About Us

A Message from the Executive Director, Gary Olund

Why are we here?

As individuals it is important that we occasionally reflect upon our daily lives and ask ourselves this question. It doesn’t necessarily require a deep philosophical analysis. In practical terms it is simply checking ourselves to ensure that we are grounded in a commitment to sound values and in giving to others.

As an organization, Northwest Indiana Community Action (NWICA) asked itself this very question during 2007. We felt it important to examine why we are here, in other terms, take a look at our Mission. As the Area Agency on Aging and Community Action Agency, it is important that we not just focus on what we are doing to help others, but also that we regularly examine why we do it and if it is what we should be doing.

As the result of a strategic planning process involving Board Members, Senior Management and Staff, Client groups, Vendors, Partners and other Stakeholders we formulated a new Mission and Vision for the organization. A great deal of input, thoughtful discussion and many draft versions resulted in a very lofty vision statement and a mission that both reinforces the actual direct services we provide and supports an increased focus on linking people to the help they need.

Our Vision or Ultimate Goal is that we are successful in “Transforming individual lives, families and communities leading to the improved health and well-being of Northwest Indiana.”

Our Mission or Purpose for being here is that “NWICA is the bridge between essential services and a diverse population to provide hope, independence, safety and a better quality of life”.

Each statement contains words that were carefully selected as guiding our thoughts and actions. Transforming individuals’ lives leads to stronger families, ultimately improves communities resulting in all of Northwest Indiana benefiting. By valuing diversity and being the bridge to vital services we raise people’s hopes and provide a greater degree of independence and improve the quality of life for all.

The evidence of whether we are indeed enhancing people’s well being and providing both critical services and answers to people’s problems is depicted in what follows in our Annual Report. We are proud of what we have accomplished for so many. We are also humbled by the fact that we will never completely reach our Vision or fulfill our Mission for everyone who needs us to. But as long as we continue to give all we can to help others every day, we can feel good about our answer to why we are here.