the country built entirely by volunteers. Today we run 18 properties across Northwest Indiana, and the same spirit still shows up every day.
Pirates, Inc., a group of local business leaders, has given more than $3.75 million in ongoing support.
Read our historyBe part of it
TradeWinds was built by volunteers and donors, and it still runs on them. Four ways to help.
Donate
Give online in a minute and pick the program closest to your heart. Gifts are tax deductible.
Donate nowSponsor an event
We host four major events a year, from the gala to the golf outing. Put your name on one.
Sponsor an eventVolunteer
Classrooms, group homes, the pantry, office help. No special skills needed, just patience and heart.
Volunteer with usSchedule a tour
See the rooms, meet the team and ask anything. Weekdays between 9 am and 2 pm.
Book a tour100% of donations directly benefit programs and individuals right here in Lake, Porter, and surrounding Northwest Indiana communities.
TradeWinds Services, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3). Your tax receipt arrives by email right after you give.
TradeWinds Community Pantry
Nutritious food for Lake and Porter County families facing food insecurity, with dignity and choice. Stay in your car and our staff, program participants and volunteers bring your order out to you.
- Second Saturday of the month
- 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
- Last Thursday of the month
- 9:30 am to 1:30 pm
- Where
- 3201 East 83rd Place, Merrillville
- Bring
- A photo ID. Limit of two families per vehicle.
A look inside TradeWinds
Real people and real rooms, from our programs in Merrillville and Hobart.
News and events
Funding support for the TradeWinds Enrichment Center
First Financial Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant for the new TradeWinds Enrichment Center.
Grant newsLegacy Foundation grant for the Community Pantry
A $10,000 grant from the Transform Lake County fund supports food and essentials for local families.
Grant newsJewel-Osco supports the Community Pantry
$3,000 awarded in January 2026 helps keep the shelves stocked for neighbors who need it.
Galas, golf, bowling and more
Our next event is announced here as soon as the date is set. See past events and sponsorship packages.
See eventsFrom our families
ADAPT gave my daughter a place where she's excited to go every morning. The staff know her routines, her favorite songs, and exactly how to make her smile on a hard day. It's given our whole family peace of mind.
Tradewinds Employment Services program provided my son with the assistance he needed to gain the confidence and skills to obtain his first job in the community. The staff provided support throughout the whole process and assisted with his transition until he gained his maximum level of independence at work. He has maintained employment for 3 years which has contributed to improved independence and personal growth as a member of the community.
Partners and certifications
CARF accredited through June 2027, an AbilityOne producer and a United Way partner. Our annual reports and Form 990 filings are one click away.
Questions families ask first
Short answers here. Admissions has the long ones, weekdays at (219) 945-0100 ext. 332.
What does it cost to join a program?
Most adult programs are funded through Indiana Medicaid waiver services, so there is no out-of-pocket cost for eligible participants. Private pay is available too. Our Admissions team can walk you through the waiver process if you have not applied yet.
How do we get started?
Call Admissions at (219) 945-0100 ext. 332. A participant needs an intellectual disability diagnosis from a medical professional. Our Admissions Coordinator helps you gather the paperwork for BDDS eligibility, which usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Can we visit before enrolling?
Yes. We encourage every family to tour before starting. You can request a tour any weekday between 9 am and 2 pm.
Is transportation provided?
For ADAPT and ABLE, door-to-door transportation is available in most of our service area through our partnership with local transit providers. Ask your Admissions Coordinator if your address is covered.
Do you serve children who do not have a disability?
Yes. Our childcare and summer camps welcome children of all abilities, and we believe all children have the right to learn and play with their peers.
Where does my donation go?
100% of donations directly benefit programs and individuals right here in Lake, Porter, and surrounding Northwest Indiana communities. TradeWinds Services, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3), and our annual reports and Form 990 filings are on this website.
Talk to Admissions
Call (219) 945-0100 ext. 332 on a weekday, or book a tour and see it for yourself. We will walk you through funding, paperwork and what a first day looks like.