How to Use Your Talents to Help Others : Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana

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

May 12, 2025

How to Use Your Talents to Help Others

If you’re a human being, then you have something positive you can contribute to the world. Chances are you have a talent worth sharing. As Arianna Huffington says, “Giving can be as simple as giving joy to others—sharing our talents and skills to help them tap into their own ability to experience wonder.” Whether it’s an uncanny ability to teach, shooting the perfect three-pointer shot in basketball or even a sincere knack at organizing your planner, your gifts and talents are the perfect way to help support those around you.

While it might seem simple to say talents can help others, actually identifying your talents and putting them to good use can be a little bit more difficult. So, what does using your talents really look like in action? Let’s explore how you can use your talents to help others in your community.

1. Consider what you’re good at.

The first step in using your talents is truthfully considering what they are. This might seem simple enough, but can sometimes feel awkward to “brag” about yourself. Nevertheless, take some time to genuinely consider your strengths.

Maybe you think about your qualities and characteristics, such as positivity, or actual skills, like graphic design, or even experiences you’ve had in the past, such as working with children. Consider what your talents are in a variety of areas, and then start to think about how you can use those talents in your community.

2. Think about what you enjoy.

Along with your talents comes things you genuinely enjoy. You might be very talented at something, but maybe don’t enjoy it very much. For instance, perhaps you’re a great teacher, but don’t love working with children. Or, you might really enjoy something, but might not be very talented at it. While this can be challenging at first, having a genuine passion for something can also help grow your skills in that area. Think about things you enjoy doing, causes you feel passionate about or types of people you like working with.

3. Ask those close to you.

If you struggle talking about yourself or thinking about your talents, ask those closest to you to give you some of their ideas. Family and close friends might even know you better than you do, and can help provide some insight into your talents. Ask them for their ideas, do a brainstorming activity or share your ideas with them and get any feedback they have. Who knows? Maybe you have a hidden talent you didn’t even realize.

4. Learn about needs in your community.

As you explore your own talents, learn about the needs within your community. You might be extremely talented in one area, but maybe organizations near you don’t have a need for that talent. Explore causes you care about and see what needs they have for volunteers or staff members to truly understand where your talents can support others.

5. Find a fit.

Finally, find a fit. Once you’ve identified your own talents and learned about the needs within the community, find a fit between you and an organization or cause you care about. See how you can get involved and how your talents can help others at the organization. If it’s a great match, continue giving back and using your talents to better the community around you.

Volunteering and serving doesn’t have to be challenging when you use your talents to support others. Identify your talents, ask for support and find an organization where you can use your strengths to give back. You might be surprised at just how much your talents can help others.

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