United Way of St. Joseph County brings new Neighbor Center to Mishawaka

MISHWAKA, Ind. -- A big investment is coming to St. Joseph County, aimed at supporting seniors and strengthening community services. 

United Way and Humana are teaming up to transform a historic Mishawaka building into a new resource hub.

"We had several ideas about which buildings. And then this became available when they built the new city hall, and it just so happens to be in a very good spot, very close to Lincoln Way, and also very close to an area that would be identified as where folks could use a little extra resources. And so, this became a very opportune place to invest in to try to make more impact in Mishawaka," Interim CEO of United Way of St. Joseph County Mark Herriman said.

United way of St. Joseph County is launching a second “one roof” location inside the former Mishawaka City Hall, thanks to a $400,000 grant from Humana Healthy Horizons.

The space will include bilingual early childhood education run by El Campito, senior services from Real Services, parenting programs from Brain Train, and even WIC health support for moms and babies.

The center will also feature a public park and outdoor play area, with an open space inside reserved for future partners.

The total cost of the center is about $7 million, with much of it already funded.

Herriman says they’re still working to raise $1.5 million to finish building the early childhood wing and are hoping for more local businesses to step in to help.

Construction will resume once the final fundraising goal is met.

“What we're seeking is businesses who might want to get involved, or somebody who may want to have their name on the side of the building and feel that if they feel motivated to support this kind of an effort. We'd love to partner with them,” Herriman said.

Herriman says if any businesses are interested in donating, for them to reach out to United Way of St. Joseph County.