U.S. Representative Frank Mrvan visited Paladin on Monday morning, a Michigan City facility providing support and opportunities to children, adults with disabilities, and seniors. The congressman announced a contribution of $1.525 million in federal funding to help the facility renovate and repurpose its existing space to be modernized, accessible, with room for more classrooms and job training opportunities.
Distributed as part of the Community Project Funding requests included in the federal government’s Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations package, the funding is set to comprehensively overhaul Paladin’s ability to serve Northwest Indiana. Tentatively set for next spring, the renovations will allow the facility to serve over 100 additional individuals, enhance nutrition and computer literacy programs, and improve the quality of programming available for people with cognitive disabilities.
“When I started here, we were already looking to expand this space and make it more usable and friendly to the folks we work with,” said Steve Hobby, president and CEO of Paladin. “We felt we had an impossible task to start with, but thanks to funding from the La Porte County Council, Congressman Frank Mrvan, and Tonn and Blank Construction, we’re here now. We have a vision for what we want to do, and it’s even bigger than we’d dreamed of.”
Mrvan, to a gathered crowd, credited Indiana State Senator Mike Bohacek, who advocated for Paladin since the congressman’s election, for bringing the facility’s need to his attention. He also thanked the La Porte County community and Melissa Bohacek, Paladin’s marketing and development officer, for their constant push to see the funding secured.
“I have great gratitude that I’ve been mentioned a lot, but it’s all of you, in the community and Melissa, and the parents that have made this difference,” Mrvan said. “You gave me the opportunity to advocate, because that’s what we do in Congress. There are 435 members that are competing for dollars to go to their districts, but when you have that passion and the outcomes that show the quality of life you’re providing for individuals, it makes it easy for me.”
Other speakers and stakeholders gathered in support and celebration of Paladin included Indiana State Senator Rodney Pol, Indiana State Representative Jim Pressel, La Porte County Commissioner/Board Member Connie Gramarossa, La Porte County Council President Michael Rosenbaum, La Porte County Councilman Randy Novak, Michigan City Mayor Duane Parry, Center Township Trustee Lisa Pierzakowski, Paladin Day Program Attendees Miranda Hosteller and Brent Biggerstaff, President of Tonn & Blank Jon Gilmore, Consultant Joe Coar, and Michigan City Chamber Director Danny Hogan.
While he knew receiving the funding was a possibility thanks to all the community support, Hobby said that formally hearing that $1.525 million would be headed Paladin’s way was a stunning moment.
“You literally say ‘Okay, it’s not April Fools, is this real?’” he said. “Even after it was announced we had a hard time believing it was real. It’s like a dream come true, I just want to thank all the supporters that have come out to see us today, and everyone that’s helped us through this project. I’m looking forward to showing off what we’re able to develop.”
Hannah Carlock, senior director of public affairs for The Arc of Indiana, was not surprised to see Hoosiers helping Hoosiers. She works with legislators at the State House and in Washington D.C., to ensure that Hoosiers with disabilities are advocated for and “have a spot at the table” and are not forgotten.
“Indiana is a leader in shutting down institutions and welcoming people with disabilities back into the community and making sure they’re living their best lives,” she said. “An organization like Paladin is critical to making sure Hoosiers can thrive in their communities by finding the therapy they need and the jobs they need so that people with disabilities can go out, see a movie, learn, live, and play.”
Mrvan closed his announcement with thoughts that echoed Carlocks’, stressing the important part Paladin plays in the lives of so many people around the Region – including two individuals who use Paladin’s services that were in attendance – Biggerstaff and Hosteller.
“Today isn’t about the dollar figure of $1.525 million, it’s not about me delivering,” he said. “It’s about making sure Miranda and Brett, and families all over Michigan City have the opportunity to strive, thrive, and reach the next level. What greater investment is there than the quality of life for all, and equal opportunity of everyone to participate in that quality of life? I go forward taking that message back to Washington D.C.”
To learn more about Paladin, please visit paladin.care.