July marks annual Paladin Day celebration for Northwest Indiana communities

Each year on July 1, Paladin Inc. celebrates its anniversary by inviting the community to share in the joy of its mission as proud, determined advocates for children, persons with disabilities, seniors, and their families, ensuring they enjoy meaningful lives. Coinciding with Disability Awareness Month, Paladin Day highlights the organization’s work in fostering connection, resilience and inclusion for people of all abilities throughout Northwest Indiana. 

“Paladin Day is a celebration of who we are and what we do every day,” said Paladin Director of Lake County Day Programs Tammy Gonzalez. “It is a relaxing day where everyone can have fun, be together and not worry about anything else.”  

This year’s Paladin Day unified staff, individuals, and families for a day of casino-style activities, music, dancing, and social time. The event took place at both the Hobart and Highland centers, with nearly 100 attendees taking part in a variety of activities, including outdoor classrooms, face painting, snow cones, games, and a cookout. The celebration remained open to all families from the surrounding areas. 

“We combined the Hobart and Highland Centers so all the individuals could be with their friends that day,” said Gonzalez. “That’s something we like to do at least once a year. It was a fun-filled day in the morning all the way to 3 p.m. in the afternoon.” 

Paladin Day is a yearly reminder of the compassionate efforts of Paladin’s staff across its four main locations in Highland, Hobart, La Porte and Michigan City. More than just an annual event, the day symbolizes the unity of Paladin’s diverse programs and the shared mission that connects them all.

“Paladin Day is a celebration of our journey as one big family,” said Paladin Marketing & Development Director Melissa Bohacek. “It marks the day we unite a variety of services — from disability support and early childhood education to non-emergency medical transportation — that are all working together to help people across Northwest Indiana live with greater independence. Like any family, we celebrate milestones, and this one reflects our grassroots commitment to making sure every person has what they need to reach their full potential.”

The Hobart and Highland centers, which offer adult day programs, hosted this year’s event. In turn, Imagination Station in Michigan City held its celebration, aligning with the same mission of connection, inclusivity and community outreach. 

“We had a really good turnout,” said Imagination Station Education Manager Susie Matejczyk. “Several of our current parents came out to spend time with their kiddos and see everything we do here. We are very big on including families in what we do.”  

Imagination Station offers inclusive, developmentally appropriate learning experiences for all children, with special attention to those with special needs. It is the only National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)-accredited early childhood center in La Porte County. The program serves children from 6 weeks old through age 10 in its summer program and hosts monthly family events and community activities to strengthen connections and support caregivers. 

“For Paladin Day, Imagination Station’s focus was opening our doors to the community to show them what we have to offer,” said Matejczyk. “One family brought four generations—mom, great-grandma, and great-great-grandma—just to hang out with their child in the classroom. It was an incredible moment.” 

Following Paladin Day, Paladin remains focused on strengthening community connections and expanding accessibility, especially for those facing financial hardship. Its mission is to support individuals of all abilities through programs that foster daily living skills, employment opportunities, education, and inclusion. Across all services, Paladin’s team stays rooted in its purpose by witnessing the everyday growth and independence of those served. 

“We see Paladin Day as a celebration of who we are and what we do every day,” said Gonzalez. “I wish more people knew who we were and all the services that we provide with behavior management, employment services, residential services, day programs, and community services.” 

To explore Paladin’s programs and opportunities to support their mission, visit paladin.care.