News

TradeWinds to receive NWI COVID-19 Relief Fund: WAVE 2 Grant

This new grant funding is to help meet the immediate, essential, and acute needs of as many people as quickly as possible. The funding will assist with the cost of additional transportation needs, improving the safety of our participants while practicing social distancing to and from our center every day or to jobs in the community. The grant funds will also allow for the final installation of air purifiers in the remaining portion of our buildings to enhance the health and safety of our participants and employees. Additionally, these funds will help us provide monthly Food Bank Pantry Pack boxes for 50 families assisted by TradeWinds. This grant was made possible by United Way of Northwest Indiana (UWNWI) and Indiana United Ways with funding provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.

First Financial Foundation Supports

TradeWinds Community Employment for People with Disabilities

TradeWinds Employment Services program is committed to increasing the employment rate of people with disabilities by focusing on abilities. TradeWinds is an Indiana FSSA Vocational Rehabilitation Services & BDDS Waiver provider, facilitating training, coaching & guidance for clients seeking community employment & for community employers. Newly received grant funding from First Financial Foundation will help supplement some of the services provided by TradeWinds like client advocacy, employer education, case management assistance with community resources, and staff training for effectively assisting clients. We prepare individuals of varying abilities 18 and over seeking part or full-time employment in Northwest Indiana to obtain and sustain employment. An untapped pool of skilled workers people who have a disability are capable of many different jobs. The community gains more diversity and inclusion in the workforce. If you are an employer interested in learning more about our program, contact Michelle Novak at 219-801-4500, or email: info@tradewindsnwi.org.

Indiana Arts Commission invests in TradeWinds

to strengthen people with disabilities through arts and creativity.

Tradewinds was selected to receive Arts Project Support funding from the Indiana Arts Commission. Over the next year, arts & craft activities for TradeWinds participants will be made possible, in part by the South Shore Arts and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts. We are also proud to be the Indiana Arts Commissions' Arts Trust License Plate designee for Lake County. TradeWinds was recognized for exemplary commitment in the areas of community, education, economy, and health. Because of this designation, TradeWinds received funding from the Arts Trust, supported by donations from the sale of "Celebrate the Arts" license plates. Thank you to "Celebrate the Arts" license plate holders for supporting creativity in Lake County, and thank you to the Indiana Arts Commission, Governor Holcomb, Lieutenant Governor Crouch, and South Shore Arts for your support of our mission.

Thank you Strack & Van Til Food Markets & Residents of Lake County

"Round-Up for TradeWinds" CheckOut Challenge

This year, from June 28 to July 11, your compassion and generous support of the “Round-Up for TradeWinds” campaign raised over $31,360. These funds will help support so many programs at TradeWinds. Programs such as Childcare and Summer/Functional Skills & Winter Camps for children of all abilities; and for our adults with developmental & physical disabilities that include Adult Day Activity & Training Program; Pre-Vocational Training in our Sewing Industries, Fold & Pack, Package & Assembly & our Sign Shops; Employment Services for community employment; Respite services for families; and Deaf Services advocacy & Sign Language classes. Pictured with the "BIG" check is Dave Wilkinson, President of Strack & Van Til Food Markets, and Lisa Tatina, Director of Development & Marketing at TradeWinds Services. And a “VERY BIG” THANK YOU to all the hardworking cashiers who helped make this possible, your support in this campaign will make a life-changing difference for TradeWinds children and adults with disabilities.

TradeWinds Services & Franciscan Health partner in new SIPP program

Working collaboratively towards meaningful and sustainable change empowers community residents to take better care of themselves and their families. The Social Impact Partnership Program (SIPP), supported by Franciscan Health, aims to improve health and wellbeing through partnerships with community organizations. TradeWinds was chosen as one of 63 Indiana & Illinois organizations that will benefit from this new partnership program helping support our staff provide enhanced therapy support to TradeWinds participants. Additionally, this new program brings in-kind supports. We are honored to partner with Franciscan Health as we serve people with special needs by empowering them to realize their full potential.

Gardening & Healthy Eating

Thank you to the Lake County Master Gardeners Association for their continued support of TradeWinds Gardening and Healthy Eating project. This year was our fourth for our all-organic garden project. Beginning with patio gardens at our main center in the first year, we expanded to a garden plot at one of our supported living properties in year 2, and this year added a small garden at two of our group homes. All the gardens have flourished. This project continues to be an educational experience for all ages, expanding the gardening interests of many TradeWinds participants. Everyone has enjoyed the fresh produce picked right from the garden. And, thanks to the many employees and volunteers who continue to make this happen.

TradeWinds Gala – Postponed to Spring 2022

As the result of considerable discussion with our team and event venue, we regret to announce that The Treasures of TradeWinds Gala will be postponed until Spring of 2022. We believe this is in everyone’s best interest. A new date will be determined in the future.

Thanks to Aldi Corp. Smart Kids program

Thank you to the Valparaiso Division of Aldi Corporation – for the ALDI Smart Kids grant funds to help provide a summer camp experience for youth with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. TradeWinds Functional Skills Summer Camp program helps bridge the 2-month school break by providing consistent practice to build/retain functional skills. Many activities include hands-on multi-sensory media and group activities with peers such as money management, grocery shopping, social skills, hobbies, etc. This funding has helped support a local family in need while they work in our community.

Thank you to Lake Area United Way and Indiana United Ways with funding provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.

TradeWinds Services will receive new grant funding from the NWI COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund, thanks to the Lake Area United Way and Indiana United Ways with the funds provided by Lilly Endowment, Inc. It is a top priority to keep a clean, healthy, and safe learning environment in our Children’s department. Our staff and added janitorial have enhanced protocols to ensure we meet these expectations. The additional funds will help TradeWinds cover these enhanced efforts and the costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

NIPSCO partners with TradeWinds

Supporting the health and safety of its participants, employees, and visitors!

TradeWinds Services, Inc. enhanced the health and safety of its participants, employees, and visitors, thanks to a $10,000 donation from NIPSCO. TradeWinds installed air purifiers in its main facilities in Merrillville and in their group homes throughout the local communities. “The health and safety of our participants, their families, our staff, and our visitors are a top priority at TradeWinds”, said CEO, Jon Gold. “We have hundreds of people of all abilities and ages entering and exiting our facility every day, and we want to take every precaution to keep everyone as healthy and safe as possible. This funding from NIPSCO will assist us in doing so.” The air purifiers were installed by Budd Mechanical Systems, Hammond. “iWave is an air purifying device that installs in any air conditioning or heating system. When air passes over the iWave, ions produced by the device reduce pathogens, allergens, particles, smoke, and odors in the air, creating a healthy environment without producing any harmful byproducts,” said Dana Booth, owner of Budd Mechanical Systems in Hammond. TradeWinds serves people with special needs by empowering them to realize their full potential. Numerous children’s and adult programs are administered at the main centers and in the group homes each and every day. “Health and safety of our customers and employees is a big priority for NIPSCO,” said Rick Calinski, Director of Public Affairs and Economic Development for NIPSCO. “We are proud to partner with TradeWinds to enhance the safety and wellbeing of all who enter their facility. TradeWinds offers such great services in Northwest Indiana, and NIPSCO has been a proud supporter for decades.” Pictured are TradeWinds Services Inc. Director of Donor Development & Marketing, Lisa Tatina, and CEO, Jon Gold. Megan Henning, NIPSCO – Project Communications Lead, and Dana Booth, President, Budd Mechanical Systems.