When Brent Biggerstaff became involved with Paladin, Inc. over 10 years ago, he described himself as a shy person who often kept to himself.
“Before, I used to be really quiet,” Biggerstaff said. “But then I started with Paladin, got to know more and more people, and got the chance to talk to them and get to know them. I’ve made a lot of friends here, and it’s made me more confident.”
Located in Michigan City, Paladin, Inc. provides support for disabled children, adults, and seniors in Northwest Indiana. The nonprofit advocates, educates, and motivates its clients, creating an environment where they are encouraged and supported as they grow, learn, and enjoy a meaningful life. In the 10 years Biggerstaff has been a part of the nonprofit, he has enjoyed learning new life skills and gaining knowledge that he had trouble accessing before.
“In the classroom, I’ve learned everything from science and how to cook, to art and computers and math,” Biggerstaff said. “When I was in high school, I didn’t do much. But being here has given me the chance to learn things I never knew until now.”
Biggerstaff’s workday at Paladin is never exactly the same. Some days, they begin their mornings with being active, playing basketball and other sports to get them energized and ready for the day to come. Their free time consists of fun activities that stimulate their mind, like art, while other activities stoke a friendly competition.
“We play bags or bocce ball, and we’ll go outside when it’s nice out,” Biggerstaff said. “In general, we just have a lot of fun.”
Brenda Flowers, Social Services Director at Paladin, Inc., had previously been with the organization Parents And Friends, Inc. for over 20 years before it had merged with Michiana Resources to form Paladin, Inc. over four years ago. In her now 25 years with the organization, she has seen clients like Biggerstaff prosper and grow into independent, confident people.
“When we begin our day, I always ask our clients, ‘What kind of day are we going to have? A GRRREAT one!’ Just like what Tony the Tiger used to say in those Frosted Flakes commercials,” Flowers said with a laugh. “Our day to day is different, but no matter what we have on the agenda today, no matter what our clients are learning in the classroom or learning during a fun, new activity, we’ve done something that is of value and important to someone.”
While Flowers’ connection to her clients and the chance to see them grow has inspired and motivated her over the past two decades, the simple fact that she loves her job and what she gets to do every day continues to push her.
“Not many people can sincerely say that they love their jobs, but I do,” Flowers said. “I get to work in a job that I love with people that I love, and I can sincerely say that I have grown as a person since starting in this field.”
Flowers went on to say that the clients continue to teach and impact staff every day. As clients work closely together with staff on vocational and employment services, daily living skills such as communication skills, socialization skills, and more, employees like Flowers are introduced to new perspectives and passions.
“We learn so much from our clients,” Flowers said. “They are forgiving and compassionate. They have a will to learn and grow and be active. It’s taught me and other staff members to adopt those characteristics in our everyday lives. I’ve had opportunities to learn new things, to grow in the work that I do.”
Direct Support Professional Sue Pizarek has also been with Paladin, Inc. for over 20 years. In her time, a lot has changed, but Paladin, Inc.'s mission has always stayed the same.
“We’ve gone from being a facility that was mainly work-oriented to now being more class-oriented,” Pizarek said. “I’ve seen both ends of it, how both the focus on work and learning has benefited our clients and staff.”
The shift to a class-oriented and learning environment was a big change for everyone. In implementing this change, Sue remarked how important it is to remember that the learning services Paladin, Inc. provides is meant to enrich clients’ lives.
“We’re not a school because our clients have already gone through their schooling,” Pizarek said. “What we do is enrich their lives with activities and experiences that will help them grow into well-rounded adults and citizens. It’s a continual education to better the skills they can use out in the workforce and in their everyday lives.”
From a client’s point of view, Biggerseass has seen the organization change and develop into the vital resource it is today for disabled people in the Region.
“It’s been a great experience,” Pizarek said. “It’s been a great place for me to grow and meet new people who have become important parts of my life.”
For more information about Paladin Inc., visit www.paladin.care.
