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 20, 2024

The Importance of Art Galleries and Why You Should Visit

With summer quickly approaching, the question always seems to arise: What are you going to do with your spare time? From swimming pools and barbecues, to parades and fireworks, there’s lots of stuff to fill up the time during summer.

But what if you could enjoy summer while supporting local community members at the same time? Well, you can! Art galleries are a beneficial component of any neighborhood. Check out some of these ways art galleries are important and why you should visit them this summer.

They’re inexpensive (or even free)

They say the best things in life are free… or at least very cheap. Most community art galleries have inexpensive, or even free, admission. If you’re trying to have an engaging summer at a low budget, art galleries and other local museums are a great way to save money while having fun.

You can learn new things

Let’s face it: there are a lot of better things to do this summer than rewatch your favorite show for the fifth time. Visiting an art gallery can help expand your mind and absorb new information. Whether you’re still in school or have been out for years, it’s never too late to try to learn something new. When you visit an art gallery, you’re engaging in education outside of a classroom setting, which lets you learn about topics that interest you at the perfect pace.

Art can make you happy

Studies have shown that looking at art releases dopamine in the brain, a feel-good chemical associated with feelings like falling in love. At the same time, it decreases our cortisol levels, the stress hormone. This means that visiting an art gallery can literally help you to relax, feel at peace and feel content or even giddy. So when you’re ready to kick back and relax this summer, you don’t always have to go to the pool; the art gallery can be just as enjoyable.

You’ll feel more creative

There’s just something about seeing others’ creative outlets that allows us to release our inhibitions and express our own creativity even more fully. Whether you’re a musician, writer, photographer or an artist yourself, soaking in creative inspiration from an art gallery can give you just the right amount of vision to explore your own creativity. If you don’t particularly think of yourself as a creative person, just the experience of being in a creative environment can encourage you to try new things and strengthen your imagination.

You support small businesses

Visiting local art galleries and museums is a great way to support the small businesses in your community. Many galleries are entirely donation-based, and your donation can go a long way in strengthening their impact. Not only can you support them financially, but your encouragement and promotion with friends and family shares the love of art galleries with others in your life.

They build community

Finally, art teaches us that we are a part of something larger than ourselves. Art galleries often host events for the community that bring us together and help us get to know our neighbors. A mutual love for art and art galleries builds us up and strengthens the community relationally, emotionally and fiscally.

Art galleries are a vital part of the neighborhood, and this summer you can help support them by visiting and encouraging others to go as well. Afterwards, support other small businesses by enjoying your favorite local restaurant, cafe, bookstore or shop. So go ahead, get out there and soak up the beauty of the artistic world around you.

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