On October 15, local officials gathered to celebrate a monumental occasion, the groundbreaking of The Caring Place, Porter County’s only shelter for domestic violence victims. There was much excitement around this event, as it took over 18 months to raise enough money to move forward with the much-needed larger facility. Because they have outgrown their current space, they are looking forward to having a larger, updated space to accommodate more residents.

The Caring Place is a non-profit social service organization, serving the needs of domestic violence and sexual assault victims. The organization primarily serves victims in Lake, Porter and Starke counties in Northwest Indiana, but may include victims across the country. The Caring Place is privately funded through the community and local businesses.

Berglund Construction is building the new 8,432 sqft, single story building for The Caring Place. The building will be located in Valparaiso, Indiana and will serve as their new shelter. The new building will include 12 suites, five offices, a reception area, a full kitchen and dining room, a play area for children, common spaces and laundry facilities. The suites will have the capacity to house 37 residents seeking refuge from domestic violence.

The project is expected to be completed by May 2019.