Paladin unveils Success Hub in Michigan City

Paladin Inc. has launched a new chapter with the grand opening of its new space, a Success Hub.

Paladin celebrated its brand-new facility on Dec 5, drawing a host of supporters.

According to Paladin officials, for more than 50 years the nonprofit organization has supported children, individuals with disabilities and senior citizens in Northwest Indiana communities. It has now transformed a formerly empty warehouse into a state-of-the-art institution.

The 24,000 square-foot space at 4315 E. Michigan Blvd., Michigan City, can accommodate an additional 100 people and features a sensory room, an art room with a kiln and a dedicated children’s space.

The project was made possible by $1.5 million in federal funding.

U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-1st, praised those responsible for establishing this building.

“This was only possible because of so many people, the founders and pioneers who fought and took action for our community,” he said.

“It was made real by the Bohacek family, who have served as advocates for decades and by Melissa Bohacek, whose lifelong commitment and passion have helped bring this vision to life,” he added.

The Success Hub provides programs and services for everyone, including individuals with disabilities. The organization draws inspiration from people with disabilities.

One of the event’s guests, Barb Morris, shared the story of her sister who requires special care. Her needs led their parents, George and Peaches Bogart, to establish the Loving Care Nursery.

Despite the challenges their family faced, her parents’ advocacy contributed to meaningful legislative progress, culminating in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.

“I am so appreciative of the volunteers, the family members, the siblings, the aunts and uncles – everyone involved in caring for our community members with disabilities,” Morris said.

“I just want to thank you. I got a little taste of this beautiful building, and congratulations,” she added.

One person who said he recognized this vision from the beginning was Steve Hobby, CEO of Paladin.

Since joining the agency in 2021, he said he has seen the transformation of what was once a single, wide-open warehouse into the vibrant facility it is today.

He said he and his colleagues knew they could create something far more meaningful than a vast space.

Hobby also noted that one of their main focuses going into this project was a transitional program to help people become gainfully employed by learning a variety of skills that will help them in the future.

“In this area of the room where we’re going to be teaching hard skills, soft skills, really giving people the ability to go out and be deeply employed in the community,” Hobby said.

With ongoing tours and a growing commitment to the mission, Hobby hopes to build future collaborations that will expand learning, strengthen communication and better serve the region.

“And finally, we want partnerships. I am all about partnership. If there’s a collaboration we can build, we have the space to do it, and I want to bring us together,” Hobby said.

“What I want more than anything is a stronger community – for people with disabilities, for children and for everyone we serve within our capacity,” he added.

For more information on Paladin and how to support the Success Hub, visit paladin.care.