TradeWinds Services

Mission

Serving people with special needs by empowering them to realize their full potential.

Services Provided

Serving infants to seniors, TradeWinds Services provide daily Childcare, Summer & Functional Skills, and Winter Camps for children of all abilities; and Occupational & Speech Therapy in local school classrooms. Services for our adults with disabilities include Adult Day Activity Program & Training (ADAPT); Pre-Vocational Services in Sewing Manufacturing, Packaging, Assembly, & Order Fulfillment, and Sign Shop production; Employment Services for community employment; Deaf Services including interpreting, case management, advocacy, referral services, Sign Language classes, and Deaf Awareness education and sensitivity training; Residential Living homes, and Respite services for families.

Number of People Reached

TradeWinds provided services for 900 individuals in fiscal year 2020.

How Donations Are Used

Monetary donations can be the donors choice. Donations have been used for special event lunches, special treats, art projects, activities, the purchase of an item for a specific department or an individual in need.

Project Spotlight

TradeWinds' Adult Day Activity Program & Training (ADAPT) classroom has been expanding its creativity through a variety of arts & crafts projects. The activities help to improve interpersonal skills learning to work with others, focus on attention and detail, learning with hands-on multi-sensory media, and exploring colors and touch to increase perseverance, functional skills, and retention of skills. These fun enrichment activities allow personal expression, help to build self-confidence, and a proud feeling of accomplishment with a creative result for them or a gift for a family member.

Awards Received

Several local awards from the Lake Area United Way and the Urban League of Northwest Indiana.

Interesting Facts

TradeWinds began in the 1940s as The Lake County Association for Crippled Children to provide speech & occupational therapy; services were provided in local church basements, school classrooms, YMCAs and rented storefronts.

In 1966 the original TradeWinds Rehabilitation Center was largest building constructed in the United States by volunteer union labor & donated materials. When the building was completed, financial assistance was needed; a group of 46 friends, labor & management organized and responded with financial support to ensure children receive needed therapy. Pirates, Inc. was born & continues to provide support to TradeWinds each year. TradeWinds mascots are a Pirate boy and girl. Several years ago, volunteers built a Pirate ship float that we use in local parades. TradeWinds has participated in the Highland & Hobart 4th of July parades, and the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival parade.