Paladin, a non-profit organization that hosts Head Start of LaPorte County and Early Childhood Programs at Imagination Station (Michigan City) and Bethany Church (LaPorte City), is thrilled to announce that our area’s children will be a little warmer this winter thanks to the Injury Attorney Kenneth J. Allen and Allen Law Group.

This generous donation was brought to fruition through Family Advocate, Nedra Jones’ conversation with her niece. She noticed that many students coming into the Head Start building don’t appear to be ready for the changing weather, a trend she saw last winter as well. Her niece Ashlee, knew the law firm and well-known philanthropist, Kenneth J. Allen. She suggested that her aunt reach out; to their delight, Mr. Allen contacted Head Start himself to say that he planned to help.

“Head Start is a federal program that supports children and families whose incomes are at or below the federal poverty guidelines, those households that receive TANF, SSI, SNAP and other social services, those in the foster care system and those experiencing homelessness,” said Natasha Kendle, Paladin’s Head Start Family Services Manager. Oftentimes this means that they do not have the discretionary income to purchase all the necessities for a harsh winter. Hand-me-downs and previous year’s coats may have holes and tears or not fit well enough to keep the cold out. “

No child should go hungry or cold, nor bear the shame of wearing old hand-me-downs or misfitting coats,” said Attorney Allen. “This is why for the past 30 years or more, we’ve donated thousands of winter coats and holiday meals to families in need living in the communities we serve. We also help needy families buy gifts for their kids at Christmastime.” “I believe God put me here to help others,” Allen said, “and that’s been a blessing in itself.”

About Kenneth J. Allen.Injury Attorney Allen is no stranger to helping community organizations in need of support. Allen Law Group has long supported the United Way, sponsoring the “Reading Buddies” program as well as the Boys & Girls Clubs’ “Kidstop” which provides before and after-school childcare for families in need. He also sponsors the Teachers of Excellence program, which selects and honors area teachers each month for his or her outstanding contribution to education and supports the IU School of Medicine which named Mr. Allen the recipient of the Fifth Annual Child Safety Advocate Award, along with the Indiana Safe Kids Coalition. Mr. Allen is also a lifetime member of the NAACP (Chairman’s Circle).

About Paladin, Inc. Paladin is a non-profit that serves as advocates for adults with disabilities, children, and seniors. Paladin serves as determined advocates and allies for people with disabilities, in fact we’ve been doing it for over fifty years! Paladin was created through a merger between Michiana Resources and Parents and Friends on July 1, 2017. Michiana Resources, founded in 1967 by Richard F. Surber, provided vocational opportunities. Parents and Friends, founded in 1976 by Joan Coleman and Jane Herrberg, provided direct support and residential services to intellectually disabled individuals in the community. Paladin also merged with Barker Enrichment Center (2018) and the Child Care Consortium (2019) to provide children’s services. Paladin assumed disabilities day programming in Lake County (2018) and today serves approximately 500 children, individuals with intellectual disabilities, and seniors in Northwest Indiana. To support Paladin’s efforts or for career opportunities, contact us at paladin@paladin.care, visit us online at imagination.care or paladin.care.