TradeWinds Services
TradeWinds Services is a Merrillville, Indiana-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing a full lifespan continuum of disability services (childcare, therapy, adult day programs, residential living, Deaf Services, community pantry) across Northwest Indiana, supplemented by an AbilityOne-affiliated sewing manufacturing and packaging operation that employs and trains program participants.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1967
- HeadquartersMerrillville, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What TradeWinds Services does
TradeWinds Services, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social services agency headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana, serving individuals with developmental, physical, and intellectual disabilities across Lake and Porter Counties in Northwest Indiana. Incorporated in 1967 with organizational roots extending to the 1940s Lake County Association for Crippled Children, the organization operates a comprehensive lifespan continuum of services including state-licensed inclusive childcare, speech and occupational therapy, summer camps, adult day programs (ADAPT, TVT, ABLE), employment services, residential living across 6 group homes and 35+ supported living units, Deaf Services, Participant Assistance and Care (PAC), and a community pantry serving 700+ individuals monthly. The agency is a designated provider for State of Indiana FSSA Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Bureau of Developmental and Disability Services (BDDS).
TradeWinds derives revenue from a hybrid of government contracts, commercial manufacturing, philanthropic giving, and program fees. Its business services arm operates a Sign Shop, Sewing Manufacturing (40+ year AbilityOne Program partnership producing 100,000+ garments annually for the U.S. Department of Defense, plus ISO Gowns and Coveralls), and Packaging & Assembly services that packaged nearly 1,000,000 units in the prior year. The manufacturing operations serve a dual mission: generating earned revenue while providing meaningful employment and vocational training for participants with disabilities. Notable pivots include the 2020 COVID-19 response producing 350,000+ PPE gowns for 49 hospitals across four states.
The organization operates 18 properties across Northwest Indiana following a 2014 relocation to a substantially larger Hobart/Merrillville facility that doubled service capacity. It is led by CEO Jon Gold (since 1999) and COO Troy Rose (appointed September 2024), with a long-tenured director team averaging 15+ years of tenure. The organization holds CARF accreditation through June 30, 2027, BBB accreditation, and 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, with significant philanthropic support from Pirates, Inc. (over $3.75 million since 1966), Legacy Foundation, United Way Northwest Indiana, and corporate sponsors.
TradeWinds Services firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- TradeWinds Services
- Legal name
- TradeWinds Services, Inc.
- Website
- https://tradewindsnwi.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1967
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- TradeWinds Services is a Merrillville, Indiana-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing a full lifespan continuum of disability services (childcare, therapy, adult day programs, residential living, Deaf Services, community pantry) across Northwest Indiana, supplemented by an AbilityOne-affiliated sewing manufacturing and packaging operation that employs and trains program participants.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
TradeWinds Services industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Disability and Human Services
- NAICS
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412)
- SIC
- Services-Management Services (8741)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Interagency Coordination & Case Management (VR, DD, Medicaid Waivers) (EDAKANAM)
Keywords
Where TradeWinds Services is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Merrillville
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices9 records
Markets served
TradeWinds Services business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Government Contracts & Vocational Rehabilitation Services: TradeWinds is an agency for the State of Indiana FSSA Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Bureau of Developmental and Disability Services (BDDS), receiving funding to provide services including employment services, residential living, day programs, and support services for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities.
- AbilityOne Manufacturing Program: TradeWinds operates as a participating organization in the AbilityOne Program, producing garments and PPE for the U.S. Department of Defense for over 40 years. In FY2025, over 100,000 garments were produced for the DOD and other local commercial companies, providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
- Packaging & Assembly Services: Outsourced packaging and assembly work generating revenue through custom assembly solutions, product fulfillment, labeling, and sorting services for commercial clients since the late 1970s.
- Sign Shop Products: TradeWinds Sign Shop provides custom sign design, production, vehicle graphics, and promotional products. A proud member of Allied Printing Trades Council #67, providing employment for people with disabilities.
- Donations & Philanthropy: TradeWinds relies on community support through donations, sponsorships, and grants from organizations including Legacy Foundation, Crown Point Community Foundation, and corporate sponsors to fund programs and services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | One time | American Sign Language Classes - $85 for 6-week course |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Donation-based support for programs |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels5 records
TradeWinds Services product offering
Product offeringCore offering
TradeWinds Services is a Northwest Indiana nonprofit delivering a lifespan continuum of disability and human services — inclusive childcare, occupational and speech therapy, summer camps, adult day programs (ADAPT, TVT, ABLE), employment services, residential group homes and supported living, deaf interpreting and case management, and a community food pantry. Its business-services division provides AbilityOne-affiliated garment and PPE manufacturing for the U.S. Department of Defense, custom signs and vehicle graphics, and outsourced packaging and assembly for commercial customers.
Product overview
TradeWinds Services is a nonprofit organization providing a comprehensive portfolio of disability services across Northwest Indiana. The organization operates multiple interconnected programs organized into four main service categories: Youth Services (Childcare, Occupational & Speech Therapy, Summer & Functional Skills Camps, Respite Care), Adult Services (ADAPT day program, Transitional Vocational Training TVT, ABLE, Employment Services, Residential Living with group homes and supported living apartments, Deaf Services, and Participant Assistance and Care PAC), Business Services (Sign Shop, Sewing Manufacturing, Packaging & Assembly, and the Chicago Lighthouse Low Vision Clinic partnership), and Community Services (TradeWinds Community Pantry). Additionally, the organization manufactures PPE products including ISO Gowns and Coveralls through its sewing manufacturing operation. These services work together to provide a continuum of care from infancy through adulthood, supporting individuals with developmental and physical disabilities to live independently and participate in their communities while providing vocational training and employment opportunities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ADAPT (Adult Day Activity Program & Training) Adult day program offering a wide range of activities, outings, and celebrations while providing opportunities for socialization in a safe, monitored, caring and supportive environment weekdays from 7 am-3:30 pm. Service is for adults with developmental and physical disabilities.
- Transitional Vocational Training (TVT) Rigorous, structured vocational training program with daily lesson plans and workplace outings to help consumers obtain real-life and workplace skills, including resume skills, mock interviews, job skills, and employability skills. Built for adults with disabilities preparing for community employment.
- ABLE (Activate Build Learn Explore) Structured, engaging day program for adults who benefit from social connection, routine, and curriculum designed for their ability, focusing on building independence, social connections, and personal growth through meaningful activities and community engagement.
- Employment Services Vocational rehabilitation services providing job placement and employment support for people with developmental and physical disabilities, including job coaching, on-site support, and training workshops for workplace readiness.
- Residential Living 24/7 residential living experience with 6 group homes in Crown Point, Hobart, Merrillville & St. John, plus supported living services with 35 duplexes & apartments in Crown Point, Griffith, Hobart, Lake Station, and Merrillville for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
- Deaf Services Communication access services for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals including interpreting services (available 24/7 on-call), case management, advocacy, ASL classes, and Deaf Sensitivity Training for the hearing community.
- Participant Assistance and Care (PAC) Services enabling individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities to remain successfully in their own homes, function in their communities, and avoid institutionalization through support in daily living activities.
- Childcare State licensed inclusive childcare for infants, toddlers, 2-year-olds, and preschoolers ages 3-5, welcoming children of all abilities with an emphasis on developmental, physical, and healthcare needs. Full-time nurse on staff; speech and occupational therapy available on site.
- Occupational & Speech Therapy Therapeutic services provided in local school classrooms for Pre-K through 12th grade, including state-licensed speech therapy for disorders of speech, voice, language and hearing, and occupational therapy for self-help, functional mobility, and sensory processing.
- Summer & Functional Skills Camps Day camps for children with varying abilities providing community adventures and learning experiences, including summer camp for ages 6-12 and functional skills camp for youth ages 13-17 with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities.
- TradeWinds Community Pantry Food pantry providing nutritious, high-quality food to individuals and families in Northwest Indiana facing food insecurity, serving Lake & Porter County residents with fresh, shelf-stable, and culturally relevant items through monthly distribution events.
- Sign Shop Custom sign design and production services including vehicle wraps, graphics, lettering, decals, banners, event signs, real estate signs, outdoor signs, and promotional merchandise. A proud member of Allied Printing Trades Council #67, producing training and job opportunities for people with disabilities.
- Sewing Manufacturing Manufacturing operation producing PPE gowns and masks plus garments for the U.S. Department of Defense under the AbilityOne Program (General Purpose coveralls in Tyvek and Polypropylene, Food Service Uniform Chef Coats, General Purpose Smocks, Coveralls with Hood & Booties, and Canvas bags), providing employment opportunities to people with significant disabilities.
- Packaging & Assembly Outsourced packaging and assembly services offering custom solutions including product fulfillment, labeling, sorting, assembly, packaging, and custom sanitary assembly of food trays for commercial companies.
- Chicago Lighthouse Low Vision Clinic Partnership-based clinic providing low vision examinations, recommendations for optical, technological, and auditory assistive devices, occupational therapy services, and community programs for people with vision loss at the TradeWinds facility.
- American Sign Language Classes Beginning ASL Class 1 offered at TradeWinds Deaf Services, costing $85 for a 6-week course (6:00-7:30 PM). Class size limited; refund available only within 24 hours prior notice to first class.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 700 individuals served monthly through Community Pantry alone
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use TradeWinds Services
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
TradeWinds Services technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
TradeWinds Services partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- The Chicago LighthousecorePartnership since June 2015 expanding world-class care services to Northwest Indiana. The Chicago Lighthouse is a world-renowned social service organization serving the blind, visually impaired, disabled and Veteran communities since 1906. They provide low vision examinations, optical/technological/auditory assistive devices, occupational therapy services, and community programs for people with vision loss at TradeWinds facility. Chicago Lighthouse is accredited by NAC for Blind and Low Vision Services for 30 years and is a United Way Agency.
- Strack & Van Til Food MarketsmajorLocal grocery chain conducting Round-Up for TradeWinds Services fundraising campaign. Raised $26,015 from May 20 - June 2, 2024 to support TradeWinds programs including childcare, summer camps, ADAPT, vocational training, employment services, respite, and Deaf Services.
- U.S. Department of Defensecore40+ year manufacturing partnership under AbilityOne Program producing garments for military including General Purpose coveralls (Tyvek and Polypropylene), Food Service Uniform Chef Coats, General Purpose Smocks, Coveralls with Hood & Booties, and Canvas bags. In FY2025, over 100,000 garments produced. Also received Food Service contracts.
- AbilityOne ProgramcoreFederal employment program creating jobs for people with disabilities. TradeWinds participates as a qualified nonprofit employing people with significant disabilities to provide government contracting services. Sign Shop and Sewing Manufacturing participate in program.
- SourceAmericamajorNational nonprofit agency that creates job opportunities for people with disabilities through federal contracting. TradeWinds participates in their ecosystem of nonprofits providing employment for people with disabilities.
- Gary SouthShore RailCatsminorIn 2019, TradeWinds and Gary SouthShore RailCats partnered to provide a Sensory Room at U.S. Steel Stadium available for those in need of a quiet place. TradeWinds pirate ship 'Winning Spirit' participates in community parades.
- Food Bank of Northwest IndianamajorTradeWinds Community Pantry is a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner, receiving food and resources to serve Lake & Porter County residents facing food insecurity.
- National Association of Rehabilitation ProfessionalsminorListed as a partner/certification holder. INARF (Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities) supports TradeWinds as a member organization serving people with disabilities.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
TradeWinds Services competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- The Chicago Lighthouse: Multi-service Chicago-area nonprofit serving people who are blind, visually impaired, disabled, and veterans since 1906. Operates a similar portfolio of rehabilitation, employment, manufacturing, and low vision services and is already a TradeWinds service partner via the Low Vision Clinic, making it the most directly comparable peer.
- Bona Vista Programs: Indiana-based nonprofit providing residential, vocational, day, and early childhood services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Comparable service mix and Indiana footprint make it a strong regional direct peer.
- New Hope of Indiana: Indianapolis-area nonprofit offering residential, day, employment, and behavioral services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Highly comparable service portfolio within the same state regulatory environment.
- Sycamore Rehabilitation Center: Indiana nonprofit providing residential, vocational, and adult day services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Operates with similar VR/BDDS reimbursement profile and comparable participant population.
- Opportunity Enterprises: Northwest Indiana nonprofit serving people with disabilities through residential, vocational, and community-based programs in Porter and LaPorte Counties. Geographic overlap with TradeWinds makes it the closest local competitor for state contracts and donor dollars.
Broad incumbents
- Easterseals: National disability services network with local affiliates providing vocational rehabilitation, employment, and community living services. Much broader scope and brand but overlapping service categories in Indiana.
- United Cerebral Palsy: National disability advocacy and services organization with state affiliates providing residential, vocational, and day programs. Operates at greater scale across more states than TradeWinds but in the same industry.
- Goodwill Industries International: National nonprofit operating workforce development, vocational training, and contract manufacturing services — including AbilityOne participation. Overlaps with TradeWinds on the employment services and manufacturing revenue lines but serves many broader populations.
Others
- SourceAmerica: National AbilityOne-designated nonprofit agency that creates employment opportunities for people with disabilities through federal contracting. Functions as both an ecosystem partner (TradeWinds is a participant) and an industry umbrella organization rather than a direct service competitor.
- The Arc of Indiana: State chapter of The Arc, focused on advocacy and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Indirect peer given its overlap in participant population and Indiana VR/BDDS funding ecosystem, though it does not operate residential or manufacturing services.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
TradeWinds Services social profiles
Digital presenceTradeWinds Services financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
TradeWinds Services leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
TradeWinds Services subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
TradeWinds Services funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
TradeWinds Services M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about TradeWinds Services
What does TradeWinds Services do?
TradeWinds Services is a Northwest Indiana nonprofit delivering a lifespan continuum of disability and human services — inclusive childcare, occupational and speech therapy, summer camps, adult day programs (ADAPT, TVT, ABLE), employment services, residential group homes and supported living, deaf interpreting and case management, and a community food pantry. Its business-services division provides AbilityOne-affiliated garment and PPE manufacturing for the U.S. Department of Defense, custom signs and vehicle graphics, and outsourced packaging and assembly for commercial customers.
Is TradeWinds Services a public or private company?
TradeWinds Services is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was TradeWinds Services founded?
TradeWinds Services was founded in 1967. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is TradeWinds Services based?
TradeWinds Services is headquartered in Merrillville, United States, in the North America region.
How does TradeWinds Services make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Government Contracts & Vocational Rehabilitation Services are the primary driver. The others are abilityOne Manufacturing Program, packaging & Assembly Services, sign Shop Products and donations & Philanthropy.
Who are TradeWinds Services's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are The Chicago Lighthouse, Bona Vista Programs, New Hope of Indiana, Sycamore Rehabilitation Center and Opportunity Enterprises. Broad incumbents are Easterseals, United Cerebral Palsy and Goodwill Industries International. Others are SourceAmerica and The Arc of Indiana.
Does TradeWinds Services have an API?
No public API is recorded for TradeWinds Services.
What industry is TradeWinds Services in?
TradeWinds Services's product category is Disability and Human Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAKANAM, Interagency Coordination & Case Management (VR, DD, Medicaid Waivers). Its NAICS code is 6243 and its SIC code is 8741.