Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana Announces Appointment of Jennifer Parham as Director of Development and Community Engagement

Dear Friends, Partners, and Supporters,

It is with great excitement that I share an important addition to our leadership team at Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana, as our mission and momentum have never been stronger.

Please join me in welcoming Jennifer Parham, our new Director of Development and Community Engagement.

A visionary leader known for aligning people, purpose, and performance, she has a proven track record of building mission-driven organizations, developing strategic partnerships, and expanding access to homeownership opportunities.

Most recently, Jennifer served as the 2024 President of the Indiana Association of REALTORS®, where she helped guide statewide strategy, policy, and professional standards. She is also the founder of Lighthouse Realty and the Lighthouse School of Real Estate, where she has led initiatives focused on equity, education, and community advancement.

Her passion for affordable housing, financial literacy, and community collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission, and her leadership will be instrumental as we continue to grow our impact across Lake County.

This announcement comes at a pivotal moment for our organization.
In 2026, Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana proudly celebrates 40 years of building homes, communities, and hope across Lake County. For four decades, we have partnered with families to create strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership and critical home repair.

Today, that mission is more urgent than ever.

With rising housing costs and limited access to affordable financing, too many hard-working families are being left behind. That’s why we are expanding our work through innovative solutions, including the Affordable Housing Tax Credit (AHTC) program.

The AHTC program offers a powerful opportunity for individuals and businesses to invest directly in affordable housing, receive significant state tax credits, and help Habitat build more homes and serve more families. Through this initiative, we are raising critical funding to accelerate construction, expand homeownership opportunities, and deepen our community impact.

Jennifer will play a key leadership role in advancing this effort by building relationships with donors, financial advisors, and corporate partners to maximize the impact of the AHTC program and other strategic initiatives.

As we look ahead to our next chapter and the next 40 years, we are focused on scaling our impact, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that more families across Northwest Indiana have a place to call home.

Please join me in welcoming Jennifer to the Habitat family. We are excited about the energy, experience, and heart she brings to this work and about what we will accomplish together.

With gratitude,

Jim Drader
Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana

Connect with Jennifer:
dirdev@nwihabitat.org
219-923-7265
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-parham-36257727/

www.nwihabitat.org

Be part of the next 40 years of impact.
To learn more about the Affordable Housing Tax Credit program or how you can get involved, please contact our team today.

Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana Announces Appointment of James Drader as Executive Director

Gary, IN – February 16, 2026 — Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana announces that appointment of James (Jim) Drader to the position of Executive Director. Mr. Drader has over twenty years of nonprofit management experience, underscored by a commitment to collaborative community development and housing advocacy.

“Jim exemplifies servant leadership and strategic vision," stated Chris Johnson, Board President. "His extensive experience and dedication to building inclusive communities make him exceptionally qualified to lead our organization forward.”

Mr. Drader holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University and a Master of Public Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Jim has held senior leadership roles in both banking and nonprofit sectors, most recently serving as Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of New River Valley in Christiansburg, Virginia. During his tenure, Drader expanded the critical home repair initiatives for aging populations, increased donor engagement, and enhanced ReStore operations. Prior to this, he was the founder and CEO of New Creations Men’s Center in Valparaiso, Indiana, from June 2008 to August 2020, where he established nonprofit services for men experiencing homelessness, collaborated with numerous congregations and agencies, and initiated transitional housing programs.

As an active participant in local governance and housing policy, Drader serves on the Oversight Committee for Habitat for Humanity International and was honored with the 2013 Northwest Indiana Innovator of the Year Award.

In his role as Executive Director, Jim will oversee strategic planning, operational management, project development, community relations and financial oversight. His leadership will beinstrumental in advancing HFHNWI’s mission to bring people together to build homes, strengthen communities, and instill hope.

“I am privileged to join Northwest Indiana Habitat for Humanity during a period of growth and potential,” said Drader. “This organization has a remarkable tradition of fostering change through safe and affordable housing. I look forward to working collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and partner families to enhance our impact throughout Lake County Indiana.

Since 1986, Northwest Indiana Habitat for Humanity has not only constructed homes but also forged enduring partnerships, cultivated neighborhood pride, and created avenues toward stability for families in need. Under Drader’s leadership, the organization looks forward to furthering its long-term vision - a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

For updates and additional information about Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana, please visit www.nwihabitat.org.

Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana Announces Leadership Transition and Reaffirms Continued Commitment to Its Mission

Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana today announced that Executive Director Dawn Michaels, who has served in the role for the past eight years, will be stepping down effective December 31, 2025. Michaels leaves with more than a decade of dedicated service, visionary leadership, and organizational advancement, leaving a legacy that will influence the mission for years to come.

During Michaels’ tenure, Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana experienced transformational growth and measurable community impact. The organization expanded the development of essential workforce housing across Lake County—with notable progress in Lake Station—completed one Veteran home per year and continued to grow the ReStore into a thriving resource that supports ongoing mission work. Under her direction, partnerships deepened, programs strengthened, and the organization’s ability to serve families in need of safe, affordable housing continued to rise.

“Dawn has made an incredible impact on our organization and the communities we serve,” said Chris Johnson, Board President “Through her leadership and commitment to our mission, we are stronger, more resilient, and better positioned for the future. We are deeply grateful for the past decade of service and impact.”

Reflecting on her time with the organization, Michaels shared:

“It has been such a joy to serve Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana and work alongside such a passionate board, staff, volunteers, and community. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that the organization’s brightest days are still ahead.”

The Board of Directors has initiated a leadership transition plan to ensure continuity and sustained success. Information regarding the Executive Director position can be found on the organization’s website: https://www.nwihabitat.org/who-we-are/careers.html

Michaels will work closely with the Board and leadership team during the transition to support a seamless handover of responsibilities.

Ask Us How You Can Get a Tax Credit for Your Donation!

We are so excited to share with you that donors to Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana are eligible for a tax credit equal to half of their donations!

Donors need to contact us to get the tax credit form and more information on how you can participate.

Direct your tax dollars to Lake County, Indiana by helping give your neighbors a hand-up and not a hand-out through Habitat for Humanity's homeownership program!

Call Amanda to get all the information! 219-923-7265 ext. 1304

March 18, 2024

Spring Has Sprung: Why You Should Plant a Garden

Spring is here, which means it’s out with the old and in with the new as we shake off the dusty cold of winter and embrace the upcoming warmth of summer. Spring is a season of renewal, rebirth and rejuvenation, full of trying new things and embracing new possibilities.

This spring, go all out and try something new with the season by planting a garden. Gardening not only brings in beautiful colors, scents and foods to your home, but it has added benefits just for you. Here are some reasons you should plant a garden this season.

1. Gardening saves you money.

First and foremost, the biggest benefit of gardening is the amount of money it saves you from out of pocket. Rather than spending exuberant amounts of cash at a commercial grocery store, you can grow your own fruits and vegetables right at home for a fraction of the cost.

While you may not think you have enough space to try gardening, you could be surprised. According to gardening expert Maria Lannotti, it only takes about a tenth of an acre to produce most of the vegetables one person will eat in an entire year. Even without a yard, many vegetables can be grown in containers from your very own porch or windowsill. With the right tips, gardening can be an easy way to cut your grocery bill way down.

2. Gardening improves your health.

There’s no doubt that eating fruits and vegetables makes you healthier. In fact, many studies have shown people who eat more fruits and vegetables are less likely to suffer from certain cancers and chronic diseases. Even moreso, vegetables grown from home are often safer and healthier than those grown commercially. When you grow your own food, you can be sure there are no harsh chemicals or pesticides involved, and you know exactly what you’re eating.

On another note, gardening is a great way to get out into the sunshine for fresh air and moderate exercise. Gardening has even been proven to significantly reduce stress and stress-related illnesses, making sure you stay healthier for longer.

3. Gardening helps the Earth.

Gardening also reduces your environmental impact and helps support the Earth. Growing food without pesticides and herbicides cuts down on air and water pollution. And since your own vegetable garden is local, it also reduces the use of fossil fuels, as nothing is being transported across national or international distances.

Additionally, gardening supports bees and other beneficial pollinating insects in your area. Currently, the Earth’s bee population is at a severe decline, which impacts our environment and economy. By growing your own garden and including flowers and herbs in the process, you can support the valuable bees in your community.

4. Gardening is fun!

And of course, gardening is fun! Getting out into nature and building something of your own provides a sense of pride and sets a great example for your family and friends. Gardening is an excellent source of physical and mental challenge, which gives you something to invest in and enjoy. It also builds a sense of community in your neighborhood and family.

No matter which way you look at it, gardening is a great way to try something new and have fun while doing it. And when you’re tired and need a break, there’s always your local restaurant or cafe to stop in and taste other delicious locally-grown food.

This spring, shake off the winter blues and embrace the season by planting a garden. Whether it’s fruits, vegetables or just a seed or two of flowers, you can be sure you’ll have fun while gaining some wonderful benefits.

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