6 Ways to Teach Your Child About Giving : 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

September 15, 2025

6 Ways to Teach Your Child About Giving

If you’re a parent, you know how easily kids soak up information. They pick up on stuff faster than we care to imagine, and take in the world around them like little sponges.

We all want our kids to grow up to live happy and healthy lives, but what about altruistic lives? Values and beliefs instilled now flourish into actions later. What can you do to instill philanthropic values in your children? To get you started, here are six ways to teach your child about giving.

1. Volunteer as a family.

The greatest way to teach your child about giving is to let them see you giving. Volunteering or donating as a family is a fun way for everyone to be involved in the process. Your kids will see firsthand how you help in the community and the effects giving has on those in need. When you volunteer as a family, your children see an altruistic lifestyle in work, and feel those values instilled in their own lives.

2. Allow them to pick the cause.

One great way to get your children excited about giving is to let them pick the cause you give to. Have some fun with it! Go online and research different non-profits in the area, ask your kids how they want to help others and let them choose the charity to give back to. When your child feels involved in the initial decision process, he or she will be ready and willing to be involved in the actual giving process.

3. Let them choose items to donate.

If your family decides to donate to a local shelter or home, let your child be involved in choosing which items to donate. Go through their clothes and toys together and ask which ones they would like to give to help other children. Focus the process on helping others, rather than on getting rid of their items. Your children will see just how impactful they can be by giving to others in need.

4. Run a lemonade stand.

Lemonade stands are always a fun time, and giving can be too! Help your child set up a lemonade stand on the corner to make some money, with some of the proceeds going to a local charity of their choice. Your kid will learn the value of hard work and living an altruistic lifestyle all in one event. And who knows? Maybe they’ll decide to donate all of their earnings!

5. Bring giving into activities.

An easy way to get your child excited about giving is to bring it into family events. Birthday parties, holidays or even fun get-togethers can be great times to incorporate giving. Ask guests to bring canned food or clothing items to donate when hosting a party at your house. Or, have all the kids work on a craft they can send to a local charity. Not only will your child feel more engaged with philanthropy, but you’ll be promoting charitable altruism in the community as well.

6. Emphasize the outcome.

Most importantly, emphasize the outcome of giving back with your child. Talk about who volunteering and donating goes to, and how it benefits those in need. Let your child see success stories of people who have been helped by non-profit organizations, and focus on how your efforts are helping them. When kids see the actual results of giving, they’ll be even more inclined to continue the practice for years to come.

When it comes to giving back, don’t just stop with yourself. Help instill philanthropic values in your children’s lives by teaching them the joy of giving to others. What your kids learn now they will become in the future, so help them to lead an altruistic lifestyle from the very beginning.

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