Paladin reclaims warehouse for new community Integration Hub

Paladin, Inc. remains a strong advocate for children, people with disabilities, and seniors across Northwest Indiana. Launching its latest initiative, “People Connected by Care,” Paladin has transformed an empty warehouse in Michigan City into a state-of-the-art facility to provide more opportunities for learning, growth, and inclusion. 

“The whole idea of community integration is connecting our folks with disabilities to the resources and jobs available to everyone else,” said Melissa Bohacek, Paladin marketing & development director. “We had to move out all the heavy machinery, leaving 24,000 square feet unusable, which caused waitlists. Now, thanks to new funding, we are remodeling that space to serve more people and create innovative programs like our Transition to Work program.”

Founded more than 50 years ago by merging agencies like Michiana Resources, Parents and Friends, and The Arc Northwest Indiana, Paladin is now working to reclaim a large industrial space to expand its services. By moving beyond the building’s previous use for subminimum wage manufacturing, the massive renovation will directly expand its critical capacity, eliminate waitlists, and create dedicated innovative spaces for technology and training. 

“We are ready to start getting our individuals acclimated, though it will be a tough transformation for them—it’s a whole new expectation,” said Paladin Vice President Kim Latchford. “Everything we’ve had in all the years is hand-me-down stuff; this new space is something brand new and will benefit a lot of the program areas.”

Paladin’s newest campaign is made possible with the support of the community and its leaders. Congressman Frank Mrvan secured crucial federal funding in 2023 to launch the Michigan City facility’s major overhaul. Paladin supplements this with significant community support, leveraging local grants, corporate giving—including a $20,000 NIPSCO pledge—and strategic partnerships to sustain and expand its innovative programming across eight counties.

“Now we are using a building that was not originally designed for our services,” Latchford said. “This new space will be something brand new and will benefit a lot of the program areas.” 

The newly renovated Paladin facility will make space for vital resources across all age groups. The agency expands critical Behavioral Management services with master’s-level clinicians across all eight counties. Paladin will launch the Transition to Work program, backed by the NIPSCO pledge, to prepare students for employment. The agency will also transport older adults from La Porte to the Michigan City site, establishing the Harmony Commons, a Memory Cafe Concept equipped with essential features like Hoyer lifts to reduce isolation.

“In the new space, we now have a physical home for our younger kids’ summer and respite programs, which they are super excited about,” Bohacek said. “We are expanding our Behavior Management services, a program that has been really helpful for individuals, including my own daughter, in reaching goals and becoming more independent.”

Core programming will also include the Digital Den, a computer lab that provides technology access for over 230 individuals, and the Creative Concept Studio to inspire art and self-expression. For mental and emotional health support, the facility will feature a Sensory Oasis for regulatory input and the Children/Teen Launchpad for essential skill-building. Flexible Success Spaces and Success Hubs will support vocational training and one-on-one guidance, while fully accessible medical areas and private Client Suites will safeguard the well-being of thousands of clients and staff annually.

“Spacing has been a major issue,” Latchford said. “Now we are really trying to enforce our Pathways programs to get individuals gainfully employed throughout the local communities, but we need this space to teach them, look at opportunities, and provide discovery through local business and volunteer opportunities.”

Paladin, which maintains its corporate office in Michigan City, emphasizes its local roots in Lake County and La Porte County. As the new facility is set to open soon, the organization encourages the community to continue to support its mission through funding, volunteering, and advocacy. Community members are encouraged to use their special talents and volunteer their time to learn and advocate for individuals living with disabilities.

“Connecting is vital for everything we do,” Bohacek said. “Beyond financial donations, people can always volunteer, advocate, or share a special talent. It’s about learning what it looks like to live in the community with a disability, so we can all help our neighbors.”

The Paladin staff exudes excitement in moving into a space that reflects the professionalism and care of their mission. The new facility expects to open its doors by mid-November. Paladin invites the public to witness the transformation during a press conference and open house on December 5 at noon.

For more information about Paladin, the “People Connected by Care” campaign, or its resources, visit paladin.care.