TradeWinds Services, Inc

Individual and Family ServicesIndiana, United States201-500 Employees

We empower people with special needs to realize their full potential The journey began in early 1940's traces its roots back to the Lake County Association for Crippled Children, TradeWinds' parent organization. The Association provided speech, hearing and therapy services for children with disabilities. At that time services were offered wherever space was available: church basements, schoolrooms, YMCA's and rented storefronts. Time passed and in late 50's, early 60's visionary Ted Dombrowski, the Society's Director, inspired volunteers from labor, business, and civic organizations to band together for the building of TradeWinds' original 15,000 Square foot building. The building was coined the "Labor of Love." The "Labor of Love" was a true testament of what people can do when the cause is greater than themselves. When it was finished, Trade Winds received a Presidential Commendation for being the largest rehabilitation center built entirely by volunteers in the United States. Although the TradeWinds building was completed, there was little operating capital to fund the much-needed rehabilitative services. Again the community rose to the occasion. Forty-six business leaders, later known as Pirates, Inc., contributed funds to ensure services were available and ongoing. In the ensuing years the Pirates contributed more than ($3 million?) to keep TradeWinds moving forward. Dombrowski had a completed building, necessary operating funds, but without a name. In 1966 a contest to name the agency was won by Brunswick Elementary student Greg Corwin who wrote, “Just as the trade winds propel sailors on the seas, so will TradeWinds propel handicapped children to a better quality of life.” As the children grew to adulthood, services expanded in the 70s bringing the development of vocational training and employment programs. Our move to Hobart was successful January 2014 with large donations & first capital campaign brings us to a thriving organization.

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