Area leaders celebrate grand opening of adult learning, community space in Michigan City
Indiana District 1 U.S. representative Frank Mrvan in Michigan City, celebrated the grand opening of a new adult learning and community space.
Paladin Success Hub offers an engaging, accessible, and inclusive space supporting individuals of all abilities.
The newly finished building transformation was made possible by $1.5 million in federal funding.
Friday’s event drew a large crowd. It was standing room only for supporters including Congressman Mrvan.
The event highlighted the building's new modern classrooms, improved art and computer rooms, along with sensory friendly and wellness spaces.
“And it gives us the capacity to collaborate with the community because Paladin is one we really want to be about this community, strengthen this community,” said Steve Hobby, CEO of Paladin. “So, we want to do anything we can to help folks in this area that we support to be better citizens. "
It allows for around a hundred more people to be served, which brings the total capacity to around 300 people. It will provide participants, families, and the community much needed support and opportunities.
“This is wonderful for the Michigan City and the entire LePort County and Northwest Indiana because if you're a participant, you're able to grow, you have the dignity of work and you're able to be seen,” said Frank Mrvan, U.S Representative Indiana District 1. If you're a family, you know you're supported and you're not left alone.”
While Congressman Mrvan was also in town, we asked him about Indiana's redistricting.
We asked if it concerns him that his area's being targeted to be redrawn and potentially losing a seat?
Mrvan said, “It doesn't concern me. Whether they do or they don't, I'm gonna run and I have believed I have a path to be successful. I feel very strongly that there's a great need for that throughout the state of Indiana so wherever my district takes me, I'm gonna run, I'm gonna connect and I am going to make sure that those individuals know that they are represented.”
Congressman Mrvan on the topic of redistricting emphasized the importance of unifying events like Friday’s ribbon cutting in our community and how many are exhausted of the division.
“I think that I just want to say one thing. For the love of God, it should be celebrated that we are unified today in supporting our community,” said Mrvan. “And I think that there's an appetite throughout Northwest Indiana and through the state of Indiana for people to look at the sides, red and blue, win and lose, and just understand when we come together as a community, everyone thrives."