5 Reasons to Become an Organ Donor : 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

July 28, 2025

5 Reasons to Become an Organ Donor

Did you know that at this very moment more than 120,000 people in the United States are in need of a life-saving organ? According to the American Transplant Foundation (ATF), a new person is added to this list every 12 minutes.

With organ donations, tissue or organs are removed surgically from a deceased or living donor, and transplanted to the person in need. For individuals and their families, the words “You need a new organ” are earth-shattering. Luckily, we can make a difference. Check out five reasons for you to become an organ donor.

1. Severe Shortage

Right now in the U.S., there is a severe shortage meeting the demand for organ donations. According to Donate Life America, there are more than 86 million registered tissue, organ and eye donors living in the United States. However, there is still an additional 106,000 men, women and children who are in need of donated tissue and organs.

This shortage is due to a variety of reasons. One is that not everyone is aware of the need for donations. Another is it can be difficult to meet the medical and behavioral criteria to become an organ donor. Despite the reasons individuals are unable to donate, the fact still remains: the demand outweighs the supply. Your donation can be a part of meeting the shortage.

2. Renewed Purpose

Donating tissue or organs can be done while you’re living or after you pass. Either way, making the choice to donate can often provide a renewed sense of purpose in life. Knowing that your decision can improve or even save someone else’s life is a beautiful feeling.

3. Grieving Process

While a family grieves the loss of their loved one, they can often find comfort in knowing their loss went towards helping someone else live. It’s always difficult to lose someone we love. But if you choose to become an organ donor after your death, family members can often find solace in your donation. If you’re interested in becoming an organ donor, talk with your family members to hear their thoughts and how it might affect them.

4. Medical Research

For those interested in serving the betterment of all society, becoming an organ donor can be a huge gift towards medical research. When individuals give their whole body, some parts can be used to donate to people in need, while those not needed can go directly to medical research facilities to help the next generation of transplant recipients. Nothing is wasted, and each part of the donation is used to improve medical services for others.

5. Life-Saving

According to Donate Life America, depending on what you choose to give, your organ or tissue donation has the potential to save up to 80 lives. This is an important and powerful legacy you get to leave behind for others. This life-saving impact goes beyond just the donor and the recipient—it affects family members, friends and loved ones as well. That makes a difference.

How can you get registered to become an organ donor? It’s simple. Next time you renew your driver’s license, simply check “Become an organ donor.” If you're not due for a renewal anytime soon, check online with organizations such as the DMV, Organ Donor Registry or Donate Life America. No matter how you do it, your donation is vital to providing life-sustaining organs and tissues to those in need.

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