Our history, decade by decade
TradeWinds is defined by a strong foundation of people: those we serve and those who champion our cause.
- Began in the 1940s
- Named in 1966
- Incorporated in 1967
How TradeWinds began
Therapy for children, then a building raised by volunteers.
- 1940s
Speech and occupational therapy
The Lake County Association for Crippled Children was established to provide speech and occupational therapy services.
- 1950s
More families, more places
More families received services with sites added in church basements, schoolrooms, YMCAs, and rented storefronts. Director Ted Dombrowski inspired volunteers from labor, business, and civic organizations to come together and make history.
- 1960s
A labor of love, and the Pirates
The “Labor of Love,” a new 15,000-sq-ft facility in Gary, earned a Presidential Commendation for being the largest rehabilitation center built entirely by volunteers in the United States. A group of generous business leaders, who were later officially named “Pirates”, donated operating funds. Now an elite fighting force for children with special needs, Pirates, Inc. has contributed more than $3.75 million in ongoing support since 1966.
- 1966
A name from a student
Brunswick Elementary student Greg Corwin won a 1966 naming contest for the nonprofit agency. It propels people with special needs to a better quality of life just as the “TradeWinds” propel sailors on the seas.
- 1967
Officially incorporated
TradeWinds officially incorporated in 1967.
Growing with Northwest Indiana
Paychecks for adults, homes in the community and new programs for children.
- 1970s
A paycheck for adults
New for adults, the opportunity to earn a paycheck through Pre-Vocational training/Industries, and three new wings were added to the building to accommodate the agency's growth.
- 1980s
Sewing, ADAPT and the first group homes
Sewing Industries contracted with the United States Department of Defense to produce garments for the Army & Navy. More jobs added in Industries/Pre-Vocational Services (sewing manufacturing, small parts assembly, pack and ship) and computer recycling. Adult Day Activity Program & Training (ADAPT) was introduced. Residential group home living debuted in four locations. Employment Services are offered, supporting both workers and community employers with job placement and follow-along services.
- 1990s
Child Care, camps and Supported Living
More children served with new Child Care and Summer Camp programs. More jobs were created with outsourcing opportunities in Package, Assembly & Order Fulfillment departments. Supported Living services added for community residents.
- 2000s
More homes and respite for caregivers
Two more residential group homes opened. ADAPT 2 classroom was added. Respite for community caregivers provided for a minimum of 3 hours to overnight in TradeWinds' apartment or their homes. More jobs created through outsourcing, which includes Saco Industries in Lowell, expand skills training.
The 2010s: a new home and room to grow
A bigger building, new partners, more classrooms and more homes.
A new home in 2014
After a thorough 2-year study led by TradeWinds' Board of Directors in partnership with the management team, TradeWinds renovated a substantially larger building in Hobart/Merrillville, provided by a generous donor.
TradeWinds moved to this new location in 2014.
Deaf Services joins us
Also in 2014, Deaf Services partnered with TradeWinds bringing interpreting, advocacy, and case management services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing.
It also brought additional community outreach with American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Sensitivity & Awareness classes.
More ADAPT classrooms
As capacity grew, within two years we added two more ADAPT (Adult Day Activity Program & Training) classrooms, and in 2018 added a 5th ADAPT classroom.
Room to grow
An additional 10,000 sq. ft. of space is leased and eventually purchased across the street to accommodate the nearly 40% increase in service provision since moving to the new facility.
A low vision clinic on site
The Chicago Lighthouse partners to provide monthly Low Vision Clinic services at TradeWinds facility and bi-annual product shows for new technologies.
50 years and the Winning Spirit
In 2017, TradeWinds celebrated 50 Years of serving the Northwest Indiana community.
TradeWinds pirate ship, “Winning Spirit,” was “launched” at our annual Gala and set sail at many community parades.
More Supported Living apartments
New Supported Living apartments were acquired in Hobart and Griffith, and in 2018, 21 additional ground-floor Supported Living apartments in Hobart were purchased.
Growing our work programs
We continued to grow and serve more individuals with varied abilities and the community in our Pre-Vocational Industries with Packaging & Assembly, Sewing Manufacturing, and Employment Services departments.
These departments provide training and opportunities for employment.
A Sensory Room at the ballpark
In 2019, TradeWinds and Gary SouthShore RailCats partnered to provide a new Sensory Room at U.S. Steel Stadium available for those in need of a quiet place.
Gardening at TradeWinds
In 2018, TradeWinds began the first garden project with patio gardening at the main facility. These activities are educational for adults and children, learning about gardening and healthy eating.
The following year, in addition to the accessible patio gardens, a larger garden was created to provide more fresh produce for residents in our homes.
- Accessible patio gardens
- Healthy eating
- Fresh produce for our homes
The 2020s: a new camp and a pantry
Summer camp for older youth, and a Community Pantry for our neighbors.
- In 2020, the addition of a Functional Skills Summer Camp for ages 13 to 17 to provide hands-on experiences for older youth with mild/moderate intellectual disabilities.
- At the end of March 2020, the Sewing Manufacturing team pivoted to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic producing PPE for 49 local hospitals, medical offices, and First Responders in 4 regional states.
- In June 2022, TradeWinds Community Pantry opened to serve residents of Lake & Porter County who struggle with food insecurity.
History questions
See where it all happens today. You can request a tour any weekday between 9 am and 2 pm.
When did TradeWinds start?
The Lake County Association for Crippled Children was established in the 1940s to provide speech and occupational therapy services. TradeWinds officially incorporated in 1967.
Where does the name TradeWinds come from?
Brunswick Elementary student Greg Corwin won a 1966 naming contest for the nonprofit agency. It propels people with special needs to a better quality of life just as the “TradeWinds” propel sailors on the seas.
Who built the first TradeWinds building?
Volunteers. Director Ted Dombrowski inspired volunteers from labor, business, and civic organizations to come together. Their “Labor of Love,” a 15,000-sq-ft facility in Gary, earned a Presidential Commendation as the largest rehabilitation center built entirely by volunteers in the United States.
Who are the Pirates?
A group of generous business leaders, who were later officially named “Pirates”, donated operating funds. Pirates, Inc. has contributed more than $3.75 million in ongoing support since 1966. Meet them on our Our Sponsors page.
When did TradeWinds move to its current building?
In 2014. The move followed a thorough 2-year study led by TradeWinds' Board of Directors in partnership with the management team.
Be part of what comes next
Established through philanthropy and volunteer support, your donations, time or talents to TradeWinds helps people with disabilities achieve greater independence, dignity and personal freedom.