We build a lot more than affordable housing!
The history of Project Neighbors follows a long list of needs discovered and opportunities taken. Our broadly written mission, To strengthen the Valparaiso community by addressing issues of race, class and poverty, we strive to create healthy families and neighborhoods, where diversity of all kinds is welcomed and cherished, has allowed Project Neighbors to engage in a wide rage of actions: housing, healthcare, daycare, public discourse, education, economic development and human relations.
Housing For All
The historical centerpiece of our efforts for more than 50 years.
Achieving Equity
Working to educate ourselves and our neighbors to transcend our cultural heritage of bias.
Education
Providing alternative pathways in high school and adult education.
Public Discourse
Broadcasting community radio and providing a forum for all.
Healthcare
Delivering healthcare to the uninsured and under-insured in our community.
Early Childhood Education
Recognized as the leader in education-oriented day care.
Beyond Our Borders
Expanding our volunteer-driven model of service across the globe.
Community Organizing
Offering leadership to create power among the powerless.
Learn more about the non-profit organizations we helped create
and the comunity partners with which we work.
Meet our Amazing Team!
Paul Schreiner
Executive Director
Father of four, writer, musician, tradesman, co-founder of Front Porch Music and former high school teacher.
Greg Jones
Community Organizer
Professor of Theology at Valparaiso University, founder of Union Community Church, host of Morning BLACK on WVLP, and officer of the Northwest Indiana African American Alliance.
Kate Gong
Administrator
Mother of two boys, breast cancer survivor, VU law school graduate, 17 years of experience working in Porter County non-profit organizations.
Liz Wuerffel
Board Member
Liz Wuerffel is the director of communications at Capital Region ESD 113 in Washington State. Liz is a former associate professor of communication and visual arts at Valparaiso University and the founder of the Welcome Project.
Loie Reiner
Co-Founder & Board Member
Resident of Valparaiso for more than 70 years; co-founder of Project Neighbors and its first iteration in 1969; community connector; honorary doctorate from and faculty member of Valparaiso University; former advocate for prisoners and their families.
Tina Allen-Abulhassan
Board Member
Mother of three; Ivy Tech supplemental instructor; online English as a Second Language instructor; Northwest Indiana African American Alliance officer; Master’s Degree – Valparaiso University.
Pat Terrell
Board Vice President
Retired national health care consultant and former Deputy Chief of Cook County Health and Hospitals (Chicago); Board member of HealthLinc; participant in Project Neighbors since 1969; doting grandmother.
Ken Luther
Board Secretary
Ken Luther is a professor emeritus (mathematics) at Valparaiso University, host of Mostly Metal on WVLP, and all around swell guy..
Jan Jones
Board Member
Porter County resident since 2003; married with two grown children and three grandchildren; animal lover with two dogs and a cat; marginally successful (but determined) vegetable gardener; aspiring whole grain sourdough baker; working toward reducing carbon footprint.
Rebecca Reiner
Board Member
Believer in transformative power of education; founder and Executive Director of Neighbors’ Educational Opportunities (NEO); member of Urban League of NWI and Portage Rotary; grateful part of a remarkable family, including two incredible daughters.
Richard Sévère
Board President
Professor of English and Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Valparaiso University. Richard serves as a board member and Secretary of the Family Valparaiso YMCA in addition to serving on the board of Neighbors Educational Opportunities (NEO).
Larry Baas
Board Member
Married to Ann Baas; two adult children and three grandchildren; director of the Community Research and Services Center and Senior Research Professor at Valparaiso University; co-host of “Conversations” and “ABC (Agenda for a Better Community) at Noon” on WVLP.
George Terrell
Board Member
Past president of Project Neighbors; co-founder of Caminos de Agua; board member of Northwest Indiana African American Alliance and Asset Based Community Development Institute; co-founder of Allies Against Racism.
Matthew Puffer
Board Member
Father of three, Professor of Humanities and Ethics at Valparaiso University; former engineer, Young Life staff, and high school teacher.
Ed Senne
Board Member
Father of two; Associate Professor of Theology at VU for 33 years; founding Executive Director of Hilltop Neighborhood House and Hilltop Health Center (now HealthLinc) from 1995-1998.
Marge Leoschke
Board Member
Retired, former adjunct assistant professor of home economics at Valparaiso University; former Director of evening classes at Portage Adult Education; art museum docent; founding member of VBA (precursor to Project Neighbors).
Willow Walsh
Board Member
Graphic Designer; co-host of Welcome Project Radio; former mayor-appointed Human Relations Council member; affordable housing enthusiast; oral history lover and avid crafter.
Rukaiyat Lawal
Board Treasurer
Jamal Watkins
Board Member
Former Associates
Ivan Bodensteiner
former Board President
Attorney (primarily civil rights), former law school professor & dean, co-author of four-volume civil rights treatise, husband & father.
Byron Martin
former Board Member
Assistant Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Carnegie Mellon University; Associate with the Consortium for Inclusion & Equity and consults with universities, faith institutions, and organizations nationally and internationally in diversity, equity, & inclusion.
Conrad Angon
former Board Member
Bethel University graduate; social worker; Latino, Valparaiso resident since 2009; music fanatic; avid movie watcher and pop culture enthusiast.
Jeff Lewis
former Board Member
Former board president; Vice President of Shive-Hattery; active in community service and local government; father of three; Ball State University – Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Environmental Design.
Homes Built/Renovated
Children in daycare
Patients cared for
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I qualify for affordable housing?
If you think you can qualify, you probably can. But realize that we are a very small organization building a couple living units per year and families rarely move out, so availability is very limited. When available we offer two and three bedroom houses for families and small studio apartments for single women. We are working on a project for single men, but it is still on the drawing board. To confirm you qualify, simply contact Project Neighbors and fill out a housing application
How can I help Project Neighbors?
There are several ways. Establish contact with us to receive our frequent email “updates” and less frequent newsletter. Become educated on the issues facing marginalized people in our community and raise your voice when given the opportunity. Volunteer on a building project! No one is turned away on work days even if you think you have no skills. Finally, send a contribution to sustain our 50-year-long, everyday efforts
Can my church or organization partner with Project Neighbors?
Absolutely! We do very little without partners; in fact, we believe in the idea of organizational partnerships because it is smart. You, representing your church or business or club, already are organized and have a collection of individuals who might want to help. In the past we have worked with lots of churches, insurance companies, other not-for-profits, construction companies and even a book club.